Informal visits/enquiries - NHS jobs

[Overseasnurse]

Query: I’m an overseas nurse and have 20 years of experience as a nurse manager and on the wards. I’ve not worked in the UK before and see posts say “informal visits encouraged,” or give contact details for persons involved in hiring (manager, lead nurse, etc).

I’m applying to band 7 and 8 positions, is it expected that I should arrange a visit? Is this prior to application or after I’ve been offered an interview? What might be expected at this visit or telephone call? Any other advise for job seeking at this level? I’ve heard I may be required to do a presentation or complete a written assessment?

TIA

I’ve just returned to Nursing, so not sure about your band level but I’ve always made informal contact prior to applying. It gives you a good idea of the area you’re going to be working in so you can be certain you’ll be happy there, but also gives a good topic of conversation in interviews.

Good luck!

Yes, definitely do try to arrange an informal visit. I've always tried to go before I have submitted my application. It's a chance to see the clinical working environment & chat to the manager in a less formal situation than the visit.

A presentation or similar is fairly standard for B7/8 posts, make sure you are aware of any / all government standards for your area & how these affect staff & impact patient care.

I'm currently a B7 clinical specialist nurse

Currently a b7 also, applying for 8. The visit is basically so you can see what you're getting yourself in for You don't need to go. However, for a band 8 I think you should. Our Trust doesn't have presentations, it's 4 questions with scenarios. I'd far rather a presentation myself. Good luck.

Thank you and good luck with your applications!

It is quite unheard of in my home country to do any pre-interview visits. What sorts of chats would be had with a manager? Would I be expected to demonstrate clinical skills or observe on the wards? Meet other staff?

Is 4 questions with scenarios the whole of the interview?

I’m admittedly not as familiar with the govt standards here as I’d be back home-if I’m able to do a bit of research if offered an interview, but acknowledge my own shortcomings, is that acceptable? I’m of course qualified and able to learn, and with so many years of experience I thought I’d not apply to band 5-6 roles but perhaps that’s better so I can gain familiarity?

Thanks once more.

@Rosere, why would a B8 be encouraged for informal visit more than B7 or other level?

It's a more senior role, think of it as sussing each other out. You may pick up useful information that you can use in your application or interview. E.g. when you're being shown round someone might comment they have a particular problem with X issue. You may have experience of dealing with that issue but it wouldn't necessarily have occurred to you to mention it.

Remember although it's informal, you are thinking about applying for the job so you need to be sensible about how your demeanor etc.

What is your speciality? Someone maybe able to offer more specific advice

Band 8 is generally either clinical lead or is an ASM (assistant services manager). You would be expected to either be familiar with the setting if it's a clinical lead, or at least show an awareness /acknowledgement so that you can link your answers to the setting. Expect one service improvement question at any interview. I've had 2 8a interviews recently and one q was about QI. I've interviewed candidates for band 5s and 6s and again, service improvement was a q.

As @GrandmaSharksDentures says its specialty dependant really. And role dependant. A band 7 ward manager role is going to be different to a band 7 sister role. If it's the former you should have a walk about. If it's the latter, I think you might be OK without. My specialty is ED if it's any use to you?

@Rosere I'm ED / UCC too!!

I fully believe my informal visit played a massive part in gaining my current role. They saw me in an informal, chatty setting and I was able to pump them for information. They also got to get to know me a little as well. None of the other applicants made a visit.

Thank you all. I was formerly emergency and now cardiac. Happily I received a message today that I’ve been invited to interview for a Band 8 clinical nurse manger position- I suppose it’s too late now to book an informal visit? Any further guidance or suggestions for interview preparation and what I might expect? This will be my first interview in U.K. and despite having had a long career abroad, I haven’t any idea how things might be similar or different. Where I’m from we are interviewing each other at this level really , to see if it is a good fit for both-is that likely to be the same here?

@Rosere, have you had any success with your interviews?

Thank you all again!

I'm not sure about other Trusts. 4 questions, and very formal is how 8a is interviewed for in our Trust. Above 8b there's sometimes 2 days of assessment. I've not had any 8a success yet, but I'm doing an 8a job on band 7 money so hopefully I'll get there yet. Or get rebanded. Best of luck with the interview 👍👍

@GrandmaSharksDentures we should form an ED restructuring group 😂 @Overseasnurse you can join us. And use it as clinical supervision

@Rosere we could use it towards our revaluations!
Where about in the country are you?

Revalidation not revaluation

Thank you, good to already be growing a network!

@Rosere, what do you mean by formal? Interview panel or dress or ? Are you able to share more about what four questions would be like? QI and clinic al? I’ve been reading a bit about NHS management strategies, is that likely to come into play? Apologies for so many questions, I’m just happy to have this interview and not at all sure what to expect as first in this country. Is it too late now to book informal visit?

The best way to work out the type of questions you may be asked is to look at the person specification which is attached to the job description. If your expected to manage staff then you will likely get a question around management or a scenario type question based on a staffing challenge. It sounds like it’s a clinical type role so more likely be around your experience and skills. Good luck and don’t worry about informal visits , hardly anyone does them but a phone call isn’t a bad idea. I use those to ask questions about the job and anything specific that needs to be done in the first 6mths. However as you have and interview now I wouldn’t get worried about that and keep those questions for your interview.

Thank you, aweedropofsancerre, thats very helpful!

Good Luck!

i think at the very least have a few questions and make a call, it makes you look keen and stand out to the appointing manager. we recently advertised a band 7 post and only one candidate rang to talk to manager about what the role entailed and the make up of the team, she definitely stood out.

@StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes, thank you, very helpful. As I’ve already been offered an interview is it too late to ring and speak about the position? I would imagine so but in my home country we don’t have this systems at all. Thank you.

Apologies. Been flat out. QI and examples of you've been pivotal to change in your dept. Managing budgets. Last one I had was 3 things you'd change in your first 90 days. Can't think of the others off hand, will have to think. As @aweedropofsancerre says they're based on the JD. Be very familiar with the essential criteria. There's always a situation question, so difficult staff, or change management, or conflict are faves.
Ours are formal. A suit or at the least shirt and trousers or a dress are expected at band 8. We get 4 panel members and usually 4 questions.

Still ring and ask for a walkabout. It's good to visualise where you're dealing with sometimes.