Blogs > NHS Recruitment Process

Applying for jobs in the UK

• March 26, 2018

Applying for jobs in the UK

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the UK and Europe, employing over one million people and five per cent of the UK’s employed population. The NHS is a diverse workforce and they frequently look beyond the UK and Europe to find the best talent – with 9% of NHS Doctors from the EEA and 16% from the rest of the world.

Why should I use an agency to help find my job?

1. GMC Experience: GMC Registration tends to be the most difficult stage of any Doctors’ relocation to the UK. Due to our wealth of experience with guiding Doctors through the process it has become second nature to us. If you need with your IELTS preparations then we can put you in touch with a professional tutor. Or if you need advice on how to apply for a UK Visa we will be on hand to advise you.
2. Relationships with Hospitals: When it comes to making applications, we will speak directly to Lead Consultants, Clinical Directors and Departmental Managers on your behalf, ensuring that your CV is reviewed directly by a clinician. Direct applications are often disregarded by an administrator before they reach departmental review, particularly where job adverts refer to previous NHS experience being required. Our network of NHS clients enables us to get your CV in front of more potential employers than anyone else. Furthermore, rather than filling in numerous lengthy applications we will speak directly with our vast network of clients to explain your situation. Our in-depth knowledge of our roles means that we won’t waste your time with vacancies that aren’t going to suit you in the long run.
3. Exclusive Jobs: Many of the roles that we recruit to won’t be found anywhere else and aren’t being advertised right now. It might surprise you to learn that there are so many posts within the NHS that are currently filled with agency locums or aren’t being advertised currently because the department have exhausted several adverts in the past and decided they can’t fill their post. This is often where international candidates can excel the most and where an agency will be able to help you find posts that are less competitive.
4. Understanding and Experience: The team at BDI Resourcing have years of experience and understanding of the NHS and each individual specialty. We want to know what your research interests and sub-specialties are in order to locate the perfect role for you to continue your professional development. There are huge differences in terminology and methodology for international departments when compared with the NHS. Our understanding ensures that you have the best chance of securing the right post.
5. Salary Negotiation: The NHS has a fairly rigid salary structure so it may surprise you to learn that there can be areas to negotiate in order to secure you the best possible package. In particular, relocation packages are an excellent way to take reduce some of the hassle of your international move. We’ve been able to secure some excellent offerings including flights, luggage shipping, airport transfers, visa costs covered and even GMC registration covered for the first year. Whatever your situation, we’ll work hard to ensure that you get the most from your post.

How should I structure my CV?

A CV can be needed at any point of your medical career, and especially at the point of your decision to relocate to the UK and work for the NHS. Your CV is essentially a personal record of all your qualifications, achievements, skills and relevant experience being a doctor. You should view your CV as an opportunity to sell your skills and experiences.

The GMC strongly advise that you write a CV specifically for your registration application. Details of what to include in your CV and its construction are listed below:

Personal Information and Contact Details: Your name on your CV must match your name on your proof of identity
Registrations: Provide your GMC reference number and the details of any other medical regulators you are registered with
Memberships: List your professional body membership
Qualifications: List your qualifications in reverse-chronological order
Employment History: List your employment history in reverse-chronological order. Information to include: post title, start-end date, institution name and location, the name of your supervisor, provide a brief description on your current role – it should cover your duties and responsibilities indicating your level of supervision. Lastly, in this section include details of gaps of employment. Again, you should list them in reverse-chronological order. Any gaps which are longer than 28 days should be explained and accounted for
Awards: List any awards you have received
Research: List any research placements you have undertook
Publications: List any publications
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): List your CPD activity within the last five years
Conferences/Courses: Give details of relevant/important conferences or courses you have attended
Teaching and Training Experience: Provide a brief description of your teaching and training activities
Management Experience: Provide a brief description of your management history.
Procedures: Give a list of all procedures you have performed

Other details to include in a CV not being sent to the GMC:

Interests and Hobbies: Here you could focus on any College Memberships or positions of responsibility
References: Typically, people provide two references. Make sure your references have positions of responsibility, state their position and offer their contact details.

CV Format Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s

1. Choose a professional font to ensure legibility for prospective employers.
2. Present each section in a clear logical order. Use clear section headings (i.e. Education and Employment History) and remember to order your history in reverse-chronological order to keep your CV legible and clear.
3. Power Words – These are also known as action words. This includes: responsible for, co-ordinated, supervised, influenced, designed etc.
4. Explain gaps in employment – You should explain all employment gaps that are over four weeks long.

Don’ts

1. Length - A medical CV is heavily focused on your experience and so detail is fundamental. Therefore, do not worry too much about the length of your CV.
2. Personal Data – Do not include the following information: age, date of birth, ethnic identity, religious preference, marital status and sexual orientation.
3. Experiment with font – You might think that decreasing your font size is a good way to fit a large amount into a smaller space, this could lead to your CV being illegible and not being read by prospective employers.
4. Irrelevant information – When writing your CV ask yourself the question ‘Will it help me get the job?’ If the answer is no, do not put it in your CV. For instance, in the ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section do not put any hobbies unless it is relevant to your job application.

Different types of hospitals – Teaching Hospital v District General Hospital

There are no official definitions for either hospital. However, previously a teaching hospital was mostly understood as a secondary care institution in a major city that is joined with a medical school with a large reputation for research. Whereas a district general hospital, although a major provider of secondary care in a local area, was not affiliated with a medical school. Though this distinction has recently been blurred as district general hospitals have now become part of medical schools – meaning there is no distinction between the two.

Please note that there is no difference in terms of training between each type of hospital. When a trust offers you a position there will always be an opportunity for training and development within the position.

If you have decided that you are going to relocate to the UK and work for the NHS and are in the process of finding a job – send your CV to [email protected]bdiresourcing.com. We will help you decide on the right location and find you the perfect job.

Come and say hello! Join our Facebook group IMG Advisor -  here you will have access to frequent blog articles on relocation, the opportunity to ask questions and to meet other IMGs!