Blogs > NHS Recruitment Process / Useful Information

Skype Interviews with the NHS

• January 16, 2019

After your CV has been reviewed by an NHS Trust and they have made the decision to invite you to an interview – it is likely the invitation will be via Skype, unless you are currently based within the UK.

In today’s post, we share the ways you can successfully nail your NHS Skype interview and secure your first NHS post.

How do I set up Skype?

Step 1: Download Skype to your computer or mobile

Step 2: Create a free account by entering your personal details

Step 3: Sign in to your account

It is that simple!

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How to prepare for

Step 1: Add the hospitals Skype ID the day before the Skype call

Step 2: A few hours before your scheduled Skype call, send a message to the NHS hospital informing them of your name, what post you are interviewing for and your interview time slot

Step 3: An hour before your interview, try and do a “Skype test” with a friend or a Recruitment Consultant to test your connection and ensure there are no technical difficulties

Step 4: Be available on Skype for at least 20 minutes prior to your interview slot – as the hospital sometimes calls earlier (or later) and so it is best to always be available online

Step 5: Accept the Skype call when the hospital ring – and good luck!

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Tips for a successful Skype interview

1. Dress smartly

Although you will not be interviewing physically, it is important that you look the part. If you are a male, we advise you to wear a smart shirt and perhaps a tie. And if you are a female, you could perhaps wear a blouse or a smart dress.

2. Prepare your surroundings

You should prepare for your Skype call to be in a quiet, business-like setting, ideally in a room with a closed door. You should also try and not have a cluttered background behind you as this may distract the Consultant and HR Representative who is interviewing you – sending the wrong message about your organisational skills.  

Try and have a plain, white background. And remember to tell anyone else at home about your Skype interview as you do not want it to be interrupted by someone calling your name or loud noises.

3. Remember to smile

During your interview, you should try and keep a pleasant facial expression. It is more difficult to do this via technology, but it is important to try and stay upbeat when answering questions.

You should also try and interject listening sounds throughout the interview, such as “yes” whilst your interviewers speak. This will reassure those interviewing you that the technology is working, and you are listening to what they are saying.

4. Use your interview preparation notes

NHS interviews typically start with going through your CV and so it would be a good idea to have a printed copy in front of you – this will allow you to view the same information that they are reading.

You could also make use of the space by creating some notes, including any questions you want to ask the Trust towards the end of the interview.

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Join the NHS

If you have a Royal College Qualification or PLAB and IELTS/OET and you are ready to relocate to the UK, but need some help securing a Skype interview – email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.

Join our Facebook Group

Come and join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs.

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References

Themuse.com. (2019). 7 Ways to Nail Your Phone or Skype Interview. ] Available at: https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-nail-your-phone-or-skype-interview [Accessed 16 Jan. 2019].