NHS Mid/Senior admin roles how competitive is it?

[Fressia123]

About 2.5 years ago I was a data based manager of an outsourced team. Since I was made redundant I've been workin something (content distribution) but not at the same level. I've eyed a couple of band 4/5 roles on the local NHS website. Should I apply for both? Are they likely to hire someone from a corporate background? I think I can do either of them (given the person description). All I put is welcome tia

I would say apply. It probably depends on your location nationwide, but in London/South East I found the recruitment market very open when recruiting at lower bandings.

The calibre of applicants had started to get better in the past year or two, but nothing too prohibitive.

In terms of having recruited corporate people into the NHS, I would suggest emphasising your transferable technical skills and also any experience of working collaboratively and managing teams to deadlines.

Also it isn't difficult to do a bit of research into the main datasets that the NHS manages. Its fairly jargon-y, but most people learn on the job.

I would give it a go - the worst that can happen is they say no, and you're no worse off than now.

Also, don't give up after one application. Sometimes I would get too many applications - over 50. Then a similar job a month later - one or two serious applicants. Different organisations also experience very different response rates, depending on factors like location, convenience, how high profile they are. So all of that comes into play in how likely you are to be successful.

Good luck if you decide to do it.

Thank you! I've applied for both. Not surprisingly I was much better at writing my personal statement for the more senior role. I think at worst it makes me less rusty in terms of writing personal statements and the like.

Brilliant. And don't give up. Data handling skills are desperately needed in the NHS, and it tends to be dominated by a certain type of male. There is nothing wrong with them, but a bit of diversity never goes amiss, especially where you're trying to explain complex concepts to the managers who need the info. The ability to translate technical jargon into plain English for nurse managers goes a long way!

Best of luck. xx

Thanks anon I also saw a role at MoD as information manager. Hopefully one will stick :)

I would def say apply and my advise would be to call the contact name given and tell them about your transferable skills and ask about the role and who they are looking for

The key thing is to use the supporting information to demonstrate your skills / experience

@tortillachipsanddips I thought of doing that but didn't know of it would hold make any difference. Good tip for next time!

Just an update. The junior role got its deadline extended and was changed from FT - permanent to PT - fixed contract. It still works out well for me but wonder why this happened.