NHS Interview preparation

[chazbomb]

I have an interview for a band 5 senior admin role for the NHS. I already work for the NHS so know the types of questions I could be asked. I’m trying to come up with an answer to “tell me about a time you’ve had to make a difficult decision” as I think this could crop up and am struggling to think of an answer. I currently work in an administration role but don’t really make difficult decisions.
Does anybody have any good examples? Also any other tips gratefully received as I’m feeling very nervous! Thanks 😊

I've just got my band 5 senior admin role so happy to help.
Really what they want is in depth answers, evidence that you can back up what you are saying, lots and lots of talking! I wrote answers out before hand and rehearsed them over and over. My interview went on for over an hour for 8 questions, I talked and gave examples. What job do you do currently that you can use experience from?

Also have a good question for them, I asked them what the most challenging part of the role currently is or is perceived to be.

Could you choose an example of a time where you had to prioritise different tasks that needed doing for different reasons, and talk about what you decided and why?

I've read about people using the STAR method on MN to answer questions like this, so this is definitely worth a Google.

Congratulations on your job! I’m currently a band 4 coordinator for several different services but I don’t manage a team. I coordinate an MDT team but they are all senior to me. This role would involve me managing a team. I have to prioritise my workload and work autonomously as the rest of the admin team work at a different site, I’m based in a clinical area. I just can’t come up with a decision I’ve made that I would deem difficult . Could I ask what questions you were asked?

thanks for the reply @LandlubbingKraken I do have to juggle my workload as I look after 4 services that come under the umbrella of the department that I work in. I just wasn’t sure that it would be a good enough example

I agree that's exactly the sort of example they are looking for.
I got asked what IT packages I use
How I deal with conflicting work loads
How do I organise and prioritise
What would I do if I could see something potentially becoming an issue in the future
Where did I see myself in five years
How would I integrate into a new team
What did I do in an emergency situation (I work in estates so plenty of leaking roofs etc)

For your team managing
How would you deal with a team member who wasn't performing well
How would deal with conflict in a team
What are qualities of a team player

I've managed a large team and interviewed for vacant positions many times, I'll try and dig some more questions out tomorrow for you

@Smoky1107 thank you so much. That’s really helpful and if you could give me any other questions you think I should prepare for that would be really useful

I also think this is a great example 🙂.

Could you talk about a time you had to go over a superiors head? I’ve spoken about someone in charge of me avoiding datexing something and the initial turmoil about whether to report it but concluding that the safety of the patients/my colleagues etc trumped that (slightly exaggerated/fabricated but seems to go down well)

A couple of examples:
Refusing annual leave either for individuals or one of your colleagues asks you to swap your leave cos they got childcare but you got your own plans.
I was asked to give a witness statement when I knew that the individual could be sacked. Difficult moral issue. If I didn't do it then they would take action against me.

@YerAWizardHarry this is a great one and I am definitely going to use this. Thank you so much ☺️

Thank you 🙏

I was a band 7 and used to interview a lot for admin roles. Some of my favourite questions...

Tell me about the job you have applied for? It's amazing how many people haven't thoroughly read the JD.

How have you prepared for this interview? I'd want you to have read relevant policies and SoP's. Looked at what systems the team use and if possible have done a bit of shadowing. Someone did once tell me that they had a spare pair of tights in their handbag...

Tell me about a time when you have acted upon negative feedback? Basically how have you picked yourself up when things have been crap and improved yourself.

Good luck!

@Kayemm thank you 😊

Is anyone got Interview call from NHS or gave interview for centralised recruitment process Administration Band 4?

Looking for your wonderful advise.
MANY THANKS