NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment

Are the actual tests anything like these http://www.kenexa.com/assessments/assessment_guidance?

Hi Everyone, Ive been following this thread since last year when I applied for training posts!

I submitted by app a few days ago and have just completed the online tests - and failed!

I must have had an off day because I usually like doing quizzes and mind games like that, but I actually feel really pissed off at the whole application process!! Actually, I was that angry that I fired off an email complaining about the process - see the email below VVV......If anybody else feels the same get in touch, or am I just over reacting??

Cheers!

To Whom It May Concern at clinical scientist training,

I just wanted to let you know how bitterly disappointed I am at the terrible experience I have had at trying to apply for a trainee clinical scientist post.

Firstly, the application site powered by 'milkroundapplications' was appalling, the text boxes did not re-size properly, making editing more difficult than it should have been. Also the site did not allow you to easily move between pages saying 'section must be completed' before you could move on, especially on the essay question page.

Secondly, I think the way the application for posts in general is a disgrace! I've just spent hours editing my application (I'm a registered biomedical scientist since 2005, I have a PhD, managerial experience, was a BMS in the Territorial Army for 4 years and have worked with patients/medical professionals) and have just be told that my application is in the bin because I couldn't worked out 'what comes next in the sequence'! in the allotted time!

I am now seriously worried about the type of people you will take on as clinical scientists - not because you have taken the time to examine the individuals' CV, personal statements and character to see if they fit the profile of a clinical scientist; but just because they managed to answer a set of overly complicated questions which have absolutely nothing to do clinical science! I don't accept the argument that these types of questions will ' demonstrate the candidates ability to problem solve' they won't, and especially not the types of problems a clinical scientist will experience.

I feel this whole experience has just been an exercise to fail candidates as soon as possible, just because of box ticking?

In addition, where are the actual details of the posts themselves? Certainly not on NHS jobs or in New Scientist as promised? Nobody actually knows what they are applying for?

I have no doubt that many others will feel the same and I will urge them to write to you to explain how they feel.


Regards

B Taylor

I'm sure you will! Let me know how you get on

hey, so i just completed the test. I got an email thanking me for completing and they said they will aim to start contacting candidates in april to inform of the outcome of my application.
Does this mean I am through, is this the same as what you got?

congrat to you

hey, so i just completed the test. I got an email thanking me for completing and they said they will aim to start contacting candidates in april to inform of the outcome of my application.
Does this mean I am through, is this the same as what you got?

Yeah you passed, congrats! Let's hope we get interviews now!

Yeah you passed, congrats! Let's hope we get interviews now!

Hey guys, i wanted to know how many questions do you get and the time-limit. My friend recently did them and she was saying that she got 12 question in 6 minutes for the numeracy test. Is this true? it sounds unreal. also, i remember reading here that someone got 20 questions for numeracy. confused?
Thank you

I've just completed the online tests. It tells you at the start of the test how many questions there will be and what the time limit is.

On the test I did there were 20 numerical questions with a 20 minute time limit. I found those fairly easy although the time limit made me rush a bit more than I would of liked. There were 24 (I think) logic ones but I didn't quite realise what the time limit was but I think it was around 15 minutes. I found the logic ones hard, I felt like I guessed most of them but I somehow managed to pass.

Good luck

fingers crossed, although I'm not completely happy with my answers, i struggled to fit everything in with the word count, oh well its done now. just a two month wait

hi laura , do you have any idea about the general interview questions in the interview day or in general does anyone know anything about what types of questions will be asked in the assessment center , i hope anyone with previous interview exp will answer this question

Thank you for your reply. my friend scared the crap out of me. I thought it was strange that they are expecting us to do 12 questions in 6 mins. Was there no verbal reasoning exam?

Nope, no verbal reasoning. Just the numerical and logic ones.

Okay. Congrats for passing!

I have done exactly the same thing. I think people should let them know just how frustrating this application process is. Don't even get me started on the tests! The practice does not prepare you for the real thing and the time limit is ridiculous!
I fell at the interview hurdle last year, I won't be getting that far this time round.

I remember reading that the 27th feb deadline is for the application, and the aptitude test deadline is the 29th. But I can't find this anywhere now.

Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks