NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment
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Can anyone who had had an interview today/previous years shed any light on the sorts of questions they ask for station 1: General aptitude for science and understanding of scientific services in society?
I've got an interview for reproductive science on the 10th and this is the only station in which I don't really know what to expect.
Thanks
I've got an interview for reproductive science on the 10th and this is the only station in which I don't really know what to expect.
Thanks
Why would anyone want to do that? That would be unfair.
Original post by neuneu
Why would anyone want to do that? That would be unfair.
Well by all accounts its only medical physics that have had interviews so far, i'm applying for reproductive science, I doubt anyone will apply for both streams as they are just so different, unlike other streams which are quite similar. So were not even competing for the same job.
That may be the case, but this is a public forum
Original post by neuneu
That may be the case, but this is a public forum
which you can send private messages on
Original post by peeps86
Hiya,
So is it like last yr where you get four stations n u hop to each one after a few minutes? Oh no pen and paper doesn't sound good..my hands are going to be shaking throughout!!!
So is it like last yr where you get four stations n u hop to each one after a few minutes? Oh no pen and paper doesn't sound good..my hands are going to be shaking throughout!!!
Hi, yes it sounds like it is exactly the same format as last year.
It was a bit like speed dating I think! There were 4 tables (10 mins at each) and in between them there was a two minute gap where you sat on a chair between the stations.
There was only pen and paper at one station for us, and it was just to help you clarify your thoughts and write down key figure so you could remember them.
Original post by ckclaireknowles
Hi, yes it sounds like it is exactly the same format as last year.
It was a bit like speed dating I think! There were 4 tables (10 mins at each) and in between them there was a two minute gap where you sat on a chair between the stations.
There was only pen and paper at one station for us, and it was just to help you clarify your thoughts and write down key figure so you could remember them.
It was a bit like speed dating I think! There were 4 tables (10 mins at each) and in between them there was a two minute gap where you sat on a chair between the stations.
There was only pen and paper at one station for us, and it was just to help you clarify your thoughts and write down key figure so you could remember them.
'key figure'????
WTF! im not too keen on this pen and paper talk
they called me when i booked my interview because I'm dyslexic and asked if i would like extra time at the interview (i previously declined for the tests).. I nearly had a heart attack and was like "why would i need one? does the interview involve reading and writting?" the lady sweetly answered not.... but now i'm hearing about pen and paper
Hi. I want to ask, were people asked to do the numerical and logical tests again. It would be nice to know so I'm not caught totally off guard coz it was stressful the first time round. Thanks.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by nisot
'key figure'???? WTF! im not too keen on this pen and paper talk they called me when i booked my interview because I'm dyslexic and asked if i would like extra time at the interview (i previously declined for the tests).. I nearly had a heart attack and was like "why would i need one? does the interview involve reading and writting?" the lady sweetly answered not.... but now i'm hearing about pen and paper
WTF! im not too keen on this pen and paper talk they called me when i booked my interview because I'm dyslexic and asked if i would like extra time at the interview (i previously declined for the tests).. I nearly had a heart attack and was like "why would i need one? does the interview involve reading and writting?" the lady sweetly answered not.... but now i'm hearing about pen and paperIt didn't involve reading and writing!! There wasn't an exam.
I don't want to be unfair and give too much away.
I was asked a question of A-level/Undergrad difficulty - and the paper was just there to jot down ideas and numbers on (as I couldn't rearrange an equation and sub numbers in in my head)
Original post by merry**
Hi. I want to ask, were people asked to do the numerical and logical tests again. It would be nice to know so I'm not caught totally off guard coz it was stressful the first time round. Thanks.
Hi, no I didn't have to do the online tests again.
Original post by ckclaireknowles
It didn't involve reading and writing!! There wasn't an exam.
I don't want to be unfair and give too much away.
I was asked a question of A-level/Undergrad difficulty - and the paper was just there to jot down ideas and numbers on (as I couldn't rearrange an equation and sub numbers in in my head)
Hi, no I didn't have to do the online tests again.
I don't want to be unfair and give too much away.
I was asked a question of A-level/Undergrad difficulty - and the paper was just there to jot down ideas and numbers on (as I couldn't rearrange an equation and sub numbers in in my head)
Hi, no I didn't have to do the online tests again.
just wanted to give ckclaire a shout out! as i couldn't 'like' your comment...
thanks for taking it upon yourself to help the rest of us out. I hope you get the post you want
I know some people are a bit funny about helping others out and last year's candidates pretty much made a pact not to help but this is what the forum is for. Like ckclaire, it is quite possible to help reassure others without giving too much away! Good luck everyone MAY THE BEST MAN/WOMAN WIN
Original post by nisot
just wanted to give ckclaire a shout out! as i couldn't 'like' your comment...
thanks for taking it upon yourself to help the rest of us out. I hope you get the post you want I know some people are a bit funny about helping others out and last year's candidates pretty much made a pact not to help but this is what the forum is for. Like ckclaire, it is quite possible to help reassure others without giving too much away! Good luck everyone MAY THE BEST MAN/WOMAN WIN
thanks for taking it upon yourself to help the rest of us out. I hope you get the post you want
I know some people are a bit funny about helping others out and last year's candidates pretty much made a pact not to help but this is what the forum is for. Like ckclaire, it is quite possible to help reassure others without giving too much away! Good luck everyone MAY THE BEST MAN/WOMAN WINYes thanks ckclaire for clarifying that up, obviously we don't expect u to reveal the questions but thanks for giving us a better idea!!
