NHS JOB - Trac

[Deeheavenly]

This is a cry for help! I never seem to get shortlisted from trac for nhs admin job. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Before submission, I always am optimistic with my application and supporting statement, but then comes the unfortunate email that I was not shortlisted.

One thing I am aware of is that for every new application i write, I always discover a mistake that I made in my previous application.

Can someone check over your application for you before you submit it?

I’m guessing from your post here that English isn’t your first language. Getting it checked over by someone that does may make a difference.

I write my applications on a word document then transfer it on to trac. So I know the spelling etc are right.

Also are you reading the person spec as you write and make sure it matches? You have to meet the criteria to get an interview.

I work in the NHS and have done some non-clinical recruitment recently.

For one job we had 185 applications, for the other we had 296!

There were dozens of candidates who based on the applications could have done the job. Whittling down to interviewing only 6 for each role was very hard.

@ThatIsNotMyNameSoWhyAreYouCallingMeThat Thank you so much. I actually don't have anyone close to me who has been shortlisted through trac, that would help look at my application. But I recently just applied for an Admin role and made sure I went through my supporting statement over and over again. And it's upsetting because looking at the criteria (essential and desirable), I meet them all and the role is very similar to my current role as a INT Care Coordinator.

However, I am scared.

For any NHS job you need to write your supporting statement to match the person specification. Its done on a points basis so for example if the person specification says its essential that you’re punctual - you would get one mark for having in there that you’re punctual. To get the second mark you would need to show/explain how.

it’s not enough to just have that you meet it, you need to also show how you meet it.

@Banana34 very insightful response. This time, I included how I met the criteria, as my current role is very similar to the job I was applying for. I talked about my current role and project etc.

I really hope this time, it makes a difference.

@Jerabilis

Oh dear, that's not encouraging. Fingers crossed I guess!

As PPs have said, you need to go through all the essential criteria and be really explicit in your statement about how you meet each and every one. You also need to show how much of the desirable criteria too. If you don't do this, you won't get shortlisted. Trac is just the system it's uploaded on to. The shortlisting is done by humans!
If it's a really popular post then the lead recruiter may specify that the application be closed after X amount are received, as it's just not practical to read 200 applications.

As someone whose recruited before my advise would be go through the people spec and make sure you have something written for the essentials and desirables list. Also little things like make sure you put your qualifications. If it asks for GCSEs put them, don't just skip to degrees and a levels as it shows lack of attention to detail if you miss little things. Make sure all your dates add up on your previous jobs, no gaps. Spelling and punctuation is key.

It’s always worth asking for feedback.

@strawberry2017 Oh thank you. Is it okay if there are 2-3 months gaps between some of my employment? I relocated to the Uk so I have a 3 month gap.

@mysadoldarse

I understand now. Thank you so much.

@Deeheavenly gaps are fine but make sure you cover them so put you were relocating. X

@strawberry2017 Oh good, I did that in my recent application. Thanks again

I'm so excited. I got shortlisted to the interview stage. Thank you so much for your advice and kind words x.