I've worked for the NHS for a couple of years and I start a new job with them in August. You have to remember that it's still pretty hard to get a decent job as a young person in many parts of the country.
When I was first applying for NHS roles back in 2012/2013 I must have applied for nearly 100 jobs (of a wide variety) and got three interviews, the last in which I was successful.
When I started applying again a couple of months ago, I had two interviews from two applications. The difference this time was that I had two years experience in the role I was applying for. I am convinced that without my experience I would not have had interviews. My friend who has the same degree as me from the same institution has applied for similar roles to mine but has had no luck. And that is with three years of management experience in retail.
At one of the interviews I finished fifth and the woman who rang to tell me I had been unsuccessful explained that they had never seen such highly qualified candidates (most with degrees and solid experience) applying for such a basic and unqualified role.
Therein lies the difficulty in applying for jobs with the NHS. As they are such a popular employer you will most likely face very strong competition (as in most jobs in the country) for every role that you apply for. Your chances are maximised in roles that you are slightly overqualified for, are relevant to your degree and are relevant to any experience you have, within the NHS or not.

Reply 4

Jee1

Original post by a nice man

I was so close to getting an offer after one of the interviews I've had, but someone else beat me to it was annoying

Reply 5

Ordo

Original post by Jee1

I was so close to getting an offer after one of the interviews I've had, but someone else beat me to it was annoying

Perhaps its best to apply other jobs than NHS to build your experiences. I have a friend just finished his degree and currently working in retail.

Reply 6

a nice man

Original post by Jee1

I was so close to getting an offer after one of the interviews I've had, but someone else beat me to it was annoying

Most likely they're interviewing at least half a dozen people for just one role so the odds are always stacked against you

Reply 7

Jee1

Original post by a nice man

Most likely they're interviewing at least half a dozen people for just one role so the odds are always stacked against you

I'm going to keep trying if other people can get in so can I

Reply 8

a nice man

Original post by Jee1

I'm going to keep trying if other people can get in so can I

Yeah, there's no reason why you can't

Reply 9

stevey396

The NHS is disgusting - poor pay, horrid working conditions, full of foreigners etc. Apply for good private companies instead, the public sector is not worth the bother.

Reply 10

Jee1

Original post by stevey396

The NHS is disgusting - poor pay, horrid working conditions, full of foreigners etc. Apply for good private companies instead, the public sector is not worth the bother.

Oiiii foreigners you mean the foreign Doctors , Nurses and specialists who are saving peoples lives that's really snoby of you. Even though I'm looking at entry level at the NHS a large % age of Doctors are foreign

Reply 11

999tigger

You havent said what your status is or age. What experience do you have and what sorts of jobs are you going for?
How good are your applications?
I know of some people who go on courses specifically aimed at getting you into the NHS, but they are for unemployed people.

Reply 12

Kyx

Original post by Jee1

So the NHS is elitist

The patients health is very important. They need to make sure that you won't compromise that.

Reply 13

DorianGrayism

What are you applying for ?

Reply 14

DorianGrayism

Original post by stevey396

The NHS is disgusting - poor pay, horrid working conditions, full of foreigners etc. Apply for good private companies instead, the public sector is not worth the bother.

A racist hates the NHS, who would have thought
*
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Reply 15

Jee1

Original post by DorianGrayism

What are you applying for ?

Admin, reception and hospital porter roles

Reply 16

gabriella7198

all the managers do when shortlisting is score you based on how much your application matches up with the person specification and job description. they then decide who to offer an interview to based on how high you scored. if nothing in your application form is stated on the supporting documents, you wont get an interview.

Reply 17

Carlo871

Original post by Jee1

Why is it soooooo hard to get a job at the NHS I have applied to so many vacancies there but my applications are always unsuccessful

I agree... I've just finished my degree in biomedical science and our if applications, I've received one interview for the role a healthcare assistant as that's all i could get.

Reply 18

Smile19

Wow that's uncalled for. Private sectors don't look after there staff, I know this with having experience of working in the private sector myself. As the comment about the foreigners, I would rather them look after me than you!! You can get people who are willing to work that come from other countries, not just in hospitals but in care homes also. How have you got through life with your small mindedness?? I really do pity you.

Reply 19

Nerol

Hi!

It can be frustrating, applying for jobs and feeling like you're getting nowhere. If you are struggling to get in with the NHS, maybe consider gaining experience elsewhere first, then reapplying.

I applied for a lot of support work roles with the NHS, but eventually took a role with a private company. I recently moved cities and applied for jobs with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and was offered both! I was able to show how my experience would be relevant to the roles and that I was committed to working in the NHS in particular. I think they liked that.

Don't give up and keep applying!