Recruitment process

Your completed online application form is the only information we use when deciding who to invite for an interview.

The online form will take you through several sections of your application. Try to complete all parts of it. If some sections of the form do not apply to you, enter N/A (not applicable) in the spaces provided. 

Almost all communication during the recruitment process is via email and text so it is important that you supply a correct email address and mobile phone number if you have one.

Each job we advertise is based on a job description and person specification. The job description lists the main types of duties and responsibilities of the post. The person specification outlines the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications that you will need for the job.

Read these documents thoroughly and remember we’re looking for people who can demonstrate our values of Passion, Responsibility, Innovation, Drive and Empowerment.

Once you understand the requirements, please ensure your application accurately reflects where you match them. We shortlist applicants against the job description and person specification, so give examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience are relevant to the job you are applying for and how and where you have used them.

Provide information on:

• relevant experience from your present or previous jobs
• skills and experience gained from community or voluntary work, work experience, leisure interests and activities in the home   
• education and the training you have received. 

Don’t forget the supporting information section of the form. It’s an important part of the application, because you can tell us about you, your qualifications and experience. 

Once you have completed your online application form, proofread it and check that you have answered each section carefully. It's also worth asking someone else to review it with a fresh pair of eyes. Submit your application and keep a copy, to help you prepare if you are shortlisted for an interview.

We look forward to receiving it!

The number of references we take up will depend upon your work history. You should remember that no one is legally obliged to provide a reference, unless there is a specific contractual agreement.

Therefore, it's a good idea to ask permission from the people you wish to be your referees. Make sure you provide accurate contact details for them and let them know if a reference request is being sent to them. 

This often speeds up the process and avoids unnecessary delays to you starting your job.

You will need to give us:

• their names
• contact address
• telephone number
• email address

Please note that most of our communication is done by email.

Your first referee should be your current employer if you are in work and the other should be from a previous employer/school/college.

If you have not worked for some time or have never worked, use referees who can comment on your ability to do the job, for example a teacher, course tutor or charity organiser.

Please do not use names of family members or friends as referees.

We ask you to declare:

• whether you are related to an existing member of staff
• if you have ever been dismissed by a previous employer
• if you have any criminal convictions, reprimands or cautions. 

This is to help assess your suitability for the role you have applied for. Other checks will be made so it is important that you answer these questions honestly.

Where jobs involve working with or around patients, if we formally offer you a job, we will apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on you.

Check if the role you are interested in requires a DBS check on NHS Employers.

Visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in the application form.

The information you supply via the employment monitoring form, which is towards the end of the online form, is used for reporting only. The recruitment team, hiring managers and interview panel will not see it. 

Monitoring information helps us to see how effective our policies on promoting equal opportunities and valuing diversity are. It will never be used to decide who will be offered the job.

Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity.

We are committed to increasing employment opportunities for disabled people and encouraging all people with a disability to apply for a job with us. 

If you need special arrangements to get to the interview or selection test, please give us details in the space indicated on the form.

You may also be entitled to receive support from Access to Work throughout the recruitment stages, for example if you require a communicator at an interview.

Visit Access to Work to find the support available to you, or call 0345 268 8489.

Each job is banded at a particular pay level and the rate for each band is set nationally. View the Agenda for Change pay scales here and points from NHS Employers.

You can also read about the many other benefits of working for us in why work for us.

Do your research about our hospitals and the department you are being interviewed for.

You can find information in About us and Our services.

Prepare for the interview questions. Read through the job description, person specification and your application. The questions you are asked will relate to these documents, so have a think about what you may be asked and prepare your answers in advance. You may also want to prepare some questions of your own for the panel.

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.

Plan your journey. There can often be delays, so leave plenty of time to avoid getting 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.

Switch off your mobile before you enter the room. 

Try to remember the questions and your responses, as this may help you to improve your performance in the future.

Whether successful or not, ask for feedback so you can learn from the experience and prepare for the next step.   

Remember, if you are not successful this time, you may want to apply again, so use feedback constructively.

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 via email. Attached to the email will be a number of forms for you to complete and return, to the provided email address. 

We'll ask you to come and see us with identification and right to work documents. We will check professional registrations, DBS disclosures and seek references. Our recruitment centre is at Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, Essex, RM7 0AG.

You can download a copy of our Candidate Journey document below: 

Candidate Journey.pdf 165KB