NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment

Hi! Really well done everyone who got on the reserve list/an interview! :smile:

I got rejected from Cardiac, and so similarly to Turbo6, i would be really interested to know about the backgrounds of anyone who got an interview or on the reserve list for Cardiac??
Thanks a lot :smile:

Reply 4521

B1525

9

Got an interview for cardiac :smile:

good luck to everyone!!!

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 4522

Zoe060890

I got an interview for haematology and reserve list for cardiac. My background is a degree in Biomedical Science from Cov Uni. I did a placement year to do the IBMS generic portfolio and worked in haematology and chemistry. And now I'm working as a biomedical scientist in haematology. I don't have any post graduate qualifications. Hope this helps with wanting to know about background.

Reply 4523

SG10

Thanks for the reply :smile:

...B1525 well done on getting an interview!! is there any chance you could tell me a bit about your background/experience? :colondollar:

Reply 4524

Mr.A.Lias

Original post by SG10

Hi! Really well done everyone who got on the reserve list/an interview! :smile:

I got rejected from Cardiac, and so similarly to Turbo6, i would be really interested to know about the backgrounds of anyone who got an interview or on the reserve list for Cardiac??
Thanks a lot :smile:

Hi, I made it onto the reserve list for Cardiac so thought would let you know my background.

-Studied BSc Sports Science (Physiology) which included a module called 'Cardiovascular Assessment Techniques'. Within this module learnt the basics of ECG, echocardiogram assessment, vasular scanning and ventilation flow loops.
-Completed MPhil (Research masters) during which used echocardiogram, blood pressure monitoring and plenty of ECGs (both 12 lead and single lead).
- Currently work for a company which analyses ECGs for medical research companys. Basically I assess the ECG for arrhythmias and measure the interval durations (measure ~ 300 ECGs a day). This company also put me through a cardiac monitoring technician basic certification.

Hope that gives you some idea. Assume I lacked the direct healthcare experience, working with patients etc. Well done to all those that did get to interview, would be interested to hear their backgrounds.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4525

0-Cool

Original post by Zoe060890

I got an interview for haematology and reserve list for cardiac. My background is a degree in Biomedical Science from Cov Uni. I did a placement year to do the IBMS generic portfolio and worked in haematology and chemistry. And now I'm working as a biomedical scientist in haematology. I don't have any post graduate qualifications. Hope this helps with wanting to know about background.

Nice, I got the same qualification, but in Histology however I got rejected from Histopathology. You probably must have done quite well on the aptitude test.

Reply 4526

Twinkle K

Hey guys, hope all of you are doing good :smile:

GUESS WHAT?? I got an interviewww woo hoo!! (I am so sorryfor those of you who didn’t).
1. It’s for cardiac science, ____ you mentioned that your onthe reserve list…. But how do you know this as the interviews haven’t been doneand surely they will tell you after interview right?

2. THIS GOES PARTICULAR FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE INTERVIEWSBUT ANYONE CAN REPLY…..
When you were interviewed…were you only asked questions inregards to your specialism and nothing else? I have made notes on biology thatis non related to my special… is there any point at all revising this? When Iam going for cardiac science….
Let me know if yougot through….there will be 63 candidates on the interview day…. Would love toknow who the other 62 hopeful people are :P
I also wanted to ask, I was reading the induction lettersent in the email… I didn’t understand what they meant by- 4 candidates at eachstation (with 2 interviewers)
a. Did they mean that there will be 4 stations with1 candidate at each station (with 2 interviewers)
b. Or did they mean there will be 1 station with 4 candidatesat each station (with 2 interviewers) X4

I honestly had lost all hope on this as like a week ago I receivedunsuccessful for gastro….sad cos that was my first choice. And so didn’t expectthis interview at all so I am doing 1000s things at once lol. It is incrediblycrazy as I made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm
Only around 13 peoplegot through and I think there are places for around 10. Please do let me knowif you’ve got an interview for this and what made you successful etc

3. Also…. What is everyone wearing for the interview??? ORwhat did you wear for when you had your interview? Lol I know silly questionbut it matters hell of a lot.
And anyone knows if they provide you with a locker or akeeping place for your things?

4. Just logging into booking my interview.. it says ‘can you drive’ just like that with noother words. Yeah I can drive, I have a provisional licence, i.e not passedyet. But the thing is I have my test 6 days before the interview… so what shallI click…yes or no.

