Newly grad applying to AHP band 5

2

As a final-year occupational therapy student about to graduate, I'm finding things quite tough. I've applied for three jobs and got rejections from two, and I've been put on a waiting list for the third, where I placed third. I don't think I'm great at interviews, but I felt I did well in my second and third ones. The interviewers said my answers were good but lacked some details that other candidates had.

I've learned from their feedback and tried to improve. However, I'm really stressed because there doesn't seem to be many occupational therapy jobs available. I thought there would be lots of jobs available and I feel stressed that I won't get a job soon enough.

Is this only with OT jobs or NHS jobs overall? Please guide me on what I should do. Should I call the Trust which put me on a waiting list and see what they say?

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by anOTstudent

As a final-year occupational therapy student about to graduate, I'm finding things quite tough. I've applied for three jobs and got rejections from two, and I've been put on a waiting list for the third, where I placed third. I don't think I'm great at interviews, but I felt I did well in my second and third ones. The interviewers said my answers were good but lacked some details that other candidates had.

I've learned from their feedback and tried to improve. However, I'm really stressed because there doesn't seem to be many occupational therapy jobs available. I thought there would be lots of jobs available and I feel stressed that I won't get a job soon enough.

Is this only with OT jobs or NHS jobs overall? Please guide me on what I should do. Should I call the Trust which put me on a waiting list and see what they say?

There is no harm in calling to see where you are on the waiting list. There will be other opportunities - are you tied to your location or are you willing to move for a job? For future interviews, think about the questions you were asked and how you could add more detail and then practise them. You will get better with experience. :smile:

Reply 2

Ironmike

11

Surprised to hear this - in London there is a huge shortage and often not enough OT’s of any grade to go around. Where you looking region wise? Sometimes for smaller trusts and places outside of big cities there can be fewer opportunities.

Reply 3

Laugh1999

1

Final year OT student as well. I’ve been applying since March and have been to around nine interviews. I was so bad at the interview, as I was super nervous when answering my questions and failed the first five interviews. I often get feedback like “ lacking some details” as well. After some exposure and trying to improve, I’m starting to get better and able to get on the waiting list for my 6th and 7th interviews. And I’ve got an offer in my 8th and 9th attempts.
I recommend using the star method and coming up with many examples that suit their specifications. Also, learn and use a lot of buzz words when answering the question. For example, patient centre, collaborative care, recovery and social inclusion (depends on which field you are applying, physical and mental health have some differences) Learn about their trust value and use it a lot in your answers. For example, respect and collaborative is quite common trust values, try to mention it when answering questions such as answering question in collaborating with team member, how you respect and collaborate with mdt and give an thoughtful example. I know it feel awful when you tried hard and failed but remember practice make perfect. I'm soooo bad in my first few interviews but keep going and you will feel your improvement.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

anOTstudent

OP

2

Thank you this is really helpful! I’ve applied to one more job which came up. There isn’t really much at the moment which is making me so stressed 😣. Can I ask what questions you were asked in your interviews? Might be helpful for practice.

Reply 5

anOTstudent

OP

2

Original post by Ironmike

Surprised to hear this - in London there is a huge shortage and often not enough OT’s of any grade to go around. Where you looking region wise? Sometimes for smaller trusts and places outside of big cities there can be fewer opportunities.

I’ve been looking up to 35 miles around where I live and there’s not much for newly grads / band 5. I guess I’ll have to keep waiting and apply to whatever comes up!

Reply 6

RoseroseMack4y

Hi! I'm looking into OT as a second degree so I'm interested to get an idea of how graduates are getting on finding roles. OP- do you mind me asking if you know how your course mates are getting on with finding grad jobs?

Reply 7

anOTstudent

OP

2

Original post by RoseroseMack4y

Hi! I'm looking into OT as a second degree so I'm interested to get an idea of how graduates are getting on finding roles. OP- do you mind me asking if you know how your course mates are getting on with finding grad jobs?

hi majority of my classmates have already landed graduate jobs, but I feel that the area I live in might not offer as many physical health OT opportunities for new graduates. There are plenty of mental health OT roles available but physical health positions seem more limited here. I’m sure more opportunities will come about soon. I just applied to one more physical health position yesterday.

Reply 8

RoseroseMack4y

Original post by anOTstudent

hi majority of my classmates have already landed graduate jobs, but I feel that the area I live in might not offer as many physical health OT opportunities for new graduates. There are plenty of mental health OT roles available but physical health positions seem more limited here. I’m sure more opportunities will come about soon. I just applied to one more physical health position yesterday.

Ahh ok thanks - and good luck!

I'm just so anxious that I could change career so late on only to find there aren't any opportunities :s-smilie:

Newly grad applying to AHP band 5

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