NHS Jobs in UK: Why am I NOT getting a job?
- Physiotherapy In UK
- Jun 17, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22, 2022
You've probably seen the countless messages and concerns on social media about whether or not there are still jobs available in the United Kingdom. Although finding a job in the NHS is not as difficult as you would believe, it is a legitimate concern. With the growing number of overseas healthcare professionals applying for licenses like the HCPC each year, you can only wonder how long it will be before everything is saturated.
While there is no indication that this will happen anytime soon, there has been anxiety about the system as a whole, because when you hear about a shortages, you can only assume that hospitals would come knocking on your door to give you a job. How can there not be hundreds of desperate HR's prepared to give you a dream job with such a shortfall of healthcare professionals in UK? If only it was that simple!
Where are these NHS jobs?
Yes, there are job opportunities, and yes, there is a huge demand for numerous healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom, but you must be realistic while applying for jobs. Patience is still essential, and you must ensure that your application is the best it can be. We've discovered that the following worries plague the majority of people who apply:
Applying to hospitals and not hearing back,
Not being able to discover work in the places you desire
Not being able to find the levels/positions you desire
So let’s discuss how to tackle each scenario.
I applied weeks ago and have yet to hear back!
This is a very common occurrence. You put in so much time and effort to build a solid application, only to receive no response from the NHS Trust. It can be really frustrating. Let's look at some of the best ways to tackle this problem:
Check the job application's closing date.
When you're in a hurry to apply, you may overlook the fact that the application will close at a specific time. If the hospital is still accepting applications for the position, you shouldn't expect to hear from them until then. Typically, you will hear back within 2-4 weeks of the closing date, but it may take up to 6-8 weeks if the position has had a large number of applications.
Make sure you've answered all of the application questions in line with the job description.
While NHS positions allow you to keep a standard template that you may send to a variety of hospitals (with some limitations), if you don't tailor your application to the hospital's description, you may not receive a response from the NHS trust in question. It is essential to read over the job description and person specifications for each position you apply for, and to ensure that your application meets many of the job requirements or specification.
Hospitals do not always respond.
I realize it isn't much of a justification to not at least explain why they decided not to consider you, but the simple fact is that some HR departments simply don't follow up or provide feedback after you've had an interview with them.
On your application, you're not representing yourself well.
Some of us are modest when it comes to discussing our triumphs or achievements, but this is not the time to be modest about saying things that will help you stand out. Make sure everything you say is relevant to the position you're going for, but definitely brag about yourself. That said, don't lie on your application because you assume no one will respond. If you need some help with your NHS applications, book an personalized session with me and lets get working together!
Completely describe your previous responsibilities and assignments in the greatest detail.
Many times, in the sections on the job application, people just highlight their role as a observer or intern during internship, or whatever they were doing before joining the NHS, but if you're applying for positions where people have little to no idea how things work in your country, mention what you were tasked with and how you worked to complete the tasks set before you.
Due of familial obligations/personal reasons, I can only work in one specific region.
This is a legitimate concern for many people, and it can considerably limit the number of jobs you can apply for if you want to limit yourself to a specific geographic area for reasons beyond your control. You must be quite attentive in reviewing the applications accessible for your region, and you will almost certainly require a very strong and solid application if you are applying in more competitive areas like London. It will also take a bit longer to hear back because the number of candidates will be significantly higher in densely populated areas, where more individuals will apply. On the other hand, you might want to relocate to a smaller town with fewer job openings due to the general population.
I can't seem to locate the perfect job for me!
Let's start with the many bands of jobs and what they all represent. Watch this video to understand this better.
Keeping in mind all of the different ways you might look for a job, you should have no issue discovering plenty of opportunities to apply for. Don't give up easy when it comes to finding what you want, and don't apply for positions you know you won't accept. For example, if you know you want to be a musculoskeletal physiotherapist but are desperate for a job, don't apply and interview for positions of pediatric physiotherapy. Patience is essential when looking for work.
Don't lose hope with multiple rejections! Keep trying.
Great explanation. Thanks!