NHS help/job application/grades etc/HR advice.

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Hi
I have been a stay at home mum for a while but have now managed to get a part time job.
I want to apply for an NHS job. In the essential criteria I need maths and English GCSE grades A-C. I haven't got these.
I actually took O levels in 1985 so it was yonks ago, I was rubbish at exams.
The job I want to apply for is a medical secretary.
My question is will they automatically not short list me because I do not have the required gcse's and not even look at the rest of the application?
I have loads of experience, currently work as a medical secretary, am volunteering at my local hospital to gain more experience and I am also studying for a Medical Administration diploma. I previously worked as a PA.
The application form takes so long to complete but am just not sure if I will automatically get rejected as haven't got the essential grades.
Many thanks

I wouldn’t worry about your exam grades if you have good experience. Your grades wouldn’t put me off shortlisting you. Go for it!

With the NHS application process your more than likely to be discarded if you don't have the required qualifications.
However if you passed the equivalent older exam then that's fine.

Does it say “or equivalent”? If not, it’s not impossible that they would shortlist you, but you’ll need some way of proving you have the skills.

Thanks for replies. I do not have an equivalent unfortunately. Its a shame as all the NHS jobs require maths GCSE. I already work for the NHS but didn't need the qualification for my current job. I am hoping they look at the whole application but fear I will not be shortlisted because of the maths GCSE. Not sure of the shortlisting process.

does the person specification state that a maths GCSE is essential or desirable.

it states essential but I thought I would apply anyway as I am already doing the same job.

Hi - I work in the NHS and have shortlisted job applications. The first part is a tick box exercise and those that do not meet the essential criteria are discarded straight away. If it says 'or equivalent' they will include other qualifications e.g level 1 or 2 in Key Skills etc. If you really want to get into the NHS on a higher band I would consider getting a maths qualification.

Thanks for replies. V annoying ! I wonder whether it would be useful to email the contact and quickly list my experience etc but say I haven't got the maths GCSE? or is that not the done thing?

I would call them and ask, or better still go on a visit, show your enthusiasm and speak to whoever is named on the application form and ask. You've nothing to lose, you can ask if there would be a maths test in the interview, is this something you would pass anyway?

Thanks yes I would be fine doing a maths test, I am not rubbish at maths just rubbish at exams!

I’ve been a PA/EA in the NHS. I would apply; actual experience of doing the job will be preferable to someone with two required GCSEs who can’t meet the required competencies. Can you demonstrate that you meet the rest of the requirements in the JD and person spec?

I work in the NHS and have shortlisted job applications. The first part is a tick box exercise and those that do not meet the essential criteria are discarded straight away.

I’m an HR manager in the NHS and train people in recruitment. “Equivalent” could be experience, not just a different kind of qualification. I have to approve appointments daily where a manager has appointed someone without qualifications listed as essential. We take a pragmatic view.

Thank you all. I decided to email the contact and say about all my experience and that I would be happy to take a maths qualification if needed.
Its a shame when you are trying to better yourself then can't apply because of exam results from over 30 years ago!

Quick update - I have been shortlisted for an interview so that's good. I have been told I will have to do a short written task as part of the interview. Anyone any idea what this may involve so I can be prepared. Thanks

Well done!

It will vary depending on the type of role you’re going for but I’ve done two NHS interviews and the task was either write a letter based on info you’re given, or proofread and highlight mistakes on a document. So I would expect it would be something like this to test attention to detail and your written skills.

Thanks. It's a medical secretary role.