If your submitted application meets the criteria for the role then you may be invited to come to an interview or assessment centre. This page gives some tips on how to prepare and what to expect at your interview.
Preparing for your Interview
It may sound obvious but do your research about our hospitals and the department you are being interviewed for. The more comfortable you are with this information the more you can tailor your skills and experience and relax in the interview.
Your interviewer/assessor will be looking to understand how well you fit the job description and person specification for the role that you have applied for so will tailor their questions to explore this at the interview. We therefore recommend that you read both these documents carefully and have a think about what you may be asked and prepare your answers accordingly. There will be opportunities to ask any questions that you may have about the role, the Trust and its services so also think about some questions you want to ask.
You may have been asked to bring some documentation along to the interview with you – proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and qualifications that you hold. Try and bring as much as you can with you as it can be copied/scanned on the day. If you are successful, it will help to reduce the time between your conditional offer being made and you starting with us.
Think about your appearance, it's not just what you say that makes an impression; it's also how you look. Make sure you are dressed smartly for your interview.
Switch off your mobile before you enter the room.
Travelling to your Interview
Plan your journey. There can often be delays, so leave plenty of time so you don't get caught out. If you're early, you can always spend the time going through your notes. If you are delayed for any reason, make sure you call ahead to let your interviewers know.
Your interview will usually take place at one of our sites. Please check where your interview is being held.
For more detail on our locations click here.
At the Interview
Interview Questions
Next Steps
After the interviewers have considered their notes and any assessment results, they will decide who to appoint.
Your provisional/conditional offer
If you are successful, you will receive a phone call with a provisional, informal offer.
Assuming you wish to take the role, you will then receive a formal provisional offer. We will then send you a letter with a number of forms to complete and pre-addressed envelopes to return these.
We'll also need you to provide some documents and we will seek references.
Your start date
We cannot agree a starting date with you until we have your references and the documents we need. If you are currently in work, please do not hand in your notice until you have an agreed starting date.
What we will ask for:
References
We are required to obtain references covering a minimum of three years and will contact people listed as referees on your application. Naturally, we hope they will provide glowing references about you.
However, if a referee feels that you have performed at an unacceptably low level, or you have been dismissed for something that would cast doubt on your suitability for the post, the person giving the reference can provide:
Sight of original documentation
For the documents we request, we will need to see the originals, which we will take copies of. Photocopies cannot be accepted.
As part of the provisional offer process if you have not already provided this information at assessment you will receive a request to book an appointment with a member of the recruitment team to undertake the necessary checks of your documentation.
For identity checks relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (click here for details on DBS website)(required for posts working with vulnerable groups), documents must be produced in person.
For information on immigration and visa checks, please visit the Home Office website. (click here for further details)
Check out the videos below which will support you with interview preparation, this includes the STAR technique and how to use when answering interview questions also some top tips from our staff here at ELHT.
It may sound obvious but do your research about our hospitals and the department you are being interviewed for. The more comfortable you are with this information the more you can tailor your skills and experience and relax in the interview.
Your interviewer/assessor will be looking to understand how well you fit the job description and person specification for the role that you have applied for so will tailor their questions to explore this at the interview. We therefore recommend that you read both these documents carefully and have a think about what you may be asked and prepare your answers accordingly. There will be opportunities to ask any questions that you may have about the role, the Trust and its services so also think about some questions you want to ask.
You may have been asked to bring some documentation along to the interview with you – proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and qualifications that you hold. Try and bring as much as you can with you as it can be copied/scanned on the day. If you are successful, it will help to reduce the time between your conditional offer being made and you starting with us.
Think about your appearance, it's not just what you say that makes an impression; it's also how you look. Make sure you are dressed smartly for your interview.
Switch off your mobile before you enter the room.
Travelling to your Interview
Plan your journey. There can often be delays, so leave plenty of time so you don't get caught out. If you're early, you can always spend the time going through your notes. If you are delayed for any reason, make sure you call ahead to let your interviewers know.
Your interview will usually take place at one of our sites. Please check where your interview is being held.
For more detail on our locations click here.
At the Interview
- First impressions count. Smile, even if you're nervous inside – it helps you to relax and makes you look more approachable. It also gives the impression that you're enthusiastic! Shake hands with your interviewers firmly, but friendly.
- Be aware of your body language. Make eye contact, but don't overdo it and make sure you address everyone in the room. Avoid pointing or using gestures too much to emphasise a point, which can distract the interviewers from your answer.
- Don't fold your arms as this can be seen as you appearing defensive or uninterested.
Interview Questions
- Most of our interviews are structured, with each interviewer having a number of questions to ask. Think about how you answer your questions. Try to keep focused and concise but don't be so brief that the interviewers have to continually prompt you for more information.
- Try to keep to the point and make sure you are actually answering the question.
- If you do not have relevant experience of a situation, don't be afraid to say so, but suggest what you would do in that situation or think of another way to demonstrate your ability or the skills they are looking for. Equally if you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. It is better to do this than ramble.
- The interviewers may ask you questions about the information you submitted on your application form. If your last role was more senior, the interviewers may want to understand why you are applying for this role, or may ask about any gaps in your employment.
- Don't forget that this is also your chance to see if the role is suitable for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, for example about the role or development prospects.
Next Steps
After the interviewers have considered their notes and any assessment results, they will decide who to appoint.
Your provisional/conditional offer
If you are successful, you will receive a phone call with a provisional, informal offer.
Assuming you wish to take the role, you will then receive a formal provisional offer. We will then send you a letter with a number of forms to complete and pre-addressed envelopes to return these.
We'll also need you to provide some documents and we will seek references.
Your start date
We cannot agree a starting date with you until we have your references and the documents we need. If you are currently in work, please do not hand in your notice until you have an agreed starting date.
What we will ask for:
References
We are required to obtain references covering a minimum of three years and will contact people listed as referees on your application. Naturally, we hope they will provide glowing references about you.
However, if a referee feels that you have performed at an unacceptably low level, or you have been dismissed for something that would cast doubt on your suitability for the post, the person giving the reference can provide:
- no reference at all
- only a basic, factual reference, giving the dates of employment and the job title or
- a detailed account, including references to any negative issues.
Sight of original documentation
For the documents we request, we will need to see the originals, which we will take copies of. Photocopies cannot be accepted.
As part of the provisional offer process if you have not already provided this information at assessment you will receive a request to book an appointment with a member of the recruitment team to undertake the necessary checks of your documentation.
For identity checks relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (click here for details on DBS website)(required for posts working with vulnerable groups), documents must be produced in person.
For information on immigration and visa checks, please visit the Home Office website. (click here for further details)
Check out the videos below which will support you with interview preparation, this includes the STAR technique and how to use when answering interview questions also some top tips from our staff here at ELHT.
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