Applying for a role within the NHS (National Health Service) is a significant step which can be both exciting and competitive.
Whether you’re entering the healthcare sector for the first time or moving into a new NHS role, it’s essential to understand how the interview process works.
I will walk you through each stage of the NHS interview process, explain the key differences between interviews and assessments, and help you feel confident and well-prepared.
Understanding the NHS Interview Process
The NHS recruitment process is known for being structured and transparent. Here’s what the typical journey looks like:
1. Application via NHS Jobs or Trac
Most NHS roles are advertised on platforms such as jobs.nhs.uk or Trac Jobs. You’ll need to:
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Create a profile
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Fill out a detailed application form
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Demonstrate how your experience meets the person specification
Tip: Make sure you tailor each section of your application to match the job description.
Use real-life examples and mirror keywords from the listing to improve your chances of being shortlisted.
See Top Websites for NHS Jobs: Your Guide to Starting a Career in The NHS
2. Shortlisting
After the application deadline, a recruitment panel will review all applications against the essential and desirable criteria.
Only those who clearly meet the essential criteria (and ideally some desirable ones) will be shortlisted.
You’ll usually be contacted within 1–2 weeks if you’re selected to progress.
3. Interview Invitation
Shortlisted candidates receive an email or phone call inviting them to an interview and/or assessment.
The invitation usually includes:
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The interview format (in-person, video, or telephone)
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Who will be on the panel
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Whether you’ll need to complete any tasks (e.g., a typing test, presentation, or role play)
What to Expect in an NHS Interview
NHS interviews are usually panel-based and often follow a structured competency framework to ensure fairness.
You may be interviewed by:
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A line manager or team leader
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An HR representative
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A clinical lead (for clinical roles)
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A service user (sometimes involved in patient-facing roles)
✅ Panel Interview Format
Expect 30–60 minutes of questions from 2–4 panel members. Each panelist may score your responses independently.
Virtual interviews are increasingly common, especially for administrative and junior roles. Make sure you:
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Test your audio and camera beforehand
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Find a quiet space with a neutral background
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Join 5–10 minutes early
✅ Structured and Competency-Based Questions
Interviewers often ask questions like:
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“Can you give an example of how you’ve worked under pressure?”
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“Tell us about a time you resolved a conflict in your team.”
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These questions test your ability to handle real-world situations and align with the NHS Leadership Framework and 6Cs (care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment).
✅ Values-Based Recruitment
The NHS is deeply committed to recruiting people who embody its values. You may be asked:
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“How do you ensure dignity and respect in your daily work?”
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“What does putting patients first mean to you?”
Prepare answers that reflect your integrity, empathy, and dedication to patient-centred care.
Difference Between an Interview and an Assessment
Many NHS roles include both interviews and assessments, especially for admin, technical, and managerial positions.
An interview is a formal conversation to assess:
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Your experience
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Your skills and qualifications
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How well you match the organisation’s values
You’ll need to verbally explain your past achievements, problem-solving approach, and motivation for joining the NHS.
Skills tested: Communication, decision-making, teamwork, emotional intelligence.
An assessment is a practical task to evaluate how you perform in job-related activities. Common types include:
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Typing tests (for admin roles)
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Role plays (for reception, patient-facing, or support roles)
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Numeracy/literacy tests
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Excel or data analysis tasks
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Scenario-based tasks (e.g., handling a complaint or prioritising emails)
Some roles (e.g. Band 4+ or IT/clinical specialisms) may also involve a presentation or case study discussion.
Read Understanding Bands in the UK Healthcare Jobs
How to Prepare for an NHS Interview
Success in an NHS interview requires preparation, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the role and the organisation’s core values.
1. Study the Job Description and Person Specification
Print out or highlight these documents and study them thoroughly. Match each responsibility or requirement with an example from your own experience.
Use the STAR method for your answers:
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Situation: What was the context?
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Task: What was required?
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Action: What did you do?
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Result: What was the outcome?
Need help preparing for your NHS interview? Feel free to reach out.
2. Understand NHS Values
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Constitution, which outlines core principles like:
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Respect and dignity
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Compassion
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Improving lives
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Commitment to quality of care
Frame your examples around these values. Even if you don’t come from a healthcare background, focus on empathy, integrity, and doing the right thing.
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3. Practise Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for:
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“Why do you want to work for the NHS?”
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“Tell me about a time you worked in a team.”
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“How do you handle pressure or tight deadlines?”
Practise aloud or with a friend, and keep your answers concise but meaningful.
4. Prepare for Assessments
If you’re applying for a role that includes testing (e.g., administrator, coordinator, analyst), brush up on:
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Typing speed (using free online tests)
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Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel and Outlook)
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Data entry or attention-to-detail exercises
5. Dress Appropriately and Be Professional
Even if the interview is virtual, dress professionally as you would for an in-person meeting.
Keep your posture confident and your tone warm and clear.
Need help preparing for your NHS interview? Feel free to reach out.
After the Interview: What Happens Next
After the interview and/or assessment:
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Scores are compiled, and candidates are ranked
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If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer, subject to:
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References
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Right-to-work checks
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DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
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Occupational health clearance
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If unsuccessful, you can usually request feedback, which is often helpful for future applications.
Final Thoughts
The NHS interview process is structured, fair, and values-driven.
By preparing well and aligning your answers to both the role and the organisation’s ethos, you’ll stand out as a strong and committed candidate.
Whether you’re applying for a healthcare assistant role, medical secretary, administrator, or any clinical or non-clinical role, keep these principles in mind:
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Understand what the NHS is looking for
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Provide specific, values-based examples
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Practise, prepare, and stay confident
Need help preparing for your NHS interview? Feel free to reach out or drop a comment.
We are to help you succeed in your NHS career journey!
