Before you can apply for a job, you need to know exactly what the job is about, what the recruiter is looking for, and, just as importantly, is the job right for you? To help with this, in the UK for every nurse job advert, there will be a job description (JD) and person specification (PS). A good guide on how to read the Job Description and Personal Specification and what the difference is between the two can be found on the link below
If you still don’t understand something or want to find out more, we would advise you call or email the recruiter and ask them directly. In fact, we advise you always call the recruiting person of the job you are interested in directly if you can. This helps build a relationship with the recruiter and shows your keen interest in the role. That way, when they see your application, they already “know you” a little and more likely to look at your application favourably. Of course you still have to ensure everything else about your application is still great!
Most NHS and private organisations want you to apply online by filling out their own application forms. Some recruiters, mainly agencies, ask you to submit a resume (called CV or curriculum vitae in the UK) with a covering letter. The application form normally consist of personal details, educational and training qualifications, criminal background questions and finally a covering letter type section where you are invited to explain why you want the job and why the employer should give YOU the job and not someone else. Depending on the organisation, there might further be a competency based section where you will be asked a serious of questions. These are normally a mix of:
Stressed out already from all these questions? Relax! keep reading below to see how to what you can do ensure you make successful applications
Whichever type of application you are making, make sure you ALWAYS check your spelling and grammar and get someone else to check the application afterwards. Recruiters often receive 100’s (sometimes 1000’s!) of applications and they will often reject the ones with poor spelling or bad grammar before they even look at the rest of the application. Don’t try and make your application complicated and try to use a simpler word over a more complicated one if available. If you want some help on your writing check out these truly excellent guides from the people at Plain English campaign. We use these ourselves so we can vouch on their quality!
https://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html
Other top tips include:
Does all this still sound too much? Don’t worry! We’ve done some digging around for you and found some fab resources. For some more help on writing winning job application, check out this guide from prospects https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters
Want to know what to put down in your nursing CV? Indeed has a good article on what to include here
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/nursing-skills
FInally, the NHS jobs itself has some guides on how to make good applications. Click on the link below to see their advice.
If the employer likes your application and you're shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway. As you are (most likely!) in a different country, this will normally be online. We have found a great guide on how to ace the interview. Click below to visit!
If you don’t hear back, please don’t get disheartened. Job applications can be a frustrating process, especially if you‘re not familiar with the UK recruitment process. Don’t lose heart and don’t give up! It could just be that there was someone who had maybe more experience than you, had a wider skillset or simply gave better answers on the application. However if you are constantly not getting any replies, we suggest you revisit the guides we have linked to above and make sure you are following the advice closely. Also, once again make sure you’re reading the job description and person specification very, very carefully and showing how you match each individual thing they are looking for. You can always show your application to a professional CV checking service who can offer you advice for a fee
It’s time to sell yourself and convince the employer why they should choose you to work for them. Please make sure you have fully prepared! You will normally be sent an email explaining what will happen at the interview. The is normally being asked a mix of clinical and non-clinical questions to assess your suitability for the role.
Make sure you read the email thoroughly and again familiarise yourself with the job specification and person specification. You will be asked about your experience, why you want to work for that particular employer, and several questions where you will be asked to give an example where you did a particular action or showed particular “behaviours.” For example, you might be asked ”tell us a time when you managed 2 very important tasks at the same time when you only had time for one“ (this is a time management question). Click below to see some tips and tricks on how to ace the interview! If you didn’t get the job, ask the interviewers for feedback so you can improve for next time. Normally they will give you some information as to why you didn‘t get the role and what you need to do to do better for your next application. Make sure you record the advice they give and work on the areas they highlight!
Now that you have been given a job offer, it is time to get ready to travel. To work as a nurse in the UK, you need a skills visa. As there is a shortage of nurses, the UK have made it easier to get a visa for you (and your family if you want to bring them too). Your new employer will “sponsor” your visa so they arrange all this for you. However you will have to submit several documents as part of your application to the UK Home Office. Some employers (if you’re really lucky!) might also help with arranging accomodation in the UK and flights to the UK and give you a loan to cover the costs. Others will expect you to arrange and pay for all these yourself upfront. For a really good overview of the (sometimes complicated) visa process and requirements, check out this explanation from davidsonmorris solicitors.
Upon arriving in the UK your employer will have an induction process which will introduce you to working and living in the UK and explain how everyone works. Moving to a new country can be stressful but don’t worry! It is almost guaranteed that there will be other international staff members at your new organisation who can provide support and friendship. There are also several societies and organisations that represent almost every country in the world who can provide further support. The UK is one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world and welcomes diversity. Click on the button below to be taken to the NHS international nursing and midwifery associations and find one from your country!
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