I have an interview next week for the 'clinical support worker' role. Can I have some tips please (attire, interview questions/process etc). Thanks.

Answered by NHS Healthcare Support Workers27 October 2020

During the current pandemic, you may be interviewed via a videocall on a platform like Microsoft Teams, or you may be invited to attend a socially-distanced interview at the building where the job is based, or another site.

You’ll be given a time and date, and may be given the details of who will be on the interview panel. This might include someone from HR, the manager of the team you’d be working in, a patient or carer representative.

Everyone being interviewed will be asked the same set of questions.

Interviewers will be interested to hear why you’d like to work as a Healthcare Support Worker. What interests you about the role. Why you think you’d be well-suited to it. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience working in a healthcare setting; it’s not needed for this job. You’ll get all the training you need once you’re in the role.

However, it could be good if you could think of some transferable skills you might have that could be useful to the role eg have you worked in a customer service role, or hospitality where you’re used to dealing with different members of the public. Maybe you’ve volunteered, or been involved in community groups or team activities at school which could show teamworking skills.

Preparation is key and you will increase your chances if you:

Check out in advance where the interview will be held, work out how to get there and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Remember that hospitals and universities can be large and busy places: you need to know exactly where you need to be for your interview
Remember the interview panel is on your side. You have been invited to the interview because they liked your application form and want to know more about you
Listen carefully to the questions they ask, and answer them as clearly as you can
Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of the NHS values or values of the employing organisation and how you would apply them in your everyday work
Don't rush. Think about your answers. If there's something in the question you don't understand, ask for clarification
Think in advance about any questions you might have for the panel and take the opportunity to ask them at the end. This is a good chance for you to see if you think the role is right for you too.

For more application and interview tips follow NHS Jobs on Facebook: facebook.com/NHSJobs/

Or visit the NHS Health Careers website: healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/improving-your-chances/planning-your-career/applications-and-interviews

Answered 20 December 2019 - Medical Secretary (Current employee) - Glasgow rotal infirmary

Dress smart. Any interview anywhere dress smart. It shows effort and professionalism. They will ask you questions based on person centred care, confidentiality, past experiences in work. They may also ask you directly why you want to work for the NHS so be prepared for that. I don't want to give you specific questions in case they aren't asked. Most importantly just be yourself and there aren't any trick questions. Good luck!