1. If you can not find the job you want, set up an email alert and you'll get a notification as soon as a position becomes available.
  2. Do not wait to apply. If we receive a large number of applications, we may close the job early.
  3. Use clear, plain English in your job application. Do not use jargon.
  4. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
  5. Leave your application overnight and check it again in the morning with fresh eyes.
  1. Interview slots are booked on a first come, first served basis. Book yours early to make sure you get the slot you want.
  2. If you’re disabled, tell us what changes you need to make to the interview. You’re the expert on your specific requirements.
  3. Get your documents ready. You’ll need to bring:
    • up to 2 forms of photo ID
    • up to 2 documents confirming your address
    • proof of your qualifications
  4. Your interview will be competency based.
  5. Carefully study the role you applied for and pick out the key competencies.
  6. Prepare at least 2 examples of times you have demonstrated each competency.
  7. Use the STAR acronym to help you prepare your examples:
    • S = Situation. Give a brief background to what was happening and why
    • T = Task. Outline the work that had to be done or your objective
    • A = Actions. What did you do? What were the steps you took?
    • R = Results. Outline what was achieved and how it was measured
  8. Look through your most recent appraisal or personal development review for ideas.
  9. Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer.

Competency: Embracing and managing change

Example question

Describe a situation when you implemented change in your department or business area:
  • What was the change?
  • What difficulties did you encounter when introducing it?
  • What steps did you personally take to overcome these difficulties?
  • What was the final outcome?
     

Competency: Decisiveness

Example question

Describe a situation where you were required to think on your feet an come up with a decision:
  • What was the situation?
  • Why was a quick decision required?
  • What risks did this situation present?
  • How did you minimise the risks?
  • What was the final outcome?
     

Competency: Managing relationships

Example question

Give an example of a time you had to influence a colleague to change their mind:
  • What was the issue?
  • How did you approach the other person?
  • What difficulties did you encounter?
  • What was the outcome?
     

Competency: Team work and leadership

Example question

Describe your approach to leading and motivating the team who work for you:
  • How have you communicated direction and the team’s objectives?
  • What have you done to ensure that teams and individuals stay motivated?
     

Competency: Driving for results

Example question

Describe how you’ve maximised the use of your department’s resources to achieve a challenging objective or target:
  • What was the objective or target?
  • What particular challenges did it present to you or your department?
  • What steps or actions did you take?
  • What was the final outcome?
  1. Check where your interview is being held.
  2. You can find directions and parking information on our locations pages.
  1. First impressions count so dress well and meet interviewers confidently.
  2. Make eye contact and smile.
  3. Don’t guess what questions mean, ask for clarification.
  4. Pause for thought when you need to.
  5. Be concise and tell your stories in a logical manner.
  6. Emphasise your role in a story, even if the team is involved.
  7. Use ‘I’ statements rather than ‘we’.
  1. The recruiting manager will welcome you and introduce the other interviewers.
  2. Interview panels will be made up of 2 people.
  3. If the post is band 6 and above, a Patient Experience Involvement Group Member will also be on the panel.
  4. The recruiting manager will explain what will happen during the interview.
  5. Questions will be less demanding at the beginning of the interview to put you at ease.
  6. If you need to do a practical test you’ll be told prior to the interview.
  7. At the end of the interview you’ll be given the timescales for decision making.

If you are unsuccessful, ask for feedback so you can learn from the experience.