Good luck!
Original post by merry**
Hi. I want to ask, were people asked to do the numerical and logical tests again. It would be nice to know so I'm not caught totally off guard coz it was stressful the first time round. Thanks.
No. You aren't asked to do another numerical/logical reasoning test like the ones in the online application.
Eeep, I jsut noticed ckclaireknowles answered this like six hours before me. Apologies.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by Hollie92
which you can send private messages on
People, including myself, have tactfully volunteered their experiences of the interviews, yet you're still fishing around for people to spell it out? It's understandable to try and leave no stone unturned, but do it with proper preparation like everyone else.
Good luck with your wheeling and dealing. I'd love to know if some ****wit does actually oblige you. I'd be even more curious if you trust them.
Hi,
Question for anyone who has an interview for Microbiology - What kind of qualifications/ experience have you got?
I've been working as a trainee biomedical scientist in a NHS lab (micro) for 3 years now (will be 4 by the time I apply) and am studying part time for my BSc in Applied biomedical science (looking to get a First or a 2.1).
I have some clinical microbiology knowledge with regards to patients from case study sessions organised by the Consultant in Paediatric infectious diseases and obviously working in a NHS lab already I know all about the tests involved and some of the new tests that are being implemented/ research projects etc.. I'm just worried about getting my hopes up about applying next year if there is no chance I'd even get an interview! Reading about this seems like it would be my dream job as I'd love to go into a more clinical/research based role.
Question for anyone who has an interview for Microbiology - What kind of qualifications/ experience have you got?
I've been working as a trainee biomedical scientist in a NHS lab (micro) for 3 years now (will be 4 by the time I apply) and am studying part time for my BSc in Applied biomedical science (looking to get a First or a 2.1).
I have some clinical microbiology knowledge with regards to patients from case study sessions organised by the Consultant in Paediatric infectious diseases and obviously working in a NHS lab already I know all about the tests involved and some of the new tests that are being implemented/ research projects etc.. I'm just worried about getting my hopes up about applying next year if there is no chance I'd even get an interview! Reading about this seems like it would be my dream job as I'd love to go into a more clinical/research based role.
"Appointment decisions will take interview, application & online test scores into account. Good luck"
So from that statement it's obvious that the playing field at interview isn't level and that the top candidates are at more of an advantage. I know that everyone has worked hard for it and everyone deserves their position etc. but what is the point of calling someone to interview, when if they are number 75 out 75 candidates interviewed (arranged by application and test score), and dragging them through the interview process when for them the chance to get a position is so much less than for candidate 1?
Surely at interview everyone should be in an equal position? I understand they want the best candidates but then why not just interview them instead of putting everyone who achieved over a certain mark through this stressful process knowing they probably haven't got a hope in hell's chance of getting through?! Like with the reserve lists, those candidates were in the top group but not top enough to secure an interview, presumably due to application/online test score. So by then inviting some of these candidates to interview, are they just bumping up the interview numbers or thinking that perhaps these candidates will achieve 100% marks at interview and later go onto being disadvantaged by their application scores? To me it doesn't seem fair that they are letting people think everyone has an equal chance at interview when clearly we don't, it's just false hope when people could be concentrating their efforts elsewhere such as final year exams etc.
Is my argument valid or am I just being a bitter soul?!
So from that statement it's obvious that the playing field at interview isn't level and that the top candidates are at more of an advantage. I know that everyone has worked hard for it and everyone deserves their position etc. but what is the point of calling someone to interview, when if they are number 75 out 75 candidates interviewed (arranged by application and test score), and dragging them through the interview process when for them the chance to get a position is so much less than for candidate 1?
Surely at interview everyone should be in an equal position? I understand they want the best candidates but then why not just interview them instead of putting everyone who achieved over a certain mark through this stressful process knowing they probably haven't got a hope in hell's chance of getting through?! Like with the reserve lists, those candidates were in the top group but not top enough to secure an interview, presumably due to application/online test score. So by then inviting some of these candidates to interview, are they just bumping up the interview numbers or thinking that perhaps these candidates will achieve 100% marks at interview and later go onto being disadvantaged by their application scores? To me it doesn't seem fair that they are letting people think everyone has an equal chance at interview when clearly we don't, it's just false hope when people could be concentrating their efforts elsewhere such as final year exams etc.
Is my argument valid or am I just being a bitter soul?!
Maybe someone with a top application and online test score who has really bad communication skills will not be hired over someone with good app, good test and good communication. You can hardly expect to be hired without being interviewed and you can hardly expect everyone who was ranked top before interview to ALL be the most suitable candidate. I'm not saying everyone is on equal ground, but I think everyone definitely has a chance to make their case at interview.
