Help! Anyone tried an interview coach for NHS roles?

[crumblebug]

Recently had an interview for an internal job I am qualified and ready for, but completely messed up the interview. Woops.

I tried to prepare well, but the questions weren't what I was expecting and to be honest I actually don't know what 'what skills can you bring to the role?' really means- is it behaviours? is it practical skills? so I answered with a whole load of nothing.

Anyway, feeling fairly embarrassed and have had feedback I need to work on my interview technique. I suffer from self doubt massively and have never been one to up-play my abilities and achievements, so 'selling' myself in an interview does not come naturally!

I was wondering if anyone in a clinical role in the NHS (the role I applied for was band 8) has any experience of using an interview coach, if they're good at their job but bloody useless at interviews?!

I'm like u. I think the key is to prep answers in advance. A lot are obvious. Think about what would a good answer be. And then try to make good into great. Use the JD and person spec for topic areas. Try to stick to STAR format for answers. Have a range of examples. Include evidence of ur values aligning to theirs. Do not be afraid to restate and expand on what is the job form. I once lost out to someone way less qualified and experienced because I assumed they had already noted what I had written in the personal statement. Know things about local nhs eg ics development, LTP, priorities, etc. Maybe get ur colleagues to do you a mock interview

In my nhs trust interviews are scored. So each answer can earn you more points depending on how many of the “right” answers you give. Most people I know who conduct interviews hate this system because even if someone is a bit rude they can score highly.
If it was internal can you ask the person who got the job for their tips? Also maybe worth looking at taking part in the recruitment process if it’s suitable for your role. By interviewing others or being on a panel you will learn loads about what they’re looking for on the day.

Hi Crumblebug

I have an interview coming up for an 8a role - please would you be willing to share the interview questions they asked you? Really starting to panic!

@Hungrybumble

Hi Crumblebug

I have an interview coming up for an 8a role - please would you be willing to share the interview questions they asked you? Really starting to panic!

Have you looked at YouTube videos for Band 8a interviews? I found them quite helpful for my Band 7 interview.

I just googled nhs band 7 interview questions and lots of stuff on YouTube came up. Good luck.

@CosmicComfort thank you - I have had a look and there are a few useful videos but felt some to be a little generic. Was hoping to get some examples of scenario based questions and/or curve ball questions that anyone has been asked in band 8a interviews.