How to apply

Candidate journey

Before applying

Before applying, review the job description and person specification to get an understanding of the role.

Each advert will include contact details for the appointing manager or someone to contact on their behalf.

They will be able to assist you with any questions, provide you with details about the team and give you more of an understanding about the role.

Applying for a vacancy

All job opportunities at our trust are advertised through the NHS Jobs system.

You will be taken to our online recruitment system, TRAC, to apply.

If you already have an account on TRAC, please log in. To set up a new account, please register by following the on-screen instructions. 

The green progress check box at the top of the page shows which section of the form you’re updating and when it’s been saved. Use the continue button at the bottom of the page to move to the next step. Your changes will be saved each time you do this.

You can also return to an earlier step if you want to make changes. If you want to save your changes and come back later, click on save and exit.

After you have applied

Once the post has closed, your application will be reviewed. This is done by the shortlisting panel (including the appointing manager) against the job description and person specification.

Shortlisting decisions will be based on the information you provide in your application form. Please view our hints and tips for making a successful application.

Interview process

If you are shortlisted for a position, you will be invited to interview via TRAC.

Please keep an eye on your TRAC account (which you will need to create to apply) and your emails (including your junk mail folder) for your invite with instructions how to book your interview slot.

Please note, we conduct interviews face-to-face. We only hold interviews via MS Teams by exception.

When attending an interview, it is important to take the time to prepare in advance. We have hints and tops for your interview further down this page.

As part of your interview process, the appointing manager may request:

• Identity and proof of address
• Right to work in the UK
• Qualifications
• Current salary/ pay scale

The checklist “Documents Required at Interview” will be sent to you as part of your invitation to attend an interview. This will provide you with information as to what documentation you can provide to support this process. 

After your interview

Following interviews, the appointing manager will contact you to let you know the outcome. If you have been successful, the recruitment team will be in touch to provide you with a conditional offer letter. They will also begin processing your pre-employment checks.

The pre-employment checks that we will need to complete before you are able to commence in your role are:

• Right to Work
• ID checks
• DBS check (if applicable to role)
• Occupational Health
• Professional Registration and Qualification check
• Employment History and Reference checks

Joining our trust

On completion of the pre-employment checks, you will be issued with clearance. Your new line manager will be in touch with you to arrange your start date.

Tips and information for applicants

Your application

Your application form is your opportunity to illustrate your skills, knowledge and experience. It’s your chance to highlight what makes you the most suitable candidate for a role.

Your supporting statement allows you to showcase how your skills, knowledge and experience align to the requirements of the role. You’ll need to include how you meet the criteria in the job description and person specification.

Although TRAC allows you to save your application information, make sure that you don’t submit the same application twice. Take time to tailor your application to the role you are applying for and adapt it as necessary.

Referees

When completing your application, you will be asked to provide at least 2 referees. As part of the NHS Checking Standards, we must verify at least 3 years of employment history, so it is important you provide us with referees to cover this time.

If you do not have 3 years of employment history, please provide suitable education or character referees, such as a teacher, a lecturer, your doctor, a lawyer, a police officer, or an MP. You may not use family members or friends as referees.

The use of AI when writing job applications

We are aware that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to generate responses for application forms. If you use AI or other tools to support you with writing your application, it is essential that you review and personalise the information, particularly with regards to your support statement.

To ensure a fair recruitment process, we encourage you to write your own application. This means you can ensure the information reflects your skills, knowledge and experience. AI, cannot fully understand the context or requirements of the job you are applying for.

We do not promote applicants relying solely on AI to write applications or supporting statements.

This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Interview tips

Preparing for an interview can feel daunting.

Here are some hints and tips to help you prepare:

• Review the job description and person specification. Make notes and think of examples for each of the requirements to remind you of the relevant skills/knowledge/experience you can talk about if asked during the interview.
• Prepare a mental list of transferable skills which you can use to describe how you meet the requirements of the role.
• Take time to learn about our trust and our values.
• Think about any questions you may want to ask at the end of the interview. Remember this is your opportunity to decide if the role is right for you too.
• Wear smart but comfortable clothing.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the location, do a practice run a few days before your interview (if possible). Plan your route including buses, trains and parking and allow time for any potential delays. You may even wish to call the department to find out the exact location as this will reduce your stress on the day.
• Try to engage with all interviewers and take time to think about your answers. Don’t feel pressured to rush your response.
• Sell yourself. Try to use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’ and ensure you are clear about your personal contribution. However, make sure your answers are honest and accurate.