To be successful in your NHS interview, you should fully understand the role you have applied for and how it fits into the wider service. You should also conduct thorough background research, practice your interview technique, and prepare answers for general interview questions. In addition, you’ll need to prepare for specific questions relating to jobs in the NHS. With such a broad range of roles on offer, the exact questions will vary. That said, there are many that are likely to crop up in all scenarios. The list below offers 10 common NHS interview questions, including those relating to the service in general, as well as competency and situational questions relevant to most roles. When forming your answer, as well as describing what you will gain from the role, also refer to what you intend to bring to the service in return. Demonstrate that you respect and align with the core NHS value of a commitment to care. Show you have the desire to work in a highly challenging environment and are dedicated to continued professional development, to raise standards of service delivery. Example answer:
2. Tell Me About the Core Values of the NHS
Regardless of the role for which you are applying, this is one of the most important NHS interview questions, as the organisation takes a strong values-based approach to recruitment. The opportunities for ongoing training and development will allow me to move forward, while remaining an integral part of a committed team of professionals. I am passionate about quality patient care and, despite the many challenges it faces, believe the NHS to be the best environment in which to truly make a difference to the lives of others. Ensure you are familiar with and can express commitment to the following six principles:
Commitment to quality of care – This focuses on the building of trust and a pledge to continued safety, accountability, integrity and improvement. Working together for patients – This emphasises internal and external collaboration for the good of patients, over and above any organisational needs. Compassion – This centres on a proactive approach to patient care, treating all with kindness and taking every step to relieve suffering. Respect and dignity – This refers to a culture of openness, honesty and respect for all who come into contact with the NHS. Everyone counts – This revolves around the fair allocation of resources and caring for those most in need, regardless of circumstances. Improving lives – This underpins the very purpose of the NHS, its commitment to excellence and the improvement of patient health and well-being.
To prepare, try to think of a few examples of when you have demonstrated each of these six principles in your work or personal life.
3. What Are the Current Challenges Facing the NHS?
As far as NHS job interview questions and answers go, this is perhaps the most telling when it comes to your understanding of the inner workings of the NHS, the realities and challenges of the role you are applying for, the future of public health and how external factors impact on the organisation’s ability to deliver. The best response to this question will be timely and based on current affairs. Funding, staff shortages, rates of pay, working conditions and the allocation of resources are all challenges for the NHS. You must be up to speed on the particulars of each at the time of interview. Beyond financial and political challenges, there are also many social factors affecting the NHS, such as an ageing population and the impact of poor lifestyle choices, including the rise of diseases like diabetes and obesity. Proving that you have a sound knowledge of how external factors continue to present new challenges will show that you appreciate the service as a whole, and are not solely focused on your role within it.
4. What Qualities Make a Good NHS Employee?
As stated, the NHS takes a value-based approach to recruitment. It looks for staff that support its ideals, and work to its moral and professional standards. Of course, role-specific skills and experience are important, but if you’re at interview stage, it has likely been determined that you hold these. Instead, focus your answer on the qualities that the six core values of the NHS demand:
Integrity and accountability – To ensure patient confidentiality, learn from mistakes and work towards continuous improvement Flexibility and time management – To meet ever-changing demands and respond effectively in a challenging environment Kindness, compassion and patience – To provide the highest standards of patient care and to take an empathetic approach to the treatment of family, friends and carers Teamwork and communication – To work as part of a healthcare network that includes multiple departments and external organisations Passion and commitment – To uphold the standards of the NHS and go the extra mile to improve the lives of others
You may also be asked NHS competency-based interview questions, which will require you to describe situations where you have demonstrated these qualities in action.
5. What Can You Tell Me About How the NHS Operates?
This NHS interview question requires in-depth research. You should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of primary and secondary care, and the roles of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), NHS trusts and foundation trusts. You should also take the time to familiarise yourself with the NHS Long Term Plan, a document published in 2019 that outlines priorities and goals for the next 10 years. Also note that there are structural differences across the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so you’ll need to thoroughly research the particulars of your area and understand how they relate to the wider framework. If you have any contacts already working within the NHS, ask them for guidance to help develop your understanding of its operations. It’s also vital that you’re familiar with the workings of your own chosen department, and the role it plays in the service as a whole.
Use the STAR technique to formulate an answer that sets the scene, details your approach and ends with a positive result. Example answer: Note that this example answer includes a reference to a personal coping mechanism. This shows that you take a proactive approach to stress management. Ultimately, I had to take a step back to assess my priorities and make a plan to manage my time effectively. Through approaching my responsibilities strategically, I was able to turn the pressure to my advantage. Knowing I had a limited time to complete academic tasks really helped to focus my mind. I also learnt that I needed an outlet for stress, which is why I took up running. I find it helps to clear my head and boost positivity, so I can handle pressure effectively.
7. Describe a Time When You Have Resolved a Work-Based Conflict
The NHS is a highly stressful environment to work in. Staff are often under extreme pressure, which can result in tension and confrontation. A key quality of a good employee is the ability to stay calm and not let personal feelings or challenges interfere with quality standards. Again, your example can be from any previous employment, provided you clearly demonstrate good interpersonal skills and strong conflict management. Example answer:
8. Describe a Situation Where You Gave Quality Care
The key purpose of the NHS is to provide quality care to all service users at every level. To be successful in your NHS interview, you’ll need to show commitment to this value. As it was a group project that required strong teamwork, this issue needed to be resolved quickly, so I called the individual in for a friendly chat. It transpired they had been receiving conflicting information from colleagues and, as such, were finding it difficult to fulfil their role. It was clear there’d been a breakdown in communication, so I called a team meeting to discuss progress and clear up any misunderstandings. Allowing everyone to speak openly cleared the air without anyone facing blame. The project was put back on track and the rising tensions disappeared. Communication improved and the team pulled together to complete the project on time. It may be that you don’t have a workplace example to give in response here, in which case it’s perfectly acceptable to describe a personal situation, such as caring for a family member or loved one. The key thing is to remember the NHS core values and provide an answer that shows kindness and compassion. Example answer:
