What To Expect
Having passed the initial shortlisting, you will be called to interview. Your invite may state that you are invited to an assessment day, where you will take part in some computer-based tests specifically targeting your literacy and numeracy skills.
If you pass, you will then be scheduled for a formal interview, which may take place the same day or at a later day agreed by you.
Your interview invite should outline the format. However, it would be best if you prepared for the following:
A formal panel interview with at least two interviewers. For now, we expect these will be via video using MS Teams, Zoom or similar.
Competency-based interview questions exploring values and behaviours and the critical essential criteria on the Person Specification
Most interviews will be blended, combining competency-based and traditional questions exploring motivation, reasons for applying, skills and experience and readiness to take on the additional responsibilities of the role.
Depending on the role, perhaps a clinical or ethical scenario where you are asked to describe how you would respond
For some Band 6 and above roles, a presentation may be required, usually based on a hot topic or current issue.
Numeracy and literacy tests: for some band 6 roles, your numeracy test may ask you to complete a drug calculation, and you will have up to 30 minutes to do so. Your literacy test may be based on a patient scenario, and you will be asked to document the actions you would take.
As you progress into a Band 6+ post, they will be interested in exploring your ability to support the senior team, work as a team player and lead junior nurses and trainees. They will test your ability to manage the ward in the manager's absence. So you will need to refresh your memory of tasks where you have shown leadership, initiative and excellent decision-making, not just in terms of clinical situations but also when dealing with colleagues or patients and their families.