Any NHS/nurse managers out there?

[Overthebs]

… just wanted to get peoples opinions on this: I am a community nurse, and I am returning to work after maternity, I am trying to relocate closer to home but also I’d love to change my role to the more assessment side of things.
I applied for two jobs (with same manager but different teams).
one job seemed to have only one post and I was told it was quite competitive with quality and number of applicants and the other I think has a few posts but I don’t know how competitive, both posts asking for full time and I’ve asked to do 30 hours.
I interviewed for the first job I mentioned and I got a call to say I interviewed well, but just didn’t get it this time and they’ve really encouraged that it doesn’t put me off going back to the next interview (in two weeks). I’m wondering is this a positive? Or am I wasting my time I don’t want to get my hopes up if they want full timers - I’d rather them just say?
Should I Go to the next interview? as I’d still really love a job with the other team, but I’m worried they’re just wanting to make it seem fair and they’ll still tell me I interviewed well but no thanks-
Any NHS managers/nursing managers got any Insights for me? Thank you

I'm not a manager but work for NHS , it sounds like they are keen on you for the other job so it won't hurt just going for the role . Iv applied for a full time post and they know I'm only part time but still keen for me to interview. I don't think it's a case that they have too sounds like they want you but maybe this other role would be better suited anyway ? God luck with it !!

I do 30h in the community and what worked for me is that I’ve been flexible with my hours. So I started at 8.30- 2.30 five days then changed to 8.30-1.30 3 days and 2 full time days… as the service needed. So I wonder if perhaps you could make your 30h more appealing by being flexible? I appreciate this might not be possible for childcare etc

Thank you, my DH said very bluntly ‘well if you don’t go to the interview you definitely won’t get the job’ that made me laugh cos he’s very right!

Thank you I can’t be flexible with the amount of days for example 3 cos of childcare and my mum helping out but I can be flexible on the day of the week for example can do any days really, my nursery is very understanding of shift workers so ! Ps it’s not shifts all week it’s compressed like 8-6 3 or 4 times per week mon-fri x

He is right I hate to admit 😂

NHS recruitment is points based, you have to give it to the person who scores the best. I think she's telling you you were close but were beaten by someone else. I'd definitely go for the other interview.

I think that you should ask them for the interview notes / feedback from your first interview to give you a better chance.

Many departments do earmark who they want prior to the interview even though they aren't supposed to. But also many departments are really looking for 'fresh blood' and are desperate to find someone from outside the team so it all depends. Good luck!

Heya I did ask them for feedback and they said just maybe try sell yourself a bit more… so maybe I just need to come accross as more confident in the next one. I just hope it’s not a case of they like me, but they like someone who can do full time hours more… 🥲thank you x

Thank you! I’m gonna go give it a shot anyways just try and answer as best I can and doing the other one the other day has definitely give me some things to think about more 🤞🏽