Interview Questions and Strategies for NHS Job Applicants

The NHS is one of the UK's largest employers, providing a diverse range of roles and not just limited to medical positions. Opportunities within the NHS span from catering assistants and cleaners to receptionists and electricians.

With rewarding and lifelong career opportunities ahead, this article offers practical advice and real examples to help you prepare interview questions for NHS. So, keep your pre-interview nerves in check and prepare to ace your interview with our easy-to-follow advice and examples.

The NHS is also one of the UK's largest employers of overseas applicants. So, be encouraged to apply as an international student or if this is your first job application in the UK.

In this article, we cover:

• What to expect in an NHS interview

• How to answer NHS interview questions

• Real examples of NHS interview questions and answers

• Next steps for your NHS job application.

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NHS interviews: What to expect

Roles within the NHS are diverse, from doctors, dentists and midwifes, to gardeners or call centre agents. Therefore, expect a structured and standardised interview process ensuring all candidates are assessed fairly and consistently. Later on, we share insights into what you are likely to be asked in an interview; from care assistant interview questions to nursing and admin.

This thorough approach is in place to give everyone an equal chance of securing their dream position while maintaining the high standards of care and service the NHS is known for. From apprenticeships to more senior roles, these examples can be applied to your unique situation.

Use the NHS interview process to show you have the sought-after skills and experience and align with core NHS values: compassion, respect, commitment to quality of care and working together for patients.

This well-defined way of interviewing works in your favour and gives you a steady platform to show your core competencies and what a good fit you are for the job. More on that later.

How NHS interviews are scored

NHS interviews are scored based on predefined criteria aligned with the competencies required for the role. Each response is evaluated for its relevance, clarity and alignment with NHS values.

Interviewers use a scoring rubric to assess answers, often on a scale (e.g., 1-5), where higher scores indicate a better fit with the job requirements and values. Feedback is typically provided to help candidates understand their performance and areas for improvement.

Overview of the NHS application process

1. Online application: Complete an application form on the NHS Jobs website. This form includes personal details, employment history and supporting information demonstrating how you meet the job’s person specification.

2. Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed and scored against the person specification. Successful candidates are invited for an interview.

3. Interview: Interviews can be face-to-face, telephone interviews or video interviews. They are usually panel-based, consisting of two or more interviewers. Interviews are structured to assess your competencies, values and suitability for the role.

4. Assessment centres: Some roles may require additional assessments, such as written tests, practical tasks or group exercises.

5. Scoring and feedback: Interview performance is scored based on predefined criteria. Feedback is often provided, whether successful or not.

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Key elements of an NHS CV

Similar to other professions inside and outside the health service, such as accountant, biomedical scientist or IT, knowing how to write a good CV is crucial for landing an invitation to interview and achieving your career goals.

The different sections for a CV might be familiar already. However, when crafting a CV for an NHS job, try to make each section as relevant as possible for your target area or department.

Must-have sections of an NHS CV include:

1. Personal information: Include your name, contact details and professional title.

2. Personal profile: A concise summary of your professional background, skills and career goals tailored to the NHS role.

3. Work experience: Detail your relevant employment history starting with the most recent first. Focus on roles that highlight your skills and experience pertinent to the NHS job.

4. Education and qualifications: List your educational background, relevant qualifications, and training.

5. Skills: Highlight key skills, particularly in-demand soft skills relevant to the NHS role, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

6. Achievements and memberships: Include relevant achievements and memberships to professional bodies.

7. References: Provide details of referees who can vouch for your suitability for the role.

Explore more job-specific CV for different roles within the NHS:

• Human resources

• Plastic surgeon

• Data analyst

• Data scientist.

How to answer NHS interview questions

Whether you're applying for a role as an optometrist, or plumber, answering questions in an NHS interview succinctly and confidently is key. Do this by connecting your experience to the specific health, administrative or social care role you are applying for. Use your examples and reflect on your learning rather than providing generic or unstructured answers.

If you are looking for NHS band 2 interview questions and answers, keep reading!

The best way to keep your thoughts clear and your answers neat in a healthcare interview is by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

This useful framework describes your experiences and demonstrates how they relate to the job you are interviewing for whilst weaving in NHS values.

STAR method NHS interview question example

Answer:

Situation: "In my previous role as a nurse, we experienced a sudden influx of patients due to a local accident.

Task: I was responsible for triaging patients quickly while ensuring high standards of care.

Action: I prioritised patients based on the severity of their conditions, communicated effectively with the team, and ensured everyone was aware of their roles.

Result: We managed to provide timely care to all patients, and the feedback from both patients and staff was very positive."

Example of an NHS interview question and answer

Remember to use the STAR method when it is appropriate or when talking about a specific situation. When asked more general questions, about your motivations for example, feel free to answer more naturally and link your response back to NHS values:

Correct answer:

"I am passionate about providing high-quality care and support to patients. Working for the NHS aligns with my values of compassion and dedication to public health. I am eager to contribute to the community and develop my career within an organisation renowned for its commitment to excellence."

