Applying to the NHS

Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash

By Gemma Foxall, Careers Adviser

The NHS recruits more University of Nottingham graduates than any other employer (Graduate Outcomes survey).  For this reason, we spend time talking to their recruitment teams to find out what they are looking for in their applications and how you can avoid common mistakes.

Here are a our top tips from the NHS Trusts we have spoken to recently.

Understand the recruitment process

• For most roles in the NHS, you will be asked to complete an online application form.  While there is some variation from trust to trust, most will require you to write a supporting statement to explain how you meet the essential and any of the desirable requirements as outlined in the person specification. 

• Use the full word count.  If the word limit is 1500 words, aim for over 1400 words so that you give yourself every opportunity to articulate why you are the right candidate for the role. 

• For some trusts, this statement is separated into a few shorter sections or topic areas (for example, experience, skills and behaviours); others will expect everything to be covered in the one statement.

• Methodically work through the person specification to ensure you have covered all the criteria (or as many as reasonably possible) in your statement and given full examples of how and when you have used each of those skills or demonstrated that knowledge.

• Use the STAR technique to help structure your examples and provide the full context, reflection and relation to the role you are applying to.

• Write the statement yourself, AI cannot give the trusts the personalised, genuine experience and reflections that they are looking for.  Some trusts will reject applications if they believe they are AI-written.

• In addition to the supporting statement, some trusts may also ask additional questions, often about the trust’s values or particular skills or experiences that they want to focus on.

Be ready BEFORE the role is advertised

Many roles in the NHS receive high numbers of applications.  Once a role receives a certain number of applications, the advert often closes early, before any published deadline. 

There have been instances of roles closing within six to 24 hours of the applications opening. As a result, we recommend that you start drafting your supporting statement before the job vacancy opens.  This would enable you to submit a good application before the role is closed.

• Find a previous or similar job description and person specification for the role that you are targeting.  You can start drafting your statement using the criteria on this statement. Always check whether anything has changed when the new advert is published.

• Use the our support available to review your statements, so they are in the best possible position, ready for the application window opening.

Reflect on the NHS values and express in your applications and interviews how they resonate with you

Each NHS trust will have its own values in addition to the NHS values. Kind, Inclusive, Ambitious and One Team are the values for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, but make sure you research the values of the specific trust you are applying to.

Ask yourself:

• How have you demonstrated these values in the past?

• What does each value mean to you and to the role you are applying to?

• How will you implement these values in the role you are applying for?

Demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the profession

Showing genuine interest can make a significant difference in NHS applications. Recruiters want to see that you’re motivated, curious, and committed to contributing to patient care and continuous improvement.

Research more than the job description alone:

• What challenges is the trust currently facing?

• What’s happening in the local community?

• Are there government or NHS policy priorities that affect the service area?

Including this information in your application or interview demonstrates informed interest and awareness of the wider NHS context.

For further support with your application, visit our making applications webpages and book a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser. For nurses and midwives, we have a dedicated page for you on applications.