Top tips for making a successful application

Once you have found a job you want to apply for, you want to make sure your application does you justice - and that it gives you the best possible chance of getting an interview. That means taking time over crafting your application form, and keeping the following tips in mind.

How good a match are you to the role advertised?

This is what we will be looking at essentially, by judging how well your application matches the 'person specification' for the job. The applicants that most closely match the person specification will be those that are shortlisted for interview.

So, to stand the best chance of getting an interview, that is what you need to focus on. How do your skills and experience outlined in your previous work history match the requirements for the post? What about your duties and responsibilities - how do they match what the role requires?

Make this very clear in your application - and never submit the same form twice. Always adapt it to show how you meet the person specification of the specific post you are applying for.

Complete all the parts of the form

Read the instructions very carefully and make sure you fill in all the sections of the application form. The information you give will be used to decide if you should be shortlisted for interview.

Personal information and monitoring data, will not be disclosed to the short-listing panel, but will be kept for administrative purposes.

Back it up with good supporting information

Supporting information is really your opportunity to sell yourself - so make sure you use it to your advantage. This section allows you to include any information that is not already covered elsewhere on the form, which backs up how and why you would be suitable for the job.

This is about demonstrating to us you have the required skills, knowledge and experience - and that we really should be inviting you for interview.

You can include, among other things, more details about:

your duties and responsibilities
your skills, knowledge or experience relevant to the post
apparent gaps in your career profile
any voluntary work you have carried out
your research experience
publications, presentations or project work undertaken
clinical care or clinical audit.

Completing your application form

Once you have found a job that matches your skills and what you are looking for, you will have the option to apply online;

Here are some things to bear in mind when you are doing your first application.

Gather all the information you need

To save you time, you will normally need the following information to complete the form:

your national insurance number (if you have one)
your work permit details (if applicable)
details of your qualifications (including dates awarded)
your professional registration / PIN (including expiry / renewal date) if appropriate
details of any previous employers (including start / leave dates)
your supporting information - refer to the person specification in the vacancy to see what kind of information you need to provide that will demonstrate your suitability for the role
contact details for at least two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer. Make sure you have asked their permission to use their details on your application. (Normally, we require employment references to cover a minimum of a three year period)

Completing the form

You may be asked to answer some pre-application questions before you can complete the form itself. Make sure you answer all of these. They have been designed to help you quickly work out whether you are suitable for the role.

Make sure you take your time, it is very important you get your application right to secure an interview.

Applying for other jobs

Sometimes, applicants applying for jobs at the Trust may be able to save their application and adjust accordingly to the person specification. NHS Jobs is one of these online sites that allow you to complete an application form, save and re-use for any other vacancy, which prevents duplication of such areas as personal data.

A few other things to bear in mind

Check the closing date carefully for vacancies and apply early if you can.

Check your email regularly to see how your applications are progressing.

Any invitations to interviews or assessment days are likely to be sent by email.

If you have not received a response within four weeks of the closing date you should assume your application has been unsuccessful - and you can focus on applying for other roles.
Get to know the Trust, make sure you familiarise yourself with the Trust’s Vision and Objectives. If you are successful at securing an interview it will work to your advantage.

If you would like any further assistance with your application, please refer to our contacts page for contact details.