Guide for students
This section is intended as a guide for students to getting ready to step into the world of work.
- Working with the NHS
- Get experience
- Your CV
- Application forms
- Interviews
- Applying to higher education
- or earn as you learn
Working with the NHS
Working with the NHS is rewarding in several special ways:
- you'll be part of a unique organisation whose whole purpose is to improve people's health and provide treatment and care for those who need it
- whatever job you're doing (and there are hundreds of different roles available) you will be helping make a difference to people's lives
- through training, mentoring and other support you will be encouraged to develop your full potential at work
- you'll enjoy excellent benefits in terms of paid holidays and an excellent pension scheme
For some, but not all, jobs in the NHS you will have to complete a course at university or college to equip you with the knowledge and skills you'll need. Whether you're planning to apply for a place on a course or for an actual job here are a few ideas about what NHS employers (and universities or colleges) usually look for in applications:
Get experience
The single best thing you can do to prepare for a career in the NHS is to get some work experience or do voluntary work in an area of health and social care.
It will show you whether you'd like to work in this sector. It will also be something that employers and universities will be looking for when you apply for a course or a job.
Your school may already have contacts with local NHS employers who offer work experience programmes. Talk to your careers teacher. But there are also a variety of other volunteering opportunities, for example in local care homes, that you could look for yourself.
Your CV
Because you may have little, if any, experience of working other than at school, make sure your CV includes everything that demonstrates your ability to be part of a team and take responsibility for yourself and others. For example, include:
- any voluntary work you've done
- projects such as Duke of Edinburgh awards
- any work experience that shows your ability to be trustworthy and punctual
- mention of any babysitting or other caring that you've done
- any experience helping with older or ill people, family or neighbours
- participation in team games
- anything you have done to help younger students in your school
It is also vital that you think hard about why you are keen to follow a particular career and be creative in making the link between this and your own life experience so far.
Application forms
Whether you're applying for a job or a college or university course, you will need to complete an application form. The work you've done in preparing your CV will help you with completing the application form.
Remember that the purpose of the form is to present individual information in a standard way so that everyone can be considered on the same basis so:
- follow the instructions carefully
- provide all the information the questions ask for
- work with the space available for each section and don't miss any sections out
- most forms will give you the opportunity to say something about yourself and why you're applying the thinking you've done for your CV will help you with this section
- make a practice copy first that you're happy with before you complete the actual application form
Interviews
If you are asked to an interview either for a job or a place on a course the aim is to confirm whether you have the attitude, motivation and ability that will be needed. So you have to give a good account of yourself. You will increase your chances if you:
- check out in advance where the interview will be held, work out how to get there, and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Remember that hospitals and universities can be large and busy places: you need to know exactly where you need to be for your interview
- remember the interview panel are on your side. You have been invited to the interview because they liked your application form and want to know more about you
- listen carefully to the questions they ask, and answer them as clearly as you can
- don't rush. Think about your answers. If there's something in the question that you don't understand, ask for clarification
- take the chance to ask any questions that you have for them
Applying to higher education…
Get all the information you can on the career or careers you're considering, and find out which universities or colleges offer the courses that lead in this direction.
Universities and colleges may have different criteria for the exam grades and subjects that they look for from would-be students. Check on their prospectuses which would suit you best. They will also have up-to-date information on the bursary arrangements that attach to some courses, particularly in clinical roles such as nursing or radiography.
Ask your teacher or careers adviser for contact details.
or earn as you learn
There are also vacancies in the NHS for school leavers. These may be in administration, in domestic and catering services, and portering and maintenance. Some trusts also run cadet schemes for trainee healthcare assistants, supporting nursing staff and others in hospitals.
In any of these roles you will have the opportunity to do training and develop your skills on the job. For more information, contact your local NHS trust or visit NHS Jobs on www.jobs.nhs.uk.
