In need of some NHS interview help? Firstly, congratulations on landing an interview! Whether you’re applying for a clinical role or a non-clinical position, preparing well is key to making a great impression. To help ease those pre-interview nerves, we\u2019ve put together a guide covering 8 of the most common NHS interview questions, including how to answer the classic opener: \u201cTell me about yourself\u201d NHS interview style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From showcasing your skills to aligning your answers with NHS values, we\u2019re here to make sure you walk into that interview room with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you wear? What are they going to ask? Do you arrive 10 or 15 minutes early? Whatever you\u2019re worried about, we\u2019ve got the answers to all the most popular NHS interview questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, as a healthcare worker, you will be working in a fast-paced environment where various medical situations will arise. Therefore, you will need to be prepared and ready to handle anything that is thrown your way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/span>As a healthcare worker, I am committed to helping those that are in need. Therefore, in distressing situations, I think the best thing to do is remember you are here to help the individual. Remaining calm will not only help the situation, but it will help my team remain focused.<\/span> In moments of crisis, you can\u2019t turn off your emotions. Compassion and empathy are vital qualities of any healthcare worker. Instead of allowing my feelings to prevent me from carrying out my job, I would seek support from my team and additional help if needed.<\/span><\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a common NHS Job Interview question, as it allows the interviewer to understand how you would react in particular circumstances. Remember, as an NHS employee, you will have to deliver the best service possible – especially in challenging and unforeseen circumstances. So remember to take time to answer the question. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf a patient were to be aggressive with a member of my team or me, I would remain calm and understanding. However, in most cases, the patient is angry because they are frustrated and want to be heard. Therefore, I would take time to listen to the patient so I can help resolve their concern.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The NHS primary goal is to provide quality care to all of those who use the service. Therefore, to be a successful candidate, outlining cases where you have given quality care will be crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am the designated first aider at my current place of work, so I have responded to the needs of both staff and members of the public. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n One day during my shift, a member of staff slipped and fell on a wet floor. I urgently aided my colleague who had fallen. The individual appeared to have injured her ankle, so I asked another colleague to call for an ambulance. During this time, I\u2019d relay information while continuing to comfort my colleague.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The health sector can be a stressful working environment. Staff face immense pressure on a day-to-day basis, and in some cases, this can resolve tension and conflict. As an NHS member of staff, you would be expected to try and resolve any disputes that arise. During the interview, providing a clear example of a time when you demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and conflict management will be beneficial. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn my previous job role, I had a group-based project where myself and several colleagues had to work to a tight deadline. Naturally, we shared responsibilities between the group, but one day, a conflict abrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n One colleague was frustrated because they felt a particular individual wasn\u2019t carrying out their tasks in the allotted time frame. To overcome this, I called for a team meeting to discuss the situation, resolve the matter at hand and create a plan to overcome the issue. We came to understand after having a conversation that our colleague was burnt out, so we created a new plan to share our responsibilities as a team to help them handle the pressures of the group project.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The interviewer will be looking for you to demonstrate a clear understanding of primary and secondary care. Also, they will want to know how much you understand of NHS trusts, foundation trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should take time to read and familiarise yourself with the various NHS Trusts and Foundations as well as the NHS Long Term Plan.<\/a> It\u2019s a document published in 2019 that clearly outlines the goals and properties for the next ten years. Also, it is worth learning about the structural differences across the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before your interview, it would be worth reading the NHS Core Values document<\/a>. The document outlines what the NHS expects, what it stands for, and its aims to improve.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As an NHS staff member, you will face workplace pressures and stress. Within your interview, the interviewer will most likely ask how you work under pressure and will ask for an example!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDuring my time as a university student, I had a part-time job that helped me afford my education. During this time, I learned how to handle pressure and stress throughout my degree, especially during my final year. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, I work well under pressure, so I made a plan of action to get as much university work completed as possible. I would split my time between work, assignments and downtime to ensure I was on target.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The interviewer will be looking for crucial qualities to determine whether you will be an excellent fit for the NHS. So make sure that you use meaningful and key phrases in your response.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have a wide variety of qualities that I think would be extremely useful as an NHS staff member. Firstly, I work well in high-pressure environments, and I have a strong desire to provide the best service possible. In addition, I am a compassionate, hardworking and empathetic individual who believes everyone deserves access to the same level of treatment, regardless of their background.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere do you see yourself?<\/em>\u201d is a common question that pops up in almost every interview. Outlining where you see yourself in 5 years allows the interviewers to understand your ambitions as an NHS employee. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn 5 years, I hope to have progressed professionally and continue to be a strong, consistent and supportive team player. Through natural progression, hard work and dedication, I hope to progress to a higher position with the NHS and continue my journey as a proud NHS staff member.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you have found these top questions of use. Remember that preparation is essential, and remember to breathe. You\u2019ve got this. Best of luck with your interview!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you smash your NHS Job Interview and become an outstanding member of the NHS, don\u2019t forget to come back and check out our incredible discounts. With hundreds of <\/em>deals and discounts<\/em><\/a>, you could get an NHS discount at your favourite brands!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHere is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 2<\/strong>: How would you respond if you were faced with an aggressive patient? <\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 3: Please describe a situation where you have given quality care?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 4: Can you describe a situation where you\u2019ve had to resolve a work-based conflict?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 5: Can you tell me how the NHS and how it operates?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Question 6: How do you deal with pressure?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 7: What qualities do you have that would make you an excellent fit for the NHS?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Question 8: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?<\/mark><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is an example answer:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Additional NHS Job Interview Help & Tips<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Interview Preparation is Key:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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First Impressions Count in the NHS:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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