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NHS short notice interview tips

12 replies

Whichway1 · 17/06/2023 08:21

So, I'm looking for all those interview tips for a band 3 support worker role please. I was only notified of the interview yesterday which is on Tuesday! The interview is virtual and will last an hour...help!!!!! starting to panic 🤣

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SaladBarNanny · 17/06/2023 08:33

Don't panic! Go through the job spec again. There's usually a table towards the end that lists the essential/preferable skills and experience. Every question will be trying to get you to demonstrate one of those skills.

Go through each one line by line today and list at least one example of things you've done that show you have that skill. Then go through your notes again a few times tomorrow and Monday so they stick in your head.

If it's online, you can put sticky notes around your computer with little reminders to yourself that you can subtly see during the interview. Keep them short! Don't do this if it would distract you. Works for some but not for others.

NHS job interview scoring is quite straightforward. They are looking for you to tell them you have the skills they're looking for. They can't give you a point if you don't say it, so don't be afraid to repeat things you wrote in your application.

Prepare at least one question to ask them at the end of the interview. A question that shows you're interested in the role and the organisation.

robobot · 17/06/2023 08:38

agree with above - NHS are also looking more to values so make sure to have some examples that demonstrate how you reflect your local trusts/health board values.

Whichway1 · 17/06/2023 09:13

That's fabulous, thank you,! @robobot and @SaladBarNanny

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planthelpadvice · 17/06/2023 09:18

Agree with the values - look up what they are and be prepared to answer a question like "tell us about a time you have demonstrated compassion" or similar. The questions will probably all be phrased along the lines of "tell us about a time you have..." Or "can you give an example of...." and then ask you about one of the skills on the job description. I think it's less common to get more general "why do you think you'd be good at this job" but I could be wrong.

Good luck!!

Whichway1 · 17/06/2023 09:23

Thank you @planthelpadvice , brilliant. @SaladBarNanny and @robobot , would you say I also need to think of examples for the desirable criteria as well? My hand is aching already from all the writing ✍️ 🤣

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SaladBarNanny · 17/06/2023 09:28

Definitely worth thinking about desirable too. Anything to show you're the best match for the job description!

SaladBarNanny · 17/06/2023 09:29

Also agree with PP about the values. You should be able to find them on the organisation's web page

LongStoryLong · 17/06/2023 09:43

Re examples, see if you can come up with a few that would be suitable for multiple questions. So the same situation could be used for showing you work well in a team; dealing with a difficult colleague; dealing with a challenging situation; having a difficult conversation etc etc. And you tailor it in the moment. You can get an idea of what the situations they ask about might be by looking at the criteria, as you already are doing.

Couple more tips: evidence everything. If you say you’re a team player, briefly prove it with an quick example: some feedback you’ve had or whatever.

They’ll ask a question at the beginning like why do you want this job, or tell us a bit about you, or what skills and experience can you bring to this job. Again, whatever format that question comes in, you can answer it in pretty much the same way: PAWS- profile, academic, work, skills (and attributes) (other models are available, I use this one).

Finally. Review and reflect. For every answer you give or situation you report that you’ve dealt with, tell them what went well, what you’d do differently next time, and what the impact of any changes you have made or would make would or will be.

(I’ve just been successful in an NHS interview after a long time feeling like they were based on some secret code that I didn’t have the key to. Now I feel like I’ve got the key and I’m giving a piece of it to you!)

ErmentrudeTheCow · 17/06/2023 10:14

I'm amazed at an hour long interview for a band 3 Support worker role!
Agree with everything above plus I'd also look out for a question where they're looking for you to recognise something you've been asked to do is out with your scope of practice. Such as what would you do if your role was to carry out X as per the plan but the patient/relative asks to to amend it to Y instead eg. walk to bathroom with zimmer but they ask to try walking unaided. The answer is always that would check with qualified staff first.
Also may get a question around patient confidentiality, sharing of information do make sure you're familiar with the Trusts policies.

Good luck

afain · 17/06/2023 10:47

There should always be a values and behaviours question. The trust website should have a list of these so that is worth a look.

LuckOfTheDrawer · 17/06/2023 12:35

I like the STAR format for answering interview questions - so you talk about he situation, the task you had to complete, the action that you performed, and the result.

Good luck!

Whichway1 · 17/06/2023 17:54

Thank you all. @ErmentrudeTheCow , I know I was really surprised, not great news for someone who is capable of the job but not articulate in getting their point across 🤪

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