:smile:

Reply 4527

Minimalist__

12

Original post by Twinkle K

I can't comment on most of what you said that is specialism related since my interview is for audiology, but about some of the things:

1. No one has heard back about being offered places, as far as I know. When people say they are on the reserve list at the moment they mean the reserve list for the interviews. If people don't book the interview by the deadline to book, or say that they cannot go then people on the reserve list will be contacted to go for an interview in their place.

3. I'm a guy so it's a bit easier for me - I'll wear business dress most likely - shirt and tie and smart trousers. If a tie seems too formal when I get there I can remove easily.

4. The questions when you book your interview are about how flexible you are. If you are offered a place they will use your answers to determine where you should go. E.g. if you answer yes to having dependents and owning a house and no to driving, they will probably try not make you travel long distances from your home.

Saying yes to being able to drive tells them that you are capable of travelling to places more easily than people who don't. So answer yes or no accordingly.

Reply 4528

Twinkle K

@ Minimalist.... Thanks for replying,
I've just booked my slot... was sooo nerve racking jus doing that urghh. There were only 4 slots left and when I checked back 5 mins later after my confirmation they were alll gone :frown:

I ended up saying yes to the qs 4... and no (as in no comment) for the description box at the bottom. I thought this will give me a varied opportunity to get a postion (at least).

Reply 4529

bigbanggeek

Original post by Twinkle K

Hey guys, hope all of you are doing good :smile:

GUESS WHAT?? I got an interviewww woo hoo!! (I am so sorryfor those of you who didn’t).
1. It’s for cardiac science, ____ you mentioned that your onthe reserve list…. But how do you know this as the interviews haven’t been doneand surely they will tell you after interview right?

2. THIS GOES PARTICULAR FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE INTERVIEWSBUT ANYONE CAN REPLY…..
When you were interviewed…were you only asked questions inregards to your specialism and nothing else? I have made notes on biology thatis non related to my special… is there any point at all revising this? When Iam going for cardiac science….
Let me know if yougot through….there will be 63 candidates on the interview day…. Would love toknow who the other 62 hopeful people are :P
I also wanted to ask, I was reading the induction lettersent in the email… I didn’t understand what they meant by- 4 candidates at eachstation (with 2 interviewers)
a. Did they mean that there will be 4 stations with1 candidate at each station (with 2 interviewers)
b. Or did they mean there will be 1 station with 4 candidatesat each station (with 2 interviewers) X4

I honestly had lost all hope on this as like a week ago I receivedunsuccessful for gastro….sad cos that was my first choice. And so didn’t expectthis interview at all so I am doing 1000s things at once lol. It is incrediblycrazy as I made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm
Only around 13 peoplegot through and I think there are places for around 10. Please do let me knowif you’ve got an interview for this and what made you successful etc

3. Also…. What is everyone wearing for the interview??? ORwhat did you wear for when you had your interview? Lol I know silly questionbut it matters hell of a lot.
And anyone knows if they provide you with a locker or akeeping place for your things?

4. Just logging into booking my interview.. it says ‘can you drive’ just like that with noother words. Yeah I can drive, I have a provisional licence, i.e not passedyet. But the thing is I have my test 6 days before the interview… so what shallI click…yes or no.

:smile:

ok i'll try answer what I can lol keep in mind my interview was for medical physics....

With the questions you will be asked specialism specific q's but there wasn't anything totally unrelated if that makes sense... as medical physics they didn't ask me any biology questions for example.
As far as I know people havent heard back so by reserve list they mean for the interview stage.
With the interview layout the room will be split into two sides each having four tables with two interviewers, before you go in they'll take you as a group of 8 and split you into two groups of four and tell you where to sit on what side. Once you're on your side of the room you dont worry about the other side lol so ye four tables four candidates and you rotate around the tables when they tell you to. Dont worry they will explain this all to you before you go in anyway, but basically it was your first option four stations one candidate to each station then rotate.
As for what people were wearing it was basic business wear, so I just had smart black trousers and a blouse with a suit jacket.
They dont provide lockers but when you come in to register theres a desk where two people will sign you in and check your ID, before you go in they tell you that you can leave your bags by them as they will be there the whole time.
With the driving thing I would probably tick yes seeing as you have your provisional with the intention of actually getting your full licence.

