To ask for your tips on acing an NHS interview?

[TheWorminLabyrinth]

Not really an AIBU I know! But, this is the busiest board!

Just been offered an interview a week today, for an admin job at the local hospital. The job title is just "administrative support" and is band 2. I would love the job!! The invite says there will be a written task and an 'in-tray' exercise, along with questions.

I would be very grateful to hear of experiences of those who currently work admin for the NHS, and any tips would be welcomed!

Thanks :-)

I’m in research in the NHS but work very closely with our admin team.

I would imagine they will want to know what experience you have with electronic databases, appointments systems etc. If you will be dealing with the public - what communication skills do you have (written, verbal, body language etc), examples of dealing with conflict/complaints etc., flexibility (say if you got moved to a different department), some knowledge of GDPR (data protection regs).

A tip I always give staff going for an interview - always ask questions when given the chance. Don’t just say “you’ve covered everything”. You can always ask something like “what’s the best thing about working here” or “what would my first 6 months in the role look like”.

Good luck!

Make sure you know what the Trust values are and which one is your favourite/an example to go with it

Nhs interviews are often values based….look at the trust values before …..make sure you have a basic knowledge of date protection / information governance.

Great, thanks very much everyone! I definitely touched on the trust values in my application so I will go over those again.

I always fluff interviews, despite being more than capable of doing the job!

Get clued up on safeguarding policies and procedures

I occasionally have to sit on recruitment panels for our trust.

As a previous poster said, ask questions at the end of the interview.

Trust values - mention the core ones when answering questions and give examples.

If asked about mistakes you have made, don't say you don't make any or don't know.
Give an example of a minor mistake you have made and the actions you had taken to rectify it.

The important thing is to show you can do the role and work well with the public and rest of the team.

Good luck!

Sorry in a rush but :
Trustp value - look on their website for what they are. You will most likely be given a scenario ie you are walking down a corridor and see a distressed member of the public and what would you do?
Data protection /patient confidentiality will most likely come up plus prioritising your work load is a popular one for admin... How do you ensure patient confidentiality? Questions are scored on points so don't be tempted to be too brief - ie I would answer the confidentiality question with 'I would only share information with those authorised to access it as part of their role, always ensure my computer is locked when away from it and If someone from another organisation called requesting information I would take their details and call them back after verification of their details and if I was still unsure would take advice from my supervisor. That answer would score the max three points...

Thank you scratchyfannyofcocklane, love that example, really useful thank you.

All I remember from my NHS interview 20 years ago was being asked what I thought “clinical governance” meant…I went completely blank. I’m still annoyed at myself. Didn’t get the job.

Good luck.. Review your application and the jd and think of an example for each potential question

Not me now frantically googling clinical governance