Original post by higgsy123
"Appointment decisions will take interview, application & online test scores into account. Good luck"
So from that statement it's obvious that the playing field at interview isn't level and that the top candidates are at more of an advantage.
So from that statement it's obvious that the playing field at interview isn't level and that the top candidates are at more of an advantage.
I would hope and pray that the best candidates are at an advantage otherwise what's the point of having a selection process?
Think about it, only the best should get the job. I'm sure you would agree! Each step in the process brings out information on a candidate:
Person A may be best on paper but they may interview badly; Person B may not put their case across on paper very well, but at interview be impressive and get the job. I have often struggled to get an interview, but when I do I usually get the job (only once failed).
Bear in mind some people stretch the truth on paper, sound really strong and appear to be the perfect candidate yet face to face they are just average because they don't have interpersonal skills. That is the point of an interview - to get to the good candidates having set a minimum standard. So when they asses who will get the job - they will discount an exaggerated application form. Of course there are some great candidates that have both - a great CV and great interpersonal skills. Hopefully the NHS will get those!
You are not at a disadvantage if you are number 75/75! Why would they waste their time? The NHS doesn't because they know that the interview process removes a LOT of unsuitable candidates due to attitude, commitment, interpersonal skills, appearance etc., all of which are hidden on a piece of paper. Good luck - you have every chance of success!
Original post by redbear
I would hope and pray that the best candidates are at an advantage otherwise what's the point of having a selection process? Think about it, only the best should get the job. I'm sure you would agree!
Each step in the process brings out information on a candidate:
Person A may be best on paper but they may interview badly; Person B may not put their case across on paper very well, but at interview be impressive and get the job. I have often struggled to get an interview, but when I do I usually get the job (only once failed).
Bear in mind some people stretch the truth on paper, sound really strong and appear to be the perfect candidate yet face to face they are just average because they don't have interpersonal skills. That is the point of an interview - to get to the good candidates having set a minimum standard. So when they asses who will get the job - they will discount an exaggerated application form. Of course there are some great candidates that have both - a great CV and great interpersonal skills. Hopefully the NHS will get those!
You are not at a disadvantage if you are number 75/75! Why would they waste their time? The NHS doesn't because they know that the interview process removes a LOT of unsuitable candidates due to attitude, commitment, interpersonal skills, appearance etc., all of which are hidden on a piece of paper. Good luck - you have every chance of success!
Think about it, only the best should get the job. I'm sure you would agree! Each step in the process brings out information on a candidate:
Person A may be best on paper but they may interview badly; Person B may not put their case across on paper very well, but at interview be impressive and get the job. I have often struggled to get an interview, but when I do I usually get the job (only once failed).
Bear in mind some people stretch the truth on paper, sound really strong and appear to be the perfect candidate yet face to face they are just average because they don't have interpersonal skills. That is the point of an interview - to get to the good candidates having set a minimum standard. So when they asses who will get the job - they will discount an exaggerated application form. Of course there are some great candidates that have both - a great CV and great interpersonal skills. Hopefully the NHS will get those!
You are not at a disadvantage if you are number 75/75! Why would they waste their time? The NHS doesn't because they know that the interview process removes a LOT of unsuitable candidates due to attitude, commitment, interpersonal skills, appearance etc., all of which are hidden on a piece of paper. Good luck - you have every chance of success!
Thanks for that! It definitely makes alot of sense now that you've explained it! I think last nights rant was just a combination of having worked a 12 hour shift and the stress of the impending interview! Reading back on this forum it shows that people on reserve lists have gained places in the past so i'm going to just sit back and hope for the best! thanks! xx
Hello, I'm hoping to apply to this programme for next year but only have a 2:2 for BSc, I have just completed an MSc though for which I achieved a merit (equivalent to a 2:1).
The entry requirement for this years scheme stated that candidates were required to have an upper second or first class BSc Honours Degree or equivalent in a pure or applied science OR a higher degree in the chosen specialism.
Does anyone think that this means the MSc classification will override the BSc classification and I meet the academic criteria? I am intending to apply for Clinical Biochemistry and my MSc was 80% biochemistry and 10% neurosciences.
I did email the scheme recruitment team but they said that this scheme might not run next year due to funding issues and the reduced demand for scientists so they were not prepared to comment on the minimum qualification criteria.
Any views welcome. x
The entry requirement for this years scheme stated that candidates were required to have an upper second or first class BSc Honours Degree or equivalent in a pure or applied science OR a higher degree in the chosen specialism.
Does anyone think that this means the MSc classification will override the BSc classification and I meet the academic criteria? I am intending to apply for Clinical Biochemistry and my MSc was 80% biochemistry and 10% neurosciences.
I did email the scheme recruitment team but they said that this scheme might not run next year due to funding issues and the reduced demand for scientists so they were not prepared to comment on the minimum qualification criteria.
Any views welcome. x
Original post by higgsy123
"Appointment decisions will take interview, application & online test scores into account. Good luck"
Where is this from?
I'm not saying it's wrong I'm just curious
I thought the tests and application form got you the interview and then appointments were made solely on the basis of the interview.Quick Reply
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