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Original poster

So gutted

29 replies

Pickandmix41 · 02/08/2021 19:53

Put this in employment but didn't get any replies. I was successfully shortlisted and interviewed for a NHS admin role. Part of the essential criteria was GCSE English and Maths at C or above. I have English but not Maths which was correctly documented on my application. I do have a BTEC ND at Distinction level which is equivalent to 3 grade A A levels and is my highest qualification.

In the middle of pre employment checks now and they've asked to see my certificates which I have taken in today. I have since had a email asking me to confirm if I have Maths. I'm so upset this is probably now all going to be taken away from me. I can't understand why if it was so important why was I even shortlisted and interviewed when it was clear on my application i don't have it. I have 14 years experience in a similar role and it's just gutting that it's got this far to be taken away sad. Any advice anyone?

OP posts:
GrrRightBackAtYou · 02/08/2021 21:26

If it was essential criteria then I can only assume they thought that you had maths, or else you wouldn’t have applied. They presumably skimmed the qualifications bit and now have noticed that you don’t have maths.
Fingers crossed they accept your BTEC ND.
I sympathise, I don’t have maths but do have a business & finance BTEC ND & a Degree but sometimes employers get hung up on GCSE’s.
I hope it works out for you Flowers

Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 02/08/2021 21:54

Thanks @GrrRightBackAtYou. I had hoped my higher level qualification would be enough, 🤞 it is. I have replied so I'll see what HR say tomorrow, I do have the email of the person who interviewed me and she did say to let her know if any delays or any issues so I might drop her a email tomorrow aswell.

OP posts:
TowandaForever · 02/08/2021 22:15

Is the BTEC math related?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General education Jobs
Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 03/08/2021 06:02

Not really @TowandaForever but there was a module within it relates to finance which I got a Merit for. I'm going to email the woman that interviewed me today to let her know and see what she says. Ive got that nervous sick feeling that, just want time to hurry up then I know whats going on!

OP posts:
PheasantsNest · 03/08/2021 07:02

A C grade in GCSE Maths is required for the vast number of jobs now. Why did you apply if you knew it was a requirement?

DGFB · 03/08/2021 07:04

Poor you. I’d explain about the merit it finance and all your other experience and they could well overlook it. Am sure if they want you it could work.
If it doesn’t, then definitely get yourself GCSE maths at night school/online. Sounds like you’d walk it

Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 03/08/2021 07:22

@PheasantsNest because I had hoped my higher level qualification would be enough. Id have thought AAA a level would be more important than GCSE but I understand I don't have it and that's fine. What's annoying is that it's very clear on my application that I don't have it yet I was still shortlisted and successful at interview. If they were being so strict on the criteria my application should never have got to this stage.

Thanks @DGFB I have been meaning to do it for a few years but life just has a habit of getting in the way. I will definitely be doing so now!

OP posts:
PheasantsNest · 03/08/2021 07:37

@Pickandmix41 it doesn't work like that. A friend's DS has 3 Grade A - A Levels. He still hasn't managed to pass his GCSE Maths. He is having to do it at university alongside his degree. If they stipulate GCSE Maths Grade C or above you have to have it.

fussygalore118 · 03/08/2021 07:50

Don't worry to much yet, as appointing manager you have leway, this wouldn't bother me . I work in nhs and regularly interview!

Saidtoomuch · 03/08/2021 07:58

Gcse in maths when you have a higher qualification really shouldn't matter if it the higher qualification is relevant to to role. I followed the same education pattern as you @Pickandmix41, I failed maths miserably but sailed through a BTEC in business and finance. No one has every worried about my GCSE's since, before my own business I would just put 9 GCSEs on my CV as a one liner - no one needed to know that the grades ranged from C to E!!
If maths does prove to be a stumbling block for you and is affecting your progression then look at doing a retake.

Medievalist · 03/08/2021 08:02

As has already been explained, they would assume that only people who met the criteria had applied. And now are doing final checks and have spotted the omission.

You keep saying you thought the higher level qualification would compensate for the lack of maths gcse. But that only included a finance module so I'm not sure why you thought that would equate to gcse maths?

I don't think you can blame them for not noticing.

Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 03/08/2021 08:05

Thanks all, will just wait and see what today brings.

OP posts:
LIZS · 03/08/2021 08:08

Offer to take it or Functional Skills numeracy level 2

Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 03/08/2021 08:11

I have done @LIZS I replied last night saying I'm more than happy to take. Will see what they say today.

OP posts:
ineedaholidaynow · 03/08/2021 08:11

I have O-level maths and indeed have a Maths A-level. Put a Maths GCSE paper in front of me now, wouldn’t have a hope of passing it. Surely the experience in a similar role is more pertinent after a number of years in the role and years after taking exams.

DoItAfraid · 03/08/2021 08:15

Good luck OP Flowers

ineedaholidaynow · 03/08/2021 08:15

People apply for jobs where they don’t always fulfil all the criteria all the time, especially if they think their experience/qualifications in other fields may be relevant instead

JM10 · 03/08/2021 08:22

If it is actually essential then they should have checked. NHS have a bad habit of putting things as essential that are actually just desirable. I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't applied for jobs when I didn't have every essential requirement.
Good luck

Iwouldlikesomecake · 03/08/2021 08:32

The onus is on the recruiter to check people have the essential criteria not on the applicant to fulfil them before applying!
Hopefully you can demonstrate enough transferrable skill from other qualifications OP. I’m on my 3rd job that said I should have a Masters. I don’t have a Masters Grin

Original poster
Pickandmix41 · 03/08/2021 08:39

Thanks for the positive vibes people! I will update you later Flowers

OP posts:
Workyticket · 03/08/2021 08:44

I teach GCSE maths at a college

The majority of my students are women I their 30s and 40s applying for NHS or teaching jobs.

Good luck getting it overlooked but most seem to see it as essential, sorry 😞

30degreesandmeltinghere · 03/08/2021 08:48

Just wanted to say good luck... Sounds like a blip for them in an otherwise great employee!!

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 03/08/2021 08:50

It's well known that women don't apply for jobs unless they have 100% of the requirements listed, whereas men apply even if they only have 60% of what's required.

OP I'm sure you'll be fine. Speak to the hiring manager today. You have a higher relevant qualification plus years of experience - plus they've offered you the job! I'd be staggered if they withdrew the offer based on a maths GCSE.

Jellybeanlovehearts · 03/08/2021 09:03

A C grade in GCSE Maths is required for the vast number of jobs now. Why did you apply if you knew it was a requirement?

I have a D in maths and it hasn't stopped me from applying for jobs i wanted that asked for a C grade. I have got the jobs too.

Patapouf · 03/08/2021 11:43

Ah i understand why you are disappointed but essential means essential.

GCSE maths isn't about the qualification level, it's usually quite literally the mathematics skills that are assessed in a gcse course.

I've postgrad qualifications but I wouldn't assume that means that I could disregard essential criteria in a lower level qualification in an unrelated subject.

Would you consider studying a gcse maths online? There are lots of providers and despite what teenagers think it's not very time intensive Grin