Unclear essential requirements on NHS job advert for lab work

[JobHunting36]

I've seen an advert for a pathology support worker role. The NHS jobs website only lists good GCSEs as essential. The job description PDF says that an NVQ level 2 or IBMS certificate is essential. The PDF also has 'lab experience' under 'desirable', which makes me think that the qualifications might not be essential because anybody with either of those qualifications will have some experience.

Does anybody know which is most likely to be correct out of the website and the PDF? Or any suggestion on how I can phrase asking them without sounding like I either can't read or am picking holes in their recruitment process? 😁

No harm in applying. The NHS recruitment process is awful and full of holes to pick at! I would contact them to explain how interested you are and that you hope you are a doable candidate willing to work toward specific qualifications

I would apply anyway and just highlight transferable skills from your other jobs. If they like you as an applicant they’ll happily put you through your Level 2 NVQ if it is necessary.

I'd say the job spec will be correct as you need to demonstrate you meet the essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. If you can demonstrate you have skills in the desirable column then that is a bonus.

On saying that it doesn't hurt to apply regardless

I would go with the PDF it sounds most likely for the job.

I would just e-mail say the advert and job spec are disceptant and you want to check you are qualified ro apply.

Men don’t think like this! Seriously apply. Nothing to lose

Request an informal visit. You will stand out.

I agree- ask for an informal visit and you can ask questions there, get a feel for the place and see how things go. No harm is asking and applying too.

Yup, always ask to visit. Personally I'd stick an application in and see how it goes down.

I'm always reluctant to put in dodgy job applications because I think if something more suitable comes up later, I might be remembered for/judged by the previous application.

I'd love to have a look around but won't they think I'm a total timewaster for asking for a tour if they do only want qualified people?

What AFC band is it? If it's 3, 4 or 5 that's entry level so the experience and qualification levels are lower than if its 6+ which is where they're likely to be expecting someone experienced and with specific qualifications.

There should be someone to contact regarding the job - ring them and ask. Honestly!

I am currently in an NHS job for which I do not meet all the essential criteria. I have just put in an application for a higher banded job for which I don't have the essential criteria either and got an interview. So I definitely wouldn't assume you shouldn't apply!

5 isn't entry level surely? Graduate nurses, physios etc start on 5. Band 6 is where clinical scientist trainees start and they require a degree plus relevant lab and other skills. I'd imagine if they only want L2 quals it'll be a band 2 or 3.

Regardless - apply! Whoever said a bloke wouldn't question themselves is right! You have nothing to lose.

It's only band 2. Definitely entry level, I'm not qualified to do anything that isn't, but lots of those roles still ask for qualifications.

Apply! Anything you haven't got just say you're keen to undertake further training to gain the required qualification/accreditation.

Apply. I work in the NHS and we're struggling to recruit at the moment. You never know unless you try. Band 2 is entry level.

The PDF will be the job spec and the quals to go on but seriously it's worth a go anyway. It might turn out that you have what they're looking for in comparison to other applicants.

Remember the NHS uses a computer program to shortlist, so ensure every requirement on the job description is in your application. If they state they need a team player, say you are a team player. If they want someone willing to learn, state you are willing to learn. Use Microsoft, I can use Microsoft etc. It's a points exercise to get through to interview.

Another lab job gone up that also interests me. This one says 'previous experience is preferable but not essential' and then literally a paragraph later says that they're looking for an 'experienced individual... with proven experience in all areas of...'

I've applied for the first job but I feel like I'm really stupid and must be missing something somewhere. The job requirements just don't make sense at all.

Remember the NHS uses a computer program to shortlist, so ensure every requirement on the job description is in your application. If they state they need a team player, say you are a team player. If they want someone willing to learn, state you are willing to learn. Use Microsoft, I can use Microsoft etc. It's a points exercise to get through to interview.

Does that mean people could potentially end up with an interview for something they're never going to be hired for? Like if you address 99% of the requirements but haven't got a qualification they're looking for?

I've found that NHS lab jobs are really confusing to understand the requirements too. I applied for a band 4 lab position with a degree and master's, and all my colleagues had degrees and most had master's. However, the advert only asked for science a-levels. I would say to just apply, you have nothing to lose and can likely recycle parts of your application/personal statement for future job applications.

I applied for a few roles and haven't heard anything back from any of them so I guess it's a non-starter. Whatever they're looking for, I haven't got it.

They've put up several more adverts since, several different labs, all with the same 'no experienced required, we'll fully train you, but you need this qualification that has practical elements' requirement.

If every entry level job requires previous lab experience, I guess you need a degree to get into it? Can't think of any other way you'd get around the need lab experience to get a lab job/need a lab job to get lab experience conundrum.

There should be an email/contact for the person about the job - just get in touch and ask if you’d be suitable and for more info. It’s good to look keen. NHS but not laboratory - happy to receive emails like this.

Also - putting job descriptions and person specs together is a bit of a ball ache whilst running a busy department and usually involves a bit of copy and pasting which may be where the confusion has come from. Just ask!