Job Applications

Hospitals usually advertise their posts on NHS jobs therefore it's a good idea to set up a job alert for PA roles on the website. Do your research; ensure that you want to apply for the role.

Find out more about the job by contacting the hiring manager or even arrange to visit the hospital or GP. Once you have found a job that you would like to apply for, there are several key elements that you should include in your application. Ensure that all of your qualifications and relevant work experience are listed (most recent first). If you don't have much in the way of previous employment then you can include some of your more substantial and relevant clinical placements and what your placement included.

You must address all points in the person specification and provide evidence for each quality that the employer lists. For example, if the person specification requires the candidate to have a caring attitude then give a short anecdote about a time when you went above and beyond to help your patient. Try to keep your application as succinct as possible. Always ask someone to check your application to ensure there are no typos or spelling mistakes.

Job Applications

Interviews

Interviews are designed to be nerve-wracking and employers may want to see how you perform under a little pressure. You can alleviate some of these nerves by following some of the following tips and being prepared.

  • There are often stock questions that are asked at interviews such as "talk me through your CV", "what's your greatest achievement", "what's your biggest weakness". It's a good idea to have a few answers prepared but try not to look overly rehearsed!
  • Wear your smartest outfit, no one will ever judge you for dressing too smartly but they won't be impressed if you turn up in jeans and a t-shirt
  • Arrive early for your interview. You need to account for traffic jams, train delays and finding the room where the interview is being held. If you're early then you can always wait in the car or a coffee shop until the time arrives
  • Try to smile and relax
  • It's a good idea to have a question or two prepared for the end of the interview

CV & Covering Letter

In primary care, the employer may request a CV and a covering letter. Try to keep your CV to a maximum of two to three pages. Include your contact details, a short personal statement relevant work experience, qualifications, other professional activities and references. You may need to tweak your CV to make it relevant for each role that you apply for.

Your covering letter should be addressed to the hiring manager; include your contact information, the role that you're applying for, a brief outline of why you're right for the role, your relevant experience (not too much as this is detailed in your CV) and a conclusion.