Interview Tips

[pringle88]

I applied for a job in August and have just received an e-mail from the NHS inviting me to an interview on Tuesday!

Half of me is really excited and the other half is absolutely bricking it!

The last interview I went to was 6 years ago when I started my old job!

Any tips for NHS interviews or any interviews in general would be massively appreciated

(it's for a receptionist job)

Thank you xx

 

[katie_lou]

Just prepare the best u can there is nothing worst than going into an interview unprepared and jut be ready for the questions they will ask . A few they will prob ask are;

Tell me about your self ?

What are your strengths and weaknesses ?

What skills/attributes do you have that relate to the job role ,

There's loads more just can't think normally when I have been for a job they ask me to tell them what I know about the company .

Xxxx

 

[beckyboo1]

Do you know how many will be interviewing you?

I guess I was always told to make sure you're knowledgable about the company (or I guess the department you'll be working for)

They usually ask about strengths and weaknesses so would be good to have a think about those- rather than coming up with the answer on the day.

Maybe if you had a list of the competencies required for the job you could think of something to say about each if them.

Just be you- I'm a great believer in what will be will be.

Hope that helps x

 

[tweetyfoo]

Go through the job description/specification and know all the skills etc they want you to have.

Think of examples of times when

You've had to use initiative
Youve had to make a decision
You've had a difficult customer

Etc etc

I used to conduct interviews and the best advice I can give you is be relaxed ... If you are too nervous it comes across badly xx


Please excuse any typos from my fat fingers!
Tapatalk madness!

 

[Princess81]

Yeah good departmental knowledge would help I guess, its been about 7 years since I had one so i don't actually have anything useful to offer x

 

[VikkiR]

Im presuming its for an acute trust, is it general outpatients or a particular specialty? x

 

[Little_angel]

For an NHS job there will be a job spec and usually a person specification, usually on the NHS jobs website when you apply. Have you seen it? If so, go through this and work out how your experience relates to the job/person spec - think of actual examples. It doesn't have to be work experience, could be something from your hobbies or personal life, and it doesn't need to be impressive, something small and simple is fine.

Apart from basic computer literacy and admin skills, the main attributes for a receptionist would be to be presentable, friendly, have good communication skills and to be fairly resilient (by this I mean wouldn't be too ruffled by a complaining relative etc and would be able to field stuff like this professionally). This will come across in your general demeanour during the interview and your parenting experience will stand you in good stead!

Good luck xx

 

[VikkiR]

Hospital receptionists need be able to multitask, depending which specialty it is and which PAS they use, you could well be booking in patients, checking and amending demographics, prepping clinics, making/changing appts over the phone and in person, cancelling and re arranging clinics and reconciling clinics as well. Let us know how you get on, good luck

 

[pringle88]

Thanks girls, I've made a note of some of your suggestions ill make sure I prep and read through the job description properly

I will be interviewed by two people

It's for a receptionist on obs and gynaecology - I've already been told that I have been short listed down to 10 from 200 so even if I don't get the job I feel better knowing I was even short listed!

Thanks for your replies. X

 

[beckyboo1]

Let us know how you get on

I've only ever had one interview and that was 13 years ago!! Been with sane company since so am dreading if I have to change jobs!!

I have been involved on interviewing though

 

[LikeJohnnYoko]

I don't really have any tips, just wanted to wish you good luck!

 

[pringle88]

Thank you!!

 

[daniph1]

Good luck - when I have interviewed people I like those who ask questions of us as well! It makes it a little more interesting! Prepare some questions for your interviewers - they always ask - is there anything you want to ask! have something - 9/1- ppl wont! x

 

[pringle88]

Yeah that's a good tip, I will do, thanks!

 

[Jaxx01]

I used to always ask something a bout the person interviewing me and their position...people LOVE talking about themselves lol xx

 

[pringle88]

Haha I will prob get carried away in the moment and get into a full blown convo about something irrelevant!!

Just gotta try and squeeze my ass back in to my pre pregnancy work trousers for the interview!!

 

[daniph1]

good luck today! xx

 

[pringle88]

Thanks girls,

Interview was this morning! There were 3 people on the panel - they interviewed me for a different role but will find out by tomorrow If I got it - I was very nervous so I'm not getting my hopes up

At least I've had the experience of an NHS interview now x

 

[Little_angel]

Don't worry about being nervous, most people are at interviews.

Fx for you xx