nhs admin job interview, any tips?

[OhWhatAPalaver]

I've wanted to work in the nhs for ages and finally got an interview this afternoon! Does anyone have any tips or pointers? As this is my first nhs interview I'm not sure what to expect other than a typing test! Thanks folks :)

[renaldo]

My trust are really into their values and behaviours. Comb their website.

[Hawkmoth]

Confidentiality, data security and responsibility for patient safety being top down.

[Madamecastafiore]

Realise that you will be stepping back about 20 years in terms of facilities and attitudes.

[Firsttimemummy33]

Confidentiality is a big issue and data protection as hawk moth said. Coming across as enthusiastic and flexible (whether you are or not)is always good.
Good luck :)

[Yonihadtoask]

As above.

There are usually quite 'set' questions - I can't remember exactly now, as it's been a few years. Iworked for NHS and LA. Same kind of stuff.

but yes, make sure you read up on the Trust's policies.
Data protection, Confidentiality.
Team working, flexibility with regard to hours, holidays? (even if it isn't actually true!)
Oh and anything you are rusty on or haven't actually done before stress how keen you are to learn new skills.


Good luck.

[OhWhatAPalaver]

Thanks for the advice, just need to try and not be nervous now, really want this job!

[Yonihadtoask]

You are bound to be nervous - the interviewers will expect it.

At the end they may ask if you have any questions. Best to go in prepared for that one. Think of something related to progression, learning opportunities etc?

You could take notes in with you, in case of nervous memory fail.

[SamuelAndOscarsMummy]

I've just got a job working as admin for the NHS, mine is with the community nurses based in a doctors surgery, what is yours?

They asked questions about my previous work experience, try and draw on anything relevant like other admin experience or work with confidential data/patient information such as care work.

They also asked about confidentiality, data protection, equality and diversity as well as what I would do if a patient rang up and was angry/upset, what my strengths and weaknesses are as a team member, can't remember much more I was so nervous!

Good luck, let us all know how you do! :)

[OhWhatAPalaver]

I have notes :) the website says the main values are quality and safety, communication and service. Think I have some good examples if these so fingers crossed!

[Tiredemma]

Look up Information Governance.

[OhWhatAPalaver]

Thanks for the info SamuelandOscarsMummy this position is v similar, clinic admin in doctors surgeries, they have a few vacancies in various surgeries so maybe it is a new role they've come up with.

It sounds like its mostly standard interview questions, i'm not very good at selling myself though and i always end up saying 'we' instead of 'i'! really going to try and sort that this time!

[Hawkmoth]

How did it go?

[OhWhatAPalaver]

Ok I think :) can only wait and hope now! Think I said all the right things anyway, lots of stuff about data protection and patient confidentiality!

[SamuelAndOscarsMummy]

Yes I think it is, they said they were placing four of the same role around the city where I live, it looks like such an interesting job though doesn't it?! so many different responsibilities! I've only ever worked in the NHS so completely in my comfort zone yet I was still terrified the day of the interview lol!

Really hope you get it! Keep us updated!

[LeonardWentToTheOffice]

I had to do a prioritisation task - list of tasks - order and why.

Get there early - I arrived late to mine due to diversion due to car crash and a weak bladder. They said they were fine about it but my whole experience was rather hot sweaty and flappy!!

The bits I remember from the priorisation task were:
phone's ringing
fire alarm's going off
person in reception
doctor needing notes
someone needing old files

sorry can't remember any more - maybe another nhs type may be able to add to it!

NB my apostrophes do indicate contractions not badly used for plural

[LeonardWentToTheOffice]

Ooh sorry - I see you had it! Well done - let us know.

[OhWhatAPalaver]

don't know what happened there.... Still waiting on the all important phone call though, every time the phone rings my heart skips a beat!!

[OhWhatAPalaver]

Yeah they gave me a prioritisation question too Leonard i think i answered it well as one of the interviewers said 'that's good, very good'! People rarely say those things in interviews so i'm really hopeful. Still waiting on the all important phone call though, every time the phone rings my heart skips a beat!!

[LeonardWentToTheOffice]

still keeping my fingers crossed for you :)

[LeonardWentToTheOffice]

While you wait I thought you might like to hear about my great saga of my NHS interview.

Lots of positives to take away from what could have seemed a negative experience

Link here

[OhWhatAPalaver]

Wow that is a saga! Well I forgot to ask them when they will let people know so I hope that doesn't go against me :/ I was going to ask but we got sidetracked at the end talking about the weather or something! If I don't hear by weds then maybe I will call...

[OhWhatAPalaver]

I got the job!! So happy! :D thank you everyone for your tips and advice, it really paid off!

[BellaI]

Well done and good luck.

[taibahq]

hiya cou;d i ask wat qs u wer asked last year n hw u did da typing test plzzz really need to knw

[preegemini]

hello to OhWhatAPalaver and any one that can help

I have an administrator interview for NHS please help as I have been out of job for long time. Its said that i will be doing a test of customer ervice and nhs target. Please help me with the tasks and questions

thank you very much