Hope this has helped a bit :smile:

Good luck!!! :biggrin:

Reply 4530

_Tinks_

I'm really confused, all the slots for cardiac science are gone but I've been offered an interview?!?! I've emailed the helpdesk but PANICKING :s-smilie:

Reply 4531

Jenny~

Original post by _Tinks_

I'm really confused, all the slots for cardiac science are gone but I've been offered an interview?!?! I've emailed the helpdesk but PANICKING :s-smilie:

Dont worry I had the same problem and it was sorted. I was trying to book my slot and everything was fully booked. I panicked because next morning was the deadline. I emailed to the email they have send the interview and left a voicemail to the number the email has. Next morning I called again. They called me back and said it was a technical problem and they fixed it. So afterwards 1 place appeared in the slot and I managed to book it :smile:

Reply 4532

Mr.A.Lias

Original post by Twinkle K

Hey guys, hope all of you are doing good :smile:

GUESS WHAT?? I got an interviewww woo hoo!! (I am so sorryfor those of you who didn’t).
1. It’s for cardiac science, ____ you mentioned that your onthe reserve list…. But how do you know this as the interviews haven’t been doneand surely they will tell you after interview right?

2. THIS GOES PARTICULAR FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE INTERVIEWSBUT ANYONE CAN REPLY…..
When you were interviewed…were you only asked questions inregards to your specialism and nothing else? I have made notes on biology thatis non related to my special… is there any point at all revising this? When Iam going for cardiac science….
Let me know if yougot through….there will be 63 candidates on the interview day…. Would love toknow who the other 62 hopeful people are :P
I also wanted to ask, I was reading the induction lettersent in the email… I didn’t understand what they meant by- 4 candidates at eachstation (with 2 interviewers)
a. Did they mean that there will be 4 stations with1 candidate at each station (with 2 interviewers)
b. Or did they mean there will be 1 station with 4 candidatesat each station (with 2 interviewers) X4

I honestly had lost all hope on this as like a week ago I receivedunsuccessful for gastro….sad cos that was my first choice. And so didn’t expectthis interview at all so I am doing 1000s things at once lol. It is incrediblycrazy as I made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm
Only around 13 peoplegot through and I think there are places for around 10. Please do let me knowif you’ve got an interview for this and what made you successful etc

3. Also…. What is everyone wearing for the interview??? ORwhat did you wear for when you had your interview? Lol I know silly questionbut it matters hell of a lot.
And anyone knows if they provide you with a locker or akeeping place for your things?

4. Just logging into booking my interview.. it says ‘can you drive’ just like that with noother words. Yeah I can drive, I have a provisional licence, i.e not passedyet. But the thing is I have my test 6 days before the interview… so what shallI click…yes or no.

:smile:

Anyone one else find it rather disheartening that someone who has "made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm" can get an interview over those who purely focused upon cardiac science? It seems questionable that someone who apparently (I may be wrong) has limited prior knowledge of cardiac science can reach interview over someone who currently works in the area.

I am aware how bitter this appears and apologies for singling you out Twinkle K but unfortunately you sound inept. Asking what to wear for a interview and if they'll have "akeeping place for my things", are you serious? Happy to be beaten by someone more qualified but seriously have to wonder about NHS recruitement.

Reply 4533

sakilz

Original post by Mr.A.Lias

Anyone one else find it rather disheartening that someone who has "made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm" can get an interview over those who purely focused upon cardiac science? It seems questionable that someone who apparently (I may be wrong) has limited prior knowledge of cardiac science can reach interview over someone who currently works in the area.

I am aware how bitter this appears and apologies for singling you out Twinkle K but unfortunately you sound inept. Asking what to wear for a interview and if they'll have "akeeping place for my things", are you serious? Happy to be beaten by someone more qualified but seriously have to wonder about NHS recruitement.

Take it easy mate... they always said that they will recruit from all backgrounds, ages and all levels... all that matters is how you presented yourself in the application (for the interview) and how you presented your way of scientific thinking in the interview (to get the job)... unfortunately sometimes this process can leave some good candidates out, if we dont have enough time to fill the form - for our exam or job, or if we are very good scientists but not so good in free writing...

but you are wrong in one thing, they are not looking for experts, im afraid... otherwise all those who got PhDs and yrs of job exps would get the jobs here... i think its fair in that sense they are looking for people who will fit into the program, job, NHS and department nicely...

sorry if you didnt get invitation, i didnt get in my first chance as well (back in 2008)... i worked on the application form, asked current trainees and scientists in NHS: and found that there is a way you have to write your answers, so that they can tick all the boxes they have in their sheet (person specs)... this selection process for thousands of application is not an easy task after all (for them)... good luck next time...