9. If You Were Faced with an Aggressive Patient, How Would You Respond?
This is one example of a situational NHS interview question. Its purpose is to allow the interviewer to determine how you would react to a scenario in a real working environment. A short while ago, an elderly lady collapsed in a busy public space. She was alone and became very distressed. I immediately called for assistance to clear the area for privacy. She was showing signs of disorientation and felt sick, so I asked a colleague to call for an ambulance, relaying information while continuing to comfort her. I maintained a calm conversation until the ambulance arrived to ease her distress. On arrival, the ambulance crew decided it was necessary to take her to hospital. Thankfully it was nothing serious and she came back to thank me a few days later. Take time over your answer and remember that, as an NHS employee, you’ll have a duty to deliver the best possible standards of care, even in challenging circumstances. A good answer will recognise that there will be guidelines in place for dealing with situations like this and considerations of patient and staff safety must be taken into account. Example answer:
10. How Would You Deal with Seeing a Distressing Medical Situation?
This is one of the NHS interview questions more tailored to front-line staff. You’ll be working in an environment where these situations will often present themselves, and you need to show that you’re prepared. I would calm them by being attentive and listening to their frustrations, ensuring that I took every step possible to resolve the situation. Communication is key, so I would clearly explain my course of action and let them know their needs were a priority. If the situation were to worsen, I would follow guidelines and seek further assistance. When answering this question, it’s important to acknowledge that you’re human and will inevitably be affected in some way, but it’s how you handle these situations that counts. Example answer: You can’t shut yourself off from emotions. Compassion and empathy are key qualities of a good NHS employee. Instead, I would be open about my feelings, take time out to deal with them, and seek additional help when needed. To start with, make sure that you have done your research so that you are familiar with the job description and the person specification, and you understand the structure of the NHS – as well as the wider healthcare industry. You can use this research to help you think of questions that you can ask at the end of the interview. Keep your application and CV details to the top of your mind so that you can refer to the skills and competencies you have highlighted throughout the interview. On the day, make sure you are comfortably and appropriately dressed and arrive in plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed or flustered before you start. They also make sure that you understand the role and the NHS as a whole. The questions include:
Why do you want to work here? What are the core values of the NHS? What are the current challenges facing the NHS? What qualities make a good NHS employee? How does the NHS operate? Describe a time when you have had to cope under pressure. Describe a time when you have resolved a work-based conflict. Describe a situation where you gave quality care. If you were faced with an aggressive patient, how would you respond? How would you deal with seeing a distressing medical situation?
Most of these questions need personalized answers – the way you respond will be down to your own feelings, for example. Some of them will demonstrate that you have done your research. Knowing that these types of questions are likely to come in the interview means that you can prepare a tailored answer.
Working together for patients Commitment to quality of care Respect and dignity Compassion Improving lives Everyone counts
Care Competence Compassion Courage Communication Commitment
Even now, these principles are the guiding values that drive the NHS and the care they provide. During the interview, you can expect to provide an overview of your skills, competencies and qualifications and then answer some questions. Depending on the role you have applied for, you might be expected to work through a clinical scenario or a case study. At the end of the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. You will be awarded points in relation to the essential criteria for the role, as well as the key ‘desirable’ criteria. If your interview structure has a presentation, clinical scenario, or any testing, the scores for these will be included in the interview scoring. Other benefits of working for the NHS include paid leave (at least 35 days including Bank Holidays). Other leave types are available, like maternity, paternity, parental and sick leave. The NHS pension is another great reason to work for them – it is generous and well-regarded. Discounts for NHS staff include things like the Blue Light Card which works in many high street retailers. This might mean something like smart trousers and a shirt or blouse, with sensible clean shoes. The way you dress and the image you present will help you project confidence, friendliness, and reliability. Be confident and make sure that you listen to all that the interviewers say. If you are unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before you provide an answer. When you are asked a question, take a moment to think before you answer – this will give you time to structure your answer and help you to avoid waffling. Make sure you answer clearly, concisely and honestly.
Do your homework – Make sure you research the role, the NHS, and the wider healthcare industry Make a good first impression – Be early for the interview, and dress smartly. Project confidence. Think about your body language – Don’t fold your arms, make sure you make eye contact, and practice active listening. Be confident – Project your best, enthusiastic self and stay positive, even when talking about something negative. Be clear in your answers – Think about using the STAR mnemonic when you answer questions that need detail so that you don’t waffle. Ask insightful questions – Focus on the way the job is likely to grow, rather than just what benefits you can get.
Some of the questions you could ask include:
What is the work culture like in the department? How could I make a good impression in the first few months? Are there any changes coming to the department in the next five years? What are the opportunities for development in this role?
You might want to think of more role-specific questions, considering things like recent technologies and innovations that might impact the job for which you have applied. In most cases, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on the role you have applied for – but sometimes you can hear back much sooner. In addition to the example questions above, you may also be presented with NHS interview scenario questions, whereby you will be given a hypothetical clinical situation related to your chosen area and asked to explain the best course of action. These questions will be aimed at those applying for front line clinical roles. However, you will not be asked to perform actual medical treatments at interview. As with any interview, it’s also advisable to have a few questions of your own prepared. This is not only interview best practice, but it also shows that you have a vested interest in the NHS and your potential future role within it.
