[Most frequently asked 2024] NHS interview Questions and how to answer them

If interviews are demanding in general, NHS interviews can be even more challenging. Cracking it can be nerve-racking. There are chances for a good amount of scenario questions, general interview questions, behavioral questions, competency-based interview questions, typical NHS interview questions, specific questions pertaining to job roles, and a lot more.

Not to worry. With preparation, you can deal it with mastery.

We have collated the most-frequently asked 2022 NHS interview questions which can help you get started. You could prepare your own answers to these questions or use our answers to frame your best. Once done, rehearse them with your colleagues, friends, or by yourself in front of your camera. Might sound silly, but trust us, it’s all worth it when you ace your interview.

2022 Top 10 NHS interview questions with answers

1. What inspires you to work in the NHS?

This can be your first most expected question. It can also be asked as “why do you want to work for the NHS?” or “what appeals to you about working in the NHS?”. Probed to find out your motivation and inspiration to join the NHS in particular, this question can set a stage to become considered in your interview. This is also to test your understanding of NHS’s culture and ideals, and to see how well you will conform into the organisation.

Start by describing how the NHS is one of the largest healthcare systems around the UK and Europe. Explain how you feel passionate about joining such a big healthcare system that has a highly skillful set of nurses, midwives, and doctors whose devotion is to provide best treatment to their patients. Stress on what you would add on to the team and what you plan to gain from the role.

2. Tell us about the Core Values of the NHS?

No matter whatever role you apply for, this is the most expected question. As an organisation NHS has outlined a values-based perspective to its recruitment process. Connect your commitment to the following six principles of the NHS:

Commitment to quality of care: This value builds trust to offer continued safety, integrity, accountability, and improvement.

Working together for the benefit of patients: This emphasises internal and external collaboration for the benefit of patients above and beyond any organisational requirements.

Compassion: This refers to a proactive approach to patient care that includes treating everyone with kindness and doing all possible to alleviate suffering.

Respect and dignity: This refers to an NHS culture of openness, honesty, and respect for everyone who interacts with it.

Everyone matters: This is about allocating resources fairly and caring for those who are most in need, regardless of their circumstances.

Improving lives: This is at the heart of the NHS’s mission, its dedication to excellence, and the enhancement of patient health and well-being.

To prepare, think of a few times in your job or personal life when you have displayed each of these six concepts.

3. What characteristics do you possess that make you a good fit for the NHS?

When answering this question, refer to the NHS values once more. This is critical when it comes to NHS interview questions and responses. In your response to this NHS interview question, use strong and positive buzzwords and phrases.

Highlight your qualities, your ability to work hard during tight schedules, and your desire to provide great quality service for delivering outstanding patient care. Make them understand that you are a hard worker who enjoys working in a team to achieve a common goal. If you are a flexible approach who can extend beyond shifts and your compassion level when it comes to offering treatment and the same quality service.

4. Do you have any experience with NHS systems and procedures?

Be precise and truthful in your answer. If you have had experience, explain the NHS system that you have worked with and the procedures that you have followed. Talk about the ‘out-of-hospital’ care strategies that the NHS makes you offer and the awareness it gives people over their own health in patient care.

5. What are the current challenges facing the NHS?

When it comes to understanding the inner workings of the NHS, the realities and challenges of the role you’re applying for, the future of public health, and how external factors impact the organization’s ability to deliver, this is perhaps the most telling of all the NHS job interview questions and answers.

The most appropriate response to this question will be timely and relevant to current events. The NHS faces numerous issues, including funding, employee shortages, pay rates, working conditions, and resource distribution. At the time of the interview, you must be well-versed on the specifics of each position.

Aside from financial and political issues, the NHS is also impacted by a number of societal variables, including an aging population and the consequences of bad lifestyle choices, such as the growth in diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Demonstrating that you understand how external causes continue to offer new issues demonstrates that you value the service as a whole, rather than just your function within it.

6. What characteristics define a good NHS Employee?

Those working for the NHS are always committed to moral and professional standards. Define the characteristics of the NHS staff based on the qualities that the NHS’s six key values demand:

Integrity and accountability: To protect patient privacy, learn from mistakes, and strive for continual progress.

Flexibility and time management: To fulfill ever-changing expectations and operate successfully in a demanding environment, flexibility and time management are required.

Kindness, compassion, and patience: To deliver the greatest levels of patient care and to treat family, friends, and caregivers with empathy.

Teamwork and communication: Working as part of a healthcare network that comprises several departments and external organisations requires teamwork and communication.

Passion and dedication: To respect NHS standards and go above and beyond to improve the lives of others.

7. Can you offer an example of a time in your career when you contributed to the NHS?

There are a number of NHS values that the NHS may live by in order to provide the best possible care to its patients. You could choose to discuss instances about one of the following NHS values;

• Collaboration for the benefit of patients
• Respect and dignity are essential
• Commitment to providing high-quality treatment
• Compassion
• Improving people’s lives
• Everyone is important

8. What do you know about how the NHS works?

This NHS interview question necessitates a thorough investigation. You should be able to explain the differences between primary and secondary care, as well as the functions of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), NHS trusts, and foundation trusts.

You should also familiarise yourself with the NHS Long Term Plan, which was published in 2019 and describes the priorities and ambitions for the next ten years.

Also, because the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is structured differently, you’ll need to extensively examine the specifics of your area and grasp how they link to the larger framework.

If you have any contacts who work for the NHS, ask them for advice to help you better grasp how it operates.

It’s also critical that you understand the inner workings of your selected department and the role it plays in the overall service.

9. Describe a time when you successfully resolved a conflict at work.

Working in the NHS may be quite demanding. Staff members are frequently under duress, which can lead to tension and conflict.

If you have any contacts who work for the NHS, ask them for advice to help you better grasp how it operates.

It’s also critical that you understand the inner workings of your selected department and the role it plays in the overall service.

The capacity to remain calm and not let personal sentiments or obstacles interfere with quality standards is a key attribute of a good employee.

Again, you can use any former job as an example as long as you can clearly demonstrate solid interpersonal skills and effective conflict management.

10. What would you do if you were to deal with an aggressive patient?

This is a clear example of a situational NHS interview question. Its objective is to allow the interviewer to see how you would react in a real-life situation.

Take your time thinking over your answer, and keep in mind that as an NHS employee, you’ll have a responsibility to provide the best possible treatment, especially in difficult situations.

A good response will acknowledge that there will be procedures in place for dealing with circumstances like this, as well as the importance of patient and worker safety. Pin down an answer that creates confidence in you. Highlight that aggression can be easily dealt with patience and empathy and your eagerness to calm them down by being attentive and listening to their frustrations, and making sure to do everything you could do to address the matter. 

You could prove your communication skills here, of how you would carefully explain your plan and assure them that their requirements are your top concern. Situations when issues worsened, you could follow the rules and seek additional help.

Besides the top 10 questions mentioned above, some of the other questions that can be asked are as follows;

• Give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult or challenging decision.
• What is the best feature about the NHS, in your opinion?
• Can you offer an example of a time in your career when you contributed to the NHS?
• How would you handle a situation where a patient starts yelling at you?
• What are your thoughts on experiencing awful sights?
• What is the long-term plan for the NHS, and how do you think it will affect your job?

Last Thoughts

It’s critical to be thoroughly prepared for your NHS interview, regardless of the position you’re looking for. Keep in mind the essential skills that all employers seek, and read through a lot of general interview advice. We wish you good luck in your interview journey. To find challenging and new NHS temporary jobs, click here.