Original post by Twinkle K

@ Minimalist.... Thanks for replying,
I've just booked my slot... was sooo nerve racking jus doing that urghh.

And Twinkle K congrats for your success, hope you will perform well on the day... just be cool, and think calmly... most of the answers will be just from common sense or basic science... they will give you paper and pen, try to use them properly if you need in answering... show them that you have a clear way of thinking, draw graphs and plots, figures, write down numbers if they give you, think and then answer... they are not looking for specialist knowledge in most of the cases, but looking for people who they can train easily... best of luck...

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4534

_Tinks_

Original post by Jenny~

Dont worry I had the same problem and it was sorted. I was trying to book my slot and everything was fully booked. I panicked because next morning was the deadline. I emailed to the email they have send the interview and left a voicemail to the number the email has. Next morning I called again. They called me back and said it was a technical problem and they fixed it. So afterwards 1 place appeared in the slot and I managed to book it :smile:

Thanks, all sorted now! Don't know what was going on with it but glad it's been fixed!!!

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 4535

Mr.A.Lias

Original post by sakilz

Take it easy mate... they always said that they will recruit from all backgrounds, ages and all levels... all that matters is how you presented yourself in the application (for the interview) and how you presented your way of scientific thinking in the interview (to get the job)... unfortunately sometimes this process can leave some good candidates out, if we dont have enough time to fill the form - for our exam or job, or if we are very good scientists but not so good in free writing...

but you are wrong in one thing, they are not looking for experts, im afraid... otherwise all those who got PhDs and yrs of job exps would get the jobs here... i think its fair in that sense they are looking for people who will fit into the program, job, NHS and department nicely...

sorry if you didnt get invitation, i didnt get in my first chance as well (back in 2008)... i worked on the application form, asked current trainees and scientists in NHS: and found that there is a way you have to write your answers, so that they can tick all the boxes they have in their sheet (person specs)... this selection process for thousands of application is not an easy task after all (for them)... good luck next time...

And Twinkle K congrats for your success, hope you will perform well on the day... just be cool, and think calmly... most of the answers will be just from common sense or basic science... they will give you paper and pen, try to use them properly if you need in answering... show them that you have a clear way of thinking, draw graphs and plots, figures, write down numbers if they give you, think and then answer... they are not looking for specialist knowledge in most of the cases, but looking for people who they can train easily... best of luck...

I just find it intriguing someone who has tailored there application towards a completely different specialty has shown greater passion and interest for the area than those who have studied/researched/worked within cardiac (of which I am sure there are plenty). Also the NHS not wanting people who already are knowledgeable within the area seems counter-intuitive. Surely those who have already shown commitment and can bring new ideas to the table should be preferable.

Anyway, all the best and I would recommend smart dress for an interview.

Reply 4536

hsr22

Original post by turbo6

Well done, you did better than many!

Do you mind sharing a bit about your background? I would like to apply again next year and it would be useful to know what candidates that managed to get on the reserve list/ get an interview have experience in.

hiya

aw thanks so much. I have a biochemistry degree and went to visit the pathology labs on one of the open days. I know that doesn't sound much which is why i probably don't have an interview, so guess with more experience i might have got one. also have a bit of work experience in a surgery behind reception so a bit of experience with patients. guess i must have answered the questions quite well.

this is literally all I want to do so I hopeeeee I get called.

what about you? (did you apply for clinical biochem?)

Reply 4537

sakilz

Original post by Mr.A.Lias

I just find it intriguing someone who has tailored there application towards a completely different specialty has shown greater passion and interest for the area than those who have studied/researched/worked within cardiac (of which I am sure there are plenty). Also the NHS not wanting people who already are knowledgeable within the area seems counter-intuitive. Surely those who have already shown commitment and can bring new ideas to the table should be preferable.

I agree... i asked the same question to one of the lead in med phy... however the answer i got, seemed ligit to me... they had the same kind of view in the pre-stp years, and they spent lot of money on (old part 1) training, but at the end didnt reap the results as the drop-out rate was high during the training period, also after finishing the training, lot of the remaining left and went for either industry or academic jobs (remember this will be a 3 year contract only, and then you have to apply for NHS scientist jobs again)... so now they also look for candidates who express their 'real' interest in the scientist posts in NHS, not only for the subject/specialism...

