Do I even have a hope of getting this job and how do I prepare (NHS)

[Tractorroot]

Posting for traffic.
I'm a band 7 specialist practitioner and have been offered an interview for a band 8b role so skipping band 8a entirely. I really want the job and do meet the essential criteria but I was never expecting them to actually offer me an interview but thought it would be good experience to submit an application. But here we are.
I don't know anyone who successfully applied for a job 2 bands above where they are currently. How can I prepare for this interview and do I actually even have a chance of getting this job? I'm worried they're going to work out they were never suppose to offer me the interview, let alone actually consider me for the job.

Yes, a colleague of mine did this and got the job, she also just applied for tje experience. Good luck!

I did and I got the job! I think you might find that due to the career structure there aren’t many people ready to step into these posts so go for it. It’s a steep learning curve but worth it.

Ok, here's a visualization technique that's guaranteed to work.

Sit with your knees far apart, arms outstretched and remember an idea that someone else came up with. Now, in a loud and patronising voice, explain that idea slowly, with condescending laughter at the end.

Congratulations, you have channelled your inner man and will definitely get the promotion even ( and especially) if you don't quite deserve it.

I've no practical advice, but good luck 🤞🏻

My band 7 was in the (interminably long) process of being rebanded when I got offered my 8b job. I'd only applied for the 8b to apply pressure on the rebanding! They paid my 3 months' notice at 8a .

You absolutely have a chance of getting the job.

Lots of people skip a band, don't let that put you off, you meet the criteria, you've been shortlisted, you're capable of the job,imagine what you would say to a friend in the same situation and say the same things to yourself. Good luck 🤞

This happened to me! I only applied for the interview experience and was so surprised when I was offered it. I couldn't accept due to other factors but yes, you can definitely do it! Study the person spec and prepare answers on questions that might come up. For more senior posts some recruiting managers expect candidates to make informal contact in advance of interview - could you do that?

Boss it! They would not have asked you to interview! All the best
100% correct - people can be promoted missing bands out

You definitely have a chance, they wouldn’t have offered you the interview if not. They sometimes do it on a preceptorship basis, but either way just do your best to answer the questions and think about transferable skills. Imagine there would be a lot about line managing colleagues, team dynamics, supervision etc. Depends on the role!

And second PP about contacting in advance to discuss the role.

7 to 8b is pretty normal. Good luck!

An old boss of mine went from a band 4 to a band 7.

We still aren’t sure how they managed it.

I’m not NHS but one of the things I do when preparing for interview is to imagine you already have the job, then consider how somebody in that job would act, then answer the questions as they would. I basically role play in interviews and it’s almost always successful.

Im only band 2, i wont progress ever due to the fact i have zero skills. I applied for the job 3 times before they gave me the interview. You have skills though and you must be known to them to even offer you an interview. You prepare for it like any other job, you go in and absolute smash it.

Remember when u got your band 7 post you probably didn’t even think twice about the fact that you wouldn’t be working at teh top level of band 7 and knew that you would develop into the role. The same applies to a higher grade now. These posts are fairly new still and you will develop within the post. The interviewers will expect this.

A visit if possible is usually a good idea if you don’t work in the same place.

I worked with someone who went from a band 5 to a band 7 CNS which was pretty unusual. She was only in her mid 20's too. She was excellent at her job.

I think it's unlikely they've made a mistake. Scheduling enough time at convenient time for everyone on the interview panel is not easy so I doubt they are interviewing you to make up the numbers. Your chances are as good as anyone elses. Also bear in mind that if it's a specialist role at band 8b there are not going to be hordes of suitably qualified people.

I'd always recommend arranging a pre interview visit. You can ask lots of questions which might give you useful information for the interview.

Good luck.

Well done for getting an interview 👏🏻👏🏻. You absolutely have a chance. Remember it is about competencies - I’ve known people much younger and much less experienced than other applicants because they were able to evidence their competencies. I think the fact you really want the job is a huge bonus; it’ll shine through. Have a really good thing about why you want it so much and if you explain those reasons, plus all the other advice given above, you are in for a chance. I’m also a big fan of faking confidence - not arrogance, but just picturing yourself walking in there, head held high, friendly, competent,... please keep us posted!

Thank you everyone. Excellent advice and really good to hear. I will give the recruiting manager a ring today for an informal chat.

Congratulations on the interview. I think the trick is to have a hand of really good examples to hand for “tell me about a time when” consider service improvements, challenging behaviour, challenging situations, recognising an opportunity, financial planing. When you give your response do not make it generic always talk about it from your own experience. Also google STAR method