Incorrect answer:

"I’m pretty good with people. This looks like a stable job and the NHS offers good benefits."

Get prepared for common NHS interview questions

Prepare to succeed by researching the goals and challenges of the NHS Trust or organisation you are joining and knowing the job description inside out. During the interview, you will typically be interviewed by two or more people who will ask a variety of questions.

Examples of these could be: 

• Competency-based questions: These questions focus on assessing your skills and behaviour in past situations. The interviewer wants to understand how you have demonstrated specific competencies, such as teamwork, leadership or problem-solving. They aim to predict how you would handle similar situations in the future, based on your previous actions.

  Example: "Can you give an example of a time when you worked under pressure?"

• Strengths-based questions: Strengths-based questions are designed to identify what you naturally do well and enjoy. The interviewer is looking for insight into your core strengths and how these will help you perform effectively in the role. These questions assess whether your personal attributes align with the job's requirements.

  Example: "What do you enjoy doing most at work?"

• Technical questions: These questions assess your knowledge and skills related to the specific technical aspects of the role. The interviewer wants to evaluate your proficiency in the technical duties required, such as understanding procedures, equipment or regulations relevant to your job.

  Example: "What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy of lab results?"

• Situational judgement questions: Situational judgement questions present hypothetical scenarios and ask how you would respond. The interviewer is looking to assess your decision-making, problem-solving and judgement skills, particularly in situations you are likely to encounter on the job.

  Example: "What would you do if you noticed a colleague making a mistake with a patient’s medication?"

• Values-based questions: These questions explore how your personal values align with NHS values, such as compassion, respect and commitment to patient care. The interviewer wants to ensure that your principles are in line with the organisational culture of the NHS, which is vital for delivering quality care.

  Example: "How do your personal values align with the NHS’s commitment to putting patients first?"

• Motivational questions: Aim to uncover what drives you and how you handle challenges, such as feedback and criticism. The interviewer wants to understand your inner motivations and how these will help you thrive in the role, as well as how you cope with setbacks.

  Example: "What motivates you to perform well in your job, and how do you respond to constructive criticism?"

Your interviewers will take notes and assess your answers against predefined criteria, often using a scoring system. The interview will be conducted privately, either in person or via video call. Some roles may also require additional assessments such as presentations or clinical discussions.

Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. It’s better to seek clarity than to provide an irrelevant answer. You can ask for questions to be repeated or write them down to ensure you respond appropriately. In some cases, you might receive the questions in advance.

Remember to sell yourself and your experiences as a professional, ensuring they are relevant to the job. Prepare questions to ask about the role and how you will integrate into the team. For example, inquire about the support available for transitioning from a different country.

10 examples of NHS questions for an interview

We've shared 10 examples of NHS job interview questions and answers across the different themes as well as different roles. For example, you can find; NHS admin interview questions and NHS values interview questions in this section.

1. Competency-based question example:

Correct answer:

"I remain calm and patient, listening actively to their concerns. I empathise with their situation and try to understand the root of their frustration. By communicating clearly and showing respect, I work towards finding a solution that addresses their needs while maintaining a professional demeanour."

Incorrect answer:

"I tell them to calm down and wait their turn."

2. Situational question example:

Correct answer:

"During a particularly busy shift, our team had to coordinate quickly to manage an overflow of patients. I took the initiative to organise a brief team meeting, delegate tasks based on everyone's strengths, and ensure open communication. As a result, we managed the workload efficiently and received commendations for our teamwork."

Incorrect answer:

"I usually prefer to work alone, but I help out if necessary."

3. Value-based question example:

Correct answer:

"In my previous role as a volunteer, I always made an effort to ensure everyone felt included and respected, regardless of their background or abilities. I worked with a diverse group of people and made sure to listen and communicate effectively with each team member. I encouraged open dialogue and made sure that quieter individuals were also given a chance to contribute their ideas."

Incorrect answer:

"I always make an effort to ensure everyone feels included."

4. NHS leadership interview questions example:

Correct answer:

"In my current role as a team leader, we had to transition to a new digital system for patient records, which caused some initial resistance from staff due to concerns about learning the new software. To manage this, I first held a team meeting to explain the reasons for the change and how it would ultimately benefit both staff and patients by improving efficiency and accuracy."

Incorrect answer:

"When our department switched to a new system, I informed my team a few days before."

5. Technical question example:

Correct answer:

"I would reassure the patient that the radiation dose used in CT scans is kept as low as possible and that safety measures, like lead shielding, are in place to protect them. I would explain the benefits of the scan for accurate diagnosis and make sure the patient feels informed and comfortable."

Incorrect answer:

"Sometimes worried patients just need a little push. I would tell them not to worry and that the scan is quick."

6. Example of an interview question for an NHS nursing role:

Correct answer:

"I adhere strictly to the NHS confidentiality guidelines. This includes discussing patient information only with relevant team members, ensuring records are secure, and being mindful of conversations in public areas."