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4538

Twinkle K

Original post by Mr.A.Lias

Anyone one else find it rather disheartening that someone who has "made my application for gastro and it was heavily more related togastro than for cardiac….hmmm" can get an interview over those who purely focused upon cardiac science? It seems questionable that someone who apparently (I may be wrong) has limited prior knowledge of cardiac science can reach interview over someone who currently works in the area.

I am aware how bitter this appears and apologies for singling you out Twinkle K but unfortunately you sound inept. Asking what to wear for a interview and if they'll have "akeeping place for my things", are you serious? Happy to be beaten by someone more qualified but seriously have to wonder about NHS recruitement.

@ Mr.A.Lias.... I found your comment abrupt and disheartening that there is someone on this forumn who can post messages like this, at a time when all the members on this forumn should be in support of each other. Making an application and being recruited on the NHS Clinical Scientist Programme is not all about having ''having prior knowledge'' for the specialism applied for it's more about if you are deemed suitable for the role...so yeah okay knowledge does have a part...but only a small part as other areas in the recruitment are important which the recruitment scheme consider, e.g. online test scores, clinical experiences, leaderships skills, communication skills and how these have been portrayed. Why would someone want a masters anyway if they have already got a PhD?!

Also asking what to wear for the interview I don't know why this seems inappropriate to ask... it may not be something to consider as much if you have done sooo many interviews for places that you generally get the gist what to wear (and I guess it is a lot more easier if you are a guy). You may have an undergraduate degree, a PhD as well as employment experiences but this is something of a first for me and I have not done as many interviews as you may well have done. Also when I asked... A place to keep your things was because I am miles miles away from the interview destination and to be honest dude I don't really fancy the idea of taking ALL of my things all over the interview room and from one station to another four times... it doesn't really look professional. And it is the little things that trip you up in the interview.

Now, before you go ahead and start saying whatever comes to hand to say is that if your application was not successful there is no need to show your abruptness to someone else who has beaten you and got an interview...maybe this shows you are unsuitable for the position on the NHS recruitment? This forumn has been made so we can support each other and inform each other of updates to the recruitment, not to take out someones upset over someone else. Now when I made my application, I made it with a very specific technique....I made sure my application was just right and all of the steps I went through just hit the nail. I spent a lot of time, effort and quality into the application. You would only know what I am talking about if you read my application. Whilst I was making it I did question myself how applying to two separate specialisms can be done with just one application... soo I made it simple very simple but specific and WITH TECHNIQUE, with all the research I had done in regards to this. They also look for general interest in the NHS, not only to the specialm applying for...

Happy applying next year (WITH THE RIGHT MIND AND ATTITUDE).

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4539

Twinkle K

Original post by sakilz

Take it easy mate... they always said that they will recruit from all backgrounds, ages and all levels... all that matters is how you presented yourself in the application (for the interview) and how you presented your way of scientific thinking in the interview (to get the job)... unfortunately sometimes this process can leave some good candidates out, if we dont have enough time to fill the form - for our exam or job, or if we are very good scientists but not so good in free writing...

but you are wrong in one thing, they are not looking for experts, im afraid... otherwise all those who got PhDs and yrs of job exps would get the jobs here... i think its fair in that sense they are looking for people who will fit into the program, job, NHS and department nicely...

sorry if you didnt get invitation, i didnt get in my first chance as well (back in 2008)... i worked on the application form, asked current trainees and scientists in NHS: and found that there is a way you have to write your answers, so that they can tick all the boxes they have in their sheet (person specs)... this selection process for thousands of application is not an easy task after all (for them)... good luck next time...

And Twinkle K congrats for your success, hope you will perform well on the day... just be cool, and think calmly... most of the answers will be just from common sense or basic science... they will give you paper and pen, try to use them properly if you need in answering... show them that you have a clear way of thinking, draw graphs and plots, figures, write down numbers if they give you, think and then answer... they are not looking for specialist knowledge in most of the cases, but looking for people who they can train easily... best of luck...

Thanks...
It's nice to know, there are still some people on here whoo generally like to help (a crucial working with- NHS quality)
A pen and paper...could you tell me bit more about this please?

NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment

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