NHS Interview tips

[Liamxtype]

Hello Everyone,
Got an interview coming up for a 6 month contract as a systems admin with the NHS, the rate is tulip but as it's only 20 mins away I'm going for it. Does anyone have any tips about interviewing with NHS or public sector companies, is it going to be much the same as private sector company interviews?

[centurian]

Is it going to be much the same as private sector company interviews?

Same - as in you have to go to their office and answer some questions, yes. Beyond that, it could be a million miles away from a private sector interview.

Largely depends on how formal the hiring manager is. At one extreme, expect a fully formalised interview process, just like a permie, along with an HR representative.

If there are multiple candidates, expect it to be even worse. They will likely have a preset list of questions, which they will ask of each candidate, word for word, with little deviation.

But if you're lucky to get someone less stuffy, yes it could be similar to private sector interviews.

[Pogle]

I went for an NHS interview once and stayed all day, cos they'd given me the job before I'd even got there!
I have also interviewed people for NHS roles too. Just promise me you will switch off your phone before the interview and on no account answer the bloody thing during the interview!!

This happened not once, but twice - both times I was interviewing candidates for NHS roles

[northernladuk]

Don't go in with a can do must do attitude and if they ask you what frustrates you at work don't say politics, bureaucracy and endless layers of incompetent managers. From what i remember they were key challenges of the roles. They may not someone too enthusiastic that is gonna rock the boat and then get frustrated at the lack of progress and leave.

I would put the emphasis on team player, understanding process and the importance of getting it right. The guys I worked with were very overworked and under paid and there is a very different culture to the private sector. Nothing will get done quickly so not the best place for results driven people.

are you direct or with a supplier? don't go suited and booted with bling cufflinks either. smart and understated so you dont look like a wideboy.

[Liamxtype]

Thanks Folks, this is very good advice, much appreciated.
I'm going through an agency, don't wear cufflinks and the mobile will be left in the car, so hopefully it will all go well! Thank you again.

[wim121]

Same - as in you have to go to their office and answer some questions, yes. Beyond that, it could be a million miles away from a private sector interview.

Don't go in with a can do must do attitude and if they ask you what frustrates you at work don't say politics, bureaucracy and endless layers of incompetent managers. From what i remember they were key challenges of the roles. They may not someone too enthusiastic that is gonna rock the boat and then get frustrated at the lack of progress and leave.

Exactly. Unless you are a robot or devoid of a soul, dont work for the NHS. It's enough to make you want to end it all.

NHS and civil servant venues should have suicide booths on site. Would make things a lot easier ....

I went for an NHS interview once and stayed all day, cos they'd given me the job before I'd even got there!

I had that happen as well. "Oh just let me show you this, meet kevin" in an interview and an hour later you sheepishly ask if you've been forgotten about, only to be looked at like a martian and have them explain you've been at work all this time.






Good luck by the way. I hope the trust in your area is one of the better ones ....

[Wanderer]

if they ask you what frustrates you at work don't say politics, bureaucracy and endless layers of incompetent managers

[PinkPoshRat]

NHS and civil servant venues should have suicide booths on site. Would make things a lot easier ....

[theroyale]

Been at the NHS a year now. Come in at 9, home for a quick hot lunch, browse the internet through the afternoons, leave at 4.

What's the problem?

[PinkPoshRat]

I'm very pleased for you

I must just be very unlucky then, as my opinion of NHS contracts is far too negative to mention