Landing your first job in the NHS- queries answered!

Landing your first job in the NHS- queries answered!
If you are reading this, you probably have cleared PLAB 1 &2- if so, pat yourself on the back for a job well done and accept our congratulations!
If you are still in the PLAB journey but just curious, smart thinking! It is always useful to know and plan ahead.

Either way, you are at the right place. This is not a step by step guide on how to apply for jobs in the NHS but answers to some usual queries and practical tips to ease the process.

So, here goes:

Query #1- What jobs should I apply for?

The NHS job portal shows a lot of jobs but the varied job titles can make you wonder which one you are eligible for and you might end up limiting your chances if you stick to just one. This may come as surprise but you can apply to all of the following, even if all you have is internship as experience to boast of:

• Foundation Year 1 
• Foundation Year 2 
• Trust Doctors (FY2, CT/ST-1 or 2)
• CT 1, CT 2
• ST 1, ST 2
• SHO(Senior House Officer) 
• JCF(Junior Clinical Fellow)
• Clinical Fellow 

Every listed job has a job description and person specification attached to it. These are very important to go through as they give a fair idea about the nature of the job but don’t take the person specification at face value- you don’t have to meet all the criteria and it doesn’t hurt to apply. You will be called to the interview only if you fit the bill, so apply away!
But do not ever apply to a job you would not take even if you were selected as that will just be a massive waste of time for you and the hospital advertising it.

Query #2- When should I expect to hear back after applying?

Patience is the key in applying to NHS jobs and smartness is the way out. When you look at job postings, note that you will always find application closing dates mentioned there. To hear back from the hospital, expect any time between 2 to 4 weeks after the closing date.
A good way to cut waiting time is to apply first to jobs whose closing date is nearer- it also ensures you don’t miss out on any.

Another thing to appreciate is that the HR department at hospitals may not have enough time or resources to get back to candidates not shortlisted for the interview.

So do not fret over applications you have not heard back from but keep applying to more. You never know which one might be THE one!

Query #3- How do I make sure my CV is shortlisted for an interview?

We wish there was a perfect formula for this but sadly, there isn’t. You can certainly ensure the following to increase your chances though:

• Always customise your application according to the job being applied for. 

This sounds like excess work and the temptation to use the same content is high, especially when you are applying to multiple jobs but this is very important. You can’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach to applications as each application is weighed according to the job it is for. Use the listed job description and person specification and demonstrate how your experience/qualifications suit that. It makes a world of difference!

•  Highlight your strengths

It is a skill not taught at medical schools but you must acquire it. Do not shy away from highlighting your strengths and do it well. Your CV needs to reflect your personality and also your competence as a professional . Get help from friends or fellow IMGs who have been in a similar position and get your CV vetted. 

• Shed light on your experience

Do not limit your experience to a one-liner with the job title, department and hospital name. Explain your past roles and responsibilities,especially in context to the role being applied for. This helps reviewers quickly assess suitability.

• Be honest!

Do remember not to oversell yourself and commit to things you have never done/have no idea about. Honesty is always the best policy.

Query #4- Which hospitals/regions should I apply to?

There is no specific hospital or region that has better chances of landing a job but there are factors you need to consider:

• London is lucrative but is also very expensive and extremely competitive so landing a job may not be as easy or budget friendly.
• Unless you have pressing reasons to, it is better not to restrict your choice to one or two places. The more flexible you are, the better your chances are.

Query #5- Should I go with an agency for better job placement?

Choosing an agency or not is entirely a personal choice. Most people are able to find a job on their own while others swear by agencies. An advantage of going direct is that you are not wary of miscommunication or credibility as you are directly talking to relevant trusts/hospitals but if you have limitations e.g. of location or working hours due to personal reasons- agencies may be able to help you better.
Nevertheless, be aware and be sure. 

Happy job hunting! Let us know if you have any other queries in the comments.