Getting an invite for a job interview for a position in the NHS is a great achievement in itself. But now comes the greater challenge to perform in the interview. Be it a position for a medical secretary, the receptionist or any general administrative officer, it solely depends on the interview and how you will present yourself. Here are the five tips that will allow you to succeed in the interview.
1. Be Punctual
It is important to be punctual for any interview, especially since the NHS is all about time management in keeping the health system flowing. Time management will portray you as a dependable person by meeting deadlines and as an efficient time manager, it is a quality that should be reflected in an NHS role.
Tip: Some recommend arriving at the company at least 10-15 minutes before the interview. Getting there early will allow a good cushion for traffic and a little downtime to collect your thoughts before the interview.
2. Research the Company
The NHS is such a big organisation with so many departments, trusts, and services that it is worth doing your homework on. Researching the specific NHS trust or department you are interviewing with enables you to know the culture, values, and initiatives lately taken up by it. This will not only inform your answers but also show the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
Tip: Visit the website, check on the ongoing projects or news, and get to understand what type of work the trust does for the community. Understanding the problems it has helps you tailor your response to show how you can be of help to their success.
3. Know the Job Description
Understanding the job description inside and out is crucial. The job description outlines the key responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the role. By thoroughly reviewing it, you can match your experience and skills with the job’s requirements, making it easier to highlight why you’re the perfect fit.
Tip: Look through the job ad to list out the key responsibilities and required skills. For each, write down one example from your experience to illustrate how you will be able to achieve those responsibilities. For example, if you are applying for a position that requires stellar record-keeping, you will need to know how to discuss your experience recording patients' or other sensitive information.
4. Practice Common Interview Questions
Interview questions are often a combination of general questions and specific to the job application and even practice of common interview questions will enable you to gain confidence. Candidates applying for the posts in the NHS are commonly asked about their experience of patient handling, experts in software technologies, or their ability to react when placed in a high-pressure environment.
Tip: Practice the answers to questions such as:
"Can you describe a time when you had to manage a difficult situation with a patient or colleague?"
"How do you prioritise your work in a busy environment?"
"What experience do you have with NHS systems like EMIS or SystmOne?"
You will be able to answer smoothly and with confidence if you have practice with your responses.
5. Prepare Thoughtful Interview Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Not only will the interviewer be qualifying you for the position, but you should be qualifying for the position to see if it's a job and team that you can be excited about. Come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer. It shows that you're taking the opportunity seriously and are truly thinking about how you will fit within the organisation.
Tip: Ask questions, such as:
"What are the biggest challenges currently facing your administrative team?"
"Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?"
"How does this role contribute to the overall patient care experience in your department?"
These questions indicate your interest in the position and how you see it fitting into the grand scheme of the NHS mission.
When you are required to demonstrate yourself to an employer during your interview, it is way beyond correctly answering questions—this shows that you are a well-prepared, punctual, and knowledgeable candidate poised to bring value to their team. Show yourself in the best light, be punctual, research the company, know the job description, practice common interview questions, and have thoughtful questions prepared to ask the interviewer. These things make you more likely to make the impression you're looking for and hopefully get the job.
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