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help me! have got job interview, am petrified!

15 replies

me23 · 22/04/2006 13:06

Hi last week I applied for a Nhs job, today I learnt I've been shortlisted. I have an interview next week with a panel of 3 people. I havent had a 'proper' job before as I've been studying up until leaving uni to look after dd who is 10 months.
I'm fed up of being on benefits and wanted to start working, also to start my path on the career ladder so to speak.
There are two dilemmas really, 1 is I dont know what the interview will entail (I know there is a basic computer test) I don't know what to say how to act (I'm a very shy person)
2nd is I have to complete a medical questionnaire it asks if you are on medication. I'm on ad's for pnd and have seen a therapist for anxiety a few years back, I'm scared to put this down as I feel I wont get the job if I do.
so will it affect my chances? pnd is an illness I'm not mad! surely it's discrimation i the did refuse me the job on that basis isn't it?
I'd appreciate any input, part of me is feeling like I cant go to the interview because I'm so nervous Sad

OP posts:
KBear · 22/04/2006 13:46

Right firstly - spin this round. Imagine you interviewing THEM. You might not want this job yet, you want to hear all about it, pros and cons and exactly what it entails before you decide whether you WANT to work there.

Thinking like this will calm you down, stop you feeling desperate and give you the control back in an interview situation.

I don't think being on ads will affect your chances to be honest, lying will!!!

Good luck.

shellybelly · 22/04/2006 13:48

be honest and put it down, not sure if you need to say you've seen a therapist but imo honesty is the best policy. I think they will realise that people are bound to be nervous especially if its 3 of them interviewing, did it not say in any notes you got from them what would happen in the interview?? try doing your research about the job role, they always tend to say 'is there anything you wish to ask' be yourself and be relaxed, even if you aren't successful (sorry and thats not a bad thing btw) all interviews you can put down to experience especially if you apply for another job in the NHS at least you will know what to expect.

They obviously liked your CV and im sure they will like you Grin lots and lots and lots of luck.

me23 · 24/04/2006 09:32

Thanks for the advice so far, Any more from anymore, how should I act what kind o questions should I prepare for? I dont even know what to wear!

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me23 · 24/04/2006 12:17

bump!

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me23 · 24/04/2006 17:19

.

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lexiemum · 24/04/2006 20:32

i interview regularly for NHS but frontline - I guess you may be applying for role behind the scenes or in an office?

don't hide ADs - if it asks how this is managed say you've received counselling and its all working effectively - the interviewers won't see this anyway- you should've been asked to either take it along in a sealed envelope with your name on or send it direct to Occ Health. If you haven't then phone HR and ask why not. Occ Health will ask to see you if you are successful and feel your answers require this. You are more likely to be called though to have a HepB jab rather than question your PND.

there's likely 3 interviewers because people that already work there may have applied therefore they need to be seen to not being discrimatory - I have had an interview for a band 6 role with the same 3 interviewers because of this. Another reason may be that there may be similar jobs or same in another dept therefore may be in interview so can offer a different job if not successful for this one - we do this regularly - 2 nurses from different wards interview for support workers. Though it might just be the banding level at which you are applying - in our trust all Band 6 and above are at least 3interviewers.

the first question 9/10 is usually tell me a bit about yourself and how you've come to apply for this job / want this job.

again stress and dealing with it is regularly asked.

how do you deal with conflict - i.e. angry patient, disagreement with a team member

if a direct care role may be given scenarios and ask how you would respond - we tend to set one around violence and aggression - how do you deal with patient facing up to you and swearing and shouting (note- I work in forensics with mentally disordered offenders)

we may also ask about how you may adjust to working a 24/7shift pattern. nights, weekends etc.

what are you weaknesses? but offer your solution to deal with it i.e. I find it difficult to meet a deadline but to combat this I re-set deadlines earlier so I get the work done on tim

and prepare prepare prepare. some things I do are:
list by each statement on job description what I can do / done / what I need to improve
research the service and job role as much as you can
if an invite to visit prior to interview is offered - take it, usually get a good feel to the environment and colleagues

Alot of nhs interviewers use a keyword system to mark responses so remember to mention employment policies and procedures; legislation etc where necessary

I hope this goes some way to help

me23 · 25/04/2006 12:16

Thankyou so much for taking the time to post that, it is really helpful.
the job will involve some admin but also screening patients, so I will be required to attend training for the job.
I feel more confident about the occupational health questionnaire now.
The prospect of a panel of 3 interviewers is daunting, I'm imagining been fired a round of questions and not knowing what to say.
your suggestion of going through the job spec is good, I will do that today and draft answers.
I'm so scared I'll be lost for words and embarass myself.
I know I can do this job. Don't won't to disappoint in the interview.
I also don't know how I should dress?
How confident should I appear?

OP posts:
lexiemum · 25/04/2006 13:57

go smart casual - black trousers and blouse, do hair nicely and match handbag to shoes. - natural makeup if you wear it. look like you've made an effort - personally wouldn't put a suit on for anything under a band 7 role.

direct contact with patients - will be looking for rapport; communication skills, empathy. think of examples where you worked directly with the client / patient before.

its ok to not answer immediatedly - pauses are good, they show you are thinking about your answer. i always think i pause too long but actually afterwards am told it wasn't - those dear nerves get the better of me too.

whens the interview?

be confident but not cocky, sell yourself and what you can do.

me23 · 27/04/2006 09:22

hi,Thank you for your advice, I havent been able to getonline past two days.
The interview is today Shock
Ihave a bit of a dilemma regarding referees, I had to use old lecturers etc one of them doesnt really know me well. i checked email now and she emailed on tues saying what have i been doing since i let, she doesnt reallyhave anything impressive to saybecause i didnt finish my degree (i left to have my dd)
so i dont know if she has actuallywritten the reference.
The interview letter stated that 2 refrences were needed in order for employment to be offered. so I dont know what to do know I was feeling more conident about the interview before this Sad

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lexiemum · 27/04/2006 22:41

how did it go? don't worry - if they like you and she doesn't provide reference despite you pursuing it, they should let you offer another one.

guess you don't know yet, but fingers crossed.

me23 · 28/04/2006 09:24

Hi, They didn't mention the references at all, so I think my lecturer must have written one.
I actually found the interview to be a good experience. I followed your advice, and I think (hope) it went very well. I answered every question without being lost for words and they seemed pleased with my responses. They were all very friendly and casual. I hope I impressed because having met them I feel they would be a laugh to work with.
They said I would hear from them soon, I hope it's good news! I will let you know what happens, thanks again for your time x

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me23 · 02/05/2006 10:28

hi I started another thread on friday because I got the job! they called fri evening, I start in a month srtill waiting to hear from hr with bthe details. thanks for your advice.
I can't wait to start.

OP posts:
biglips · 02/05/2006 12:43

hip hip hooray!!!!! Grin

well done

lexiemum · 02/05/2006 22:39

well done you. sorry didn't see other thread but thanks for checking in here.

shellybelly · 03/05/2006 14:13

well done you Grin

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