NHS interview, advice needed?

Caspar · 15-06-2009, 16:33

I've got an interview with an NHS trust for an IT position (IM&T dept).

Does anyone have any advice on NHS interviews and techniques?

**Rob** · 15-06-2009, 16:34

Don't mention superbugs, even if they are ones in software

Good luck with it

**Russ** · 15-06-2009, 16:36

Calling SuBi...(superbiatch

)

superbiatch · 15-06-2009, 16:55

I've got mates who work in our IT Empire, so will ask them specifics. But generally they are all pretty much the same.

You obviously meet the person spec which is why you got an interview (congrats btw), what is the exact job title? Does your interview include a competency test also?

The questions *should* be based on your competence in meeting the spec. And they will usually ask you to give an example when you've done such and such a thing. In order to make it as fair as possible, we use a scoring matrix so if you feel that you didn't answer a question as strongly as you could have, don't stress just pull yourself together and answer the next one doubly as good

As an interviewer, we get nervous too - so don't worry about that.

The usual apply, smart appearance and cleanliness are imperative. And check your fly is up (I won't tell you about an interview I did recently!)

punky · 15-06-2009, 17:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caspar

I've got an interview with an NHS trust for an IT position (IM&T dept).

Does anyone have any advice on NHS interviews and techniques?

I have had a couple with the NHS. They seem to be very varied.

Interview 1 (IT support), had a very basic test. After that had an interview with 3 people jointly. One would ask 2 or 3 questions, the other two scribbled notes, then it would move on to someone else to ask a couple and then so on. The head of department asked technical questions, the director of the trust (I think) asked questions more along how would I prioritise time and deal with problems. The other I think was a HR-type and asked the usual vague questions, why do I want to work there, what weaknesses, etc.

Interview 2 (Software Engineer) didn't have a test but the questions were very IT specific. There were 3 people but only 2 asked questions. All were IT or experience related. The other just took notes and photographed my passport.

If you look at the person spec it should say if you would have a test or not.

Basically, just use common sense. Dress smart, be early, take a copy of your CV just in case, memorise the job spec and relate your answers back to that. There are a lot of sample questions online with tips to formulate an answer. Talk clearly, don't waffle. Strong handshake (especially the blokes) and make good eye contact.

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

And check your fly is up (I won't tell you about an interview I did recently!)

You forgot to zip your fly up after coming back from the toilet

Turkey Machine · 15-06-2009, 18:07

Research the post you're taking. For the love of all that is holy do the research, else you will lose out on it.

superbiatch · 15-06-2009, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

You forgot to zip your fly up after coming back from the toilet

No, but the guy I was interviewing obviously forgot to zip up before attending his interview! Or maybe he thought it might swing things for him lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turkey Machine

Research the post you're taking. For the love of all that is holy do the research, else you will lose out on it.

I wholeheartedly agree with this one completely. I can't go into details but I rejected someone at interview for this reason recently - she just didn't bother to do any research even though she was great at everything else.

15-06-2009, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

No, but the guy I was interviewing obviously forgot to zip up before attending his interview! Or maybe he thought it might swing things for him lol.

Did he get the job?

superbiatch · 15-06-2009, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nidge

Did he get the job?

No, he was a boy - I need a man to keep me in check

Back on topic now....

Peter_ · 15-06-2009, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

No, he was a boy - I need a man to keep me in check

Back on topic now....

Here is your Postman admirer, is he man enough

Caspar · 16-06-2009, 19:53

Thanks all for your advice

Cross fingers!

dilligaf1701 · 16-06-2009, 19:53

Indeed - Good Luck

Caspar · 16-06-2009, 19:54

I've been told I should plan for a 45minute interview with 2 people.

So no test?

Does that mean they'll wittle the 4 interviewees down to maybe 2 and go for a 2nd interview test?

**Damien** · 16-06-2009, 20:14

Good Luck! Just don't panic if these guys are interviewing you:

punky · 16-06-2009, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caspar

I've been told I should plan for a 45minute interview with 2 people.

So no test?

Does that mean they'll wittle the 4 interviewees down to maybe 2 and go for a 2nd interview test?

It will say in one of the attachments (I think person spec) if there is a test. It will list the qualities you need and the there will be letters like A - application, I - interview and T - test. So degree = A, etc.

I forgot to mention the NHS is almost exclusively a Windoze environment and generally running VB.net. So brush up on your ASP.NET, VB.NET, T-SQL, Visual SourceSafe, etc.