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Help with recruitment

This guide to the NHSScotland recruitment process gives you a good idea of what to expect when you apply for one of our jobs.

Know what you're looking for?

We're recruiting now! With more than 350 different careers in the NHS, you'll find a job that matches your skills and your goals.

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Your application

Found a job you want to apply for? Make sure you read the job pack, then click the apply now button to get started.

The job description and person specification tell you exactly what we're looking for. This makes it easy for you to match your skills, experience, and qualifications to the role.

You'll need to complete an online application form. It includes a set of questions to guarantee consistency and fairness for everyone.

Improving equality and diversity 

We’ve updated the questions we ask about your personal characteristics, identity, and background to help us build a more diverse and inclusive workplace. The information you provide will never be used to assess your suitability for a job.  

The questions are not mandatory, but please complete them. You’ll help us move closer to our goal of improving equality and diversity and hold us accountable. 

Find out more about our equality and diversity monitoring process.

Job advert closing date

Don’t miss out! Make sure you apply before the closing date, as we can’t accept late applications. A job advert may close early if we have received a high number of applications. 

Application guide

Want to know more about applying online? Read our blog post - Your guide to the NHSScotland application process.

If you have any questions about a vacancy, please get in touch with the recruiting health board using the contact details in the job advert. 

For login problems, password reset requests, or other technical issues, contact the jobseeker support hub.

Shortlisting

As soon as the job advert has closed, the recruitment panel will start the shortlisting process. Your application will be assessed using the criteria outlined in the job description and person specification.

Interviews

If you've been invited to an interview, congratulations! You now need to start thinking about preparing for your interview. What questions could you be asked?  What do you want to ask us?

At your interview, we want to know about you. It's essential to show:

  • why you're interested in the job
  • what kind of person you are
  • knowledge and experience of living our values
  • skills and strengths you already have
  • skills you're developing

You might also be asked to do practical activity, such as completing a short assessment or delivering a presentation. If you need to do this, we'll let you know before your interview.

After your interview

Once all interviews have been completed, the person selected as the preferred candidate will receive a provisional offer of employment, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Verification of identity

Before you start work with NHSScotland, we must confirm that your identity is genuine, relates to a real person and is being used legally. This check is carried out on every potential new employee, regardless of nationality.

Occupational health

Pre-employment medical screening is required. You will receive a paper form to complete, which must be signed and returned as instructed.

References

We need to check at least 3 years of previous employment or training history. We also require a minimum of 2 references, including your current or most recent manager. We will also you to provide contact details for each person so that references can be obtained. Please make sure your referees have agreed to provide a reference.

Right to work in the UK

You must confirm you are eligible to work in the UK.

Qualifications and professional registration

Original relevant educational certificates and verification of registration are required.

Background checks

Depending on the job, we may need to carry out a criminal record check. For some jobs, you'll need to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

You must return all the requested information as quickly as possible to avoid any delays in your employment start date.

Find the right role for you

Visit our recruitment website to find the right role for you. Once we've received your application, we'll keep you informed at each stage of the process.

You can also check the status of your application at any time by logging in to our recruitment website.

Explore careers

Explore careers

Discover the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role and what the work will be like.

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Our blog includes how-to guides, case studies, and career resources.

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