Incorrect answer:

"I pride myself on being able to keep sensitive information secret. I don’t gossip and I always keep papers either at home or in my desk drawer at work."

7. Example of an interview question for an NHS administrative role:

Correct answer:

"I use a combination of prioritisation techniques, such as creating to-do lists, setting deadlines, and using digital tools for task management. By regularly reviewing and adjusting priorities, I ensure that urgent tasks are completed timely without compromising the quality of my work."

Incorrect answer:

"Sometimes people have to be told to wait. However, I pick the task I think I can get done quickest first so they’re not waiting as long."

8. Example of an interview question for an NHS lab technician role:

Correct answer:

"I follow strict protocols for sample handling, equipment calibration and record-keeping. I double-check results and participate in regular quality control checks to ensure that all tests meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability."

Incorrect answer:

"I’ve done this type of work for a while, so I know how to be careful when handling samples."

9. Example of an NHS healthcare assistant interview question:

Correct answer:

"In my current role in a care home, I help a elderly residents with limited mobility in their daily tasks such as getting dressed. I always make sure to respect their preferences, asking how they want to do things and making sure the process is comfortable for them. I maintain their dignity by ensuring privacy, offering assistance only when needed, and speaking to them kindly and respectfully throughout."

Incorrect answer:

"I normally just follow the set schedule and help get things done quickly."

10. Mental health support worker interview question and answer NHS:

Correct answer:

"In my previous role as a volunteer for a mental health helpline, I supported a caller who was experiencing severe anxiety. I stayed calm and actively listened to their concerns without interrupting, providing a safe space for them to express themselves. I used grounding techniques to help them manage their anxiety and reassured them that their feelings were valid."

Incorrect answer:

"I once had to deal with someone who was really anxious. I told them to calm down and that things would be fine."

How to demonstrate NHS competencies

Interviews within the NHS are generally competency-based, where interviewers are looking for tangible examples of core traits needed to succeed in the role. The NHS provides tips and guidance on how to perform well in these interviews. Competency-based interviews are perfect for those navigating a career change or recent graduates entering the workforce. Giving concrete examples of these competencies can significantly impact your interview success.

1. Communication: Provide examples where you communicated effectively with patients, colleagues, or other stakeholders. Highlight your ability to listen, convey information clearly, and adapt your communication style.

2. Teamwork: Share instances where you worked collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your role in the team, how you supported others, and the outcome of your collective efforts.

3. Problem-solving: Describe situations where you identified a problem, analysed possible solutions, and implemented a successful resolution. Highlight your analytical thinking and creativity.

4. Compassion and care: Give examples of times you showed empathy and provided high-quality care or support to patients. Explain the impact of your actions on patient well-being.

5. Adaptability: Illustrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances or new challenges. Share examples of how you stayed effective and maintained standards in a dynamic environment.

Key takeaways

1. Use the STAR method: Structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide clear and comprehensive responses.

2. Understand NHS values: Familiarise yourself with the NHS core values and reflect them in your answers.

3. Prepare for various question types: Be ready for competency-based, values-based, and situational judgment questions.

4. Highlight relevant experience: Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and suitability for the role.

5. Seek feedback: Always ask for feedback after the interview to improve your performance for future opportunities.

After the interview, reflect on your performance and consider any feedback received. Don’t be discouraged if you were unsuccessful at the first (or even second or third) attempts. Continue to improve your interview skills and stay updated with the latest NHS policies and guidelines.

Next steps?

Before landing an invitation to interview, you’ll need a top-notch CV to showcase your abilities and grab the attention of hiring managers. Be inspired by our library of free CV templates from jobs like pharmacist and physiotherapist to psychologist and radiologist. Prepare for your upcoming interview date by looking through our job interview blog for more advice on preparation and acing your next assessment.

FAQ

What questions should I ask at an NHS interview?

There are plenty of specific questions which will likely come up after researching the NHS Trust or specific area you want to work for. However, some good all-rounders are worth having in your pocket:

• "Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?"

• "What opportunities for professional development are available?"

• "How does the NHS support staff well-being?"

Read the article on good questions to ask in an interview for more examples.

What happens after an NHS interview?

After an interview, you will typically receive feedback on your performance. Successful candidates will be contacted with a job offer, while others will receive constructive feedback to help improve future applications.

What to wear for an NHS interview?

Dress in professional, smart attire. For most roles, this means business wear such as a suit or a dress with a blazer. Ensure your clothing is clean, neat, and appropriate for the role.

How are NHS interviews scored?

Interviews are scored based on predefined criteria aligned with the role’s competencies and person specification. Each answer is evaluated for its relevance, clarity, and alignment with NHS values.

How long does it take to hear back from an NHS interview?

The timeline for feedback can vary, but typically you should hear back within a few weeks. If you haven’t heard back within this period, it’s appropriate to follow up with the HR department.