Five top tips for a successful NHS job application

If you’re used to submitting a CV to apply for jobs or haven’t applied for a new job for a long time, completing an NHS job application form might feel like a challenge.

We’ve launched our new Application Support Hub to guide you through the CNTW application process.

Take a look at our top tips for filling in an NHS job application, taken from the Application Support Hub:

1.???Be thorough when completing the qualifications and employment history section

The first section of the form covers your education, professional qualifications and employment history.

For your qualifications, make sure the dates provided are accurate as you will be asked to provide evidence of these qualifications.

All NHS Trusts will ask you to cover your job history and/or education for the past three years. If you have gaps in employment you will need to enter details of these in?the ‘Gaps in Employment’?section.

2.???Use Microsoft Word to check your application

The NHS jobs app does not flag spelling or grammatical mistakes so it’s a good idea to use Microsoft Word to write your supporting information then copy and paste the text into the online applications form.

3.???Focus on the essential criteria when completing your supporting information section

This section is where you should dedicate the most time. It’s your chance to convey your suitability and passion for the role.

You need to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role so it’s a good idea to use these criteria as subheadings to ensure you cover everything.

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4.???Use examples effectively

Using specific examples, rather than making unsubstantiated claims, is a really important part of explaining how you meet the essential criteria. Choose examples from similar working environments to the job you’re applying for where possible.

Follow the STAR method when you give examples:

·????????Situation/Task?Set the context/introduction

·????????Action What you did, when, where, why, and who was involved?

·????????Result?What was the outcome of your action?

·????????Reflection?Alternative action/result– how could things be done differently?

5.???Refine your writing style

Before you hit submit, it’s worth spending some time finetuning your writing style to improve the quality of your application.

Use power verbs, meaning action words that have positive meanings, such as transformed, delivered, achieved and inspired.

Choose descriptive words, like effective, consistent, determined and adaptable.

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Our Application Support Hub is designed to improve the application experience of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, but the resources are useful for anyone interested in applying for a role at CNTW.