NHS Interview Questions Flashcards
Key qualities the NHS are looking for
Adaptability
Problem-solving skills
Leadership potential
Attention to detail
A willingness to learn and develop new skills
They are looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care and safety and have a clear understanding of the importance of delivering high-quality healthcare services.
They are looking for candidates who possess good communication skills, both verbal and written, and who can work collaboratively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
Additionally, interviewers may assess candidates’ values and work ethic, including their ability to work under pressure, their commitment to teamwork and their ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and compassion.
What Appeals to You About Working in the NHS?
Commitment to care:
I strongly identify with the ethos of the NHS and believe the best way to use my skills is to contribute to the continued delivery of accessible healthcare.
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.
Tell Me About the Core Values of the NHS
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.
What Are the Current Challenges Facing the NHS?
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.
What Qualities Make a Good NHS Employee?
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.
E.g. when my car broke down for a week, I went the extra mile to ensure I still made it to work.
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 > COME UP WITH EXAMPLES FOR EACH!
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.
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.
Describe a Time You Have Coped Well Under Pressure
Use the STAR technique to formulate an answer that sets the scene, details your approach and ends with a positive result.
Example answer:
Throughout my time at university, I had to learn to deal with both financial and academic pressure. Personal circumstances meant that I had to balance part-time employment with study, which became increasingly difficult in my final year.
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.
Describe a Time When You Have Resolved a Work-Based Conflict
Example answer:
In my previous position, I was tasked with coordinating a small team of employees from different departments to deliver a project to a tight deadline. As work progressed, it was apparent that one individual was failing to complete their work on time and the wider team were becoming frustrated as a result.
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.
If You Were Faced with an Aggressive Patient, How Would You Respond?
My approach would be to meet aggression with patience and understanding. It’s important to remember that patients are often in stressful situations and their anger is not a personal attack.
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.
STAR> Waitrose and wrong sandwich order.
How Would You Deal with Seeing a Distressing Medical Situation?
When you make a commitment to care, you ultimately open yourself up to distressing situations. I think it’s crucial to remember that everyone around you is in the same boat and, while they may react differently, your team are there to support you.
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.
STAR> Seeing distressing cases when I did work experience at Vet practices > e.g. dog with tumour case.
What are the six C’s of care in the NHS?
Care
Competence
Compassion
Courage
Communication
Commitment
What are the 3 core principles of the NHS?
When the NHS was founded in 1948, it was launched on three core principles – that it meets the need of everyone, that it be free at the point of delivery, and the care given be based on clinical need, not the ability to pay.
Even now, these principles are the guiding values that drive the NHS and the care they provide.
Interview Top Tips
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.
Questions to ask the interviewer?
What is the most challenging / rewarding parts of the role?
Can you describe the workplace culture here?
What kind of training opportunities are available for employees?
How are staff members encouraged to maintain a work-life balance?
What opportunities are there for career progression within the organization?
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Other potential interview questions
Why have you decided to apply for the NHS Graduate Scheme?
What interests you most about this particular program?
What do you know about the NHS, and why do you believe it’s an important organization?
What are your strengths and how do you believe they will contribute to the success of the NHS Graduate Scheme?
Can you describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills and how you handled the situation?
How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working under pressure?
Describe a challenging situation you have faced and how you handled it.
What experience do you have working in a team and how did you contribute to the team’s success?
What are some of the challenges you think you might face in the NHS, and how would you address them?
How do you plan to continue your professional development and contribute to the organization’s goals after completing the NHS Graduate Scheme?
