How to apply for a job with NHS Scotland
You apply for all NHS Scotland jobs online. Find out what happens at each stage, from searching for a job and filling in your application to interviews, job offers and checks.
There's a role for you in NHS Scotland
We employ more than 190,000 people in cities, towns, and rural and island communities across Scotland. People join us from school, from other careers, from the armed forces, after a career break and from overseas. You don't need to be a doctor or nurse to join us.
Your application, step by step
Most job adverts stay open for 2 weeks, and you'll usually hear whether you've been shortlisted within 3 weeks of the closing date. Here's what happens after you find a job you'd like to apply for.
- Find a job and set up your profile: search our recruitment website, then create or log in to your profile.
- Complete your application: fill in, check and submit it before the closing date. Some adverts close early if we get a lot of applications, so submit as soon as you're ready.
- Shortlisting: the hiring manager and interview panel score your application against the person specification. This can take up to 3 weeks.
- Interview: if you're shortlisted, we'll invite you to a 2-way conversation, in person or online.
- Conditional offer: we contact our preferred candidate within a few days of the last interview.
- Pre-employment checks: we check your right to work, references and qualifications. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- Unconditional offer: we send your contract and an occupational health form, and ask for your payroll details.
- Start date: you join your team and complete your induction.
Tips for your NHS job search
- Start on our recruitment website. If you meet the essential criteria in the person specification, apply.
- Set up email job alerts so you're the first to know when a matching job goes live.
- Spend 10 minutes on the health board's news page to see their local and national priorities.
Need help with your application?
Every job advert has a named contact who's happy to answer questions about the role. If you're having trouble with the recruitment website or can't log in, email nhsscotland@helpmeapply.co.uk.
Read the guide offline
Download our Application and recruitment guide to read at your own pace or share with someone you're helping.
Ready to apply?
Search for NHS Scotland jobs and apply online through our recruitment website.
Search jobs
Can't see the right job yet?
Set up an email job alert and we'll tell you as soon as a matching job goes live. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Set up job altert