Candidate journey

Application process

LPFT advertises all current vacancies on NHS Jobs.  Please read the Job Description and Job Specification.  Please check you have the essential qualifications and knowledge required.  To make an application, you must complete the online form.  All applications are submitted through NHS jobs online portal. 

You will need to list your qualifications and employment history.  Personal and Referee details should be provided.  You will be asked safeguarding and monitoring questions.  The Supporting Information section gives you the space to highlight your own talents and strengths.  When completing your application please remember to:    

• Read all guidance and follow all instructions in full on the application form.

• Please complete the application form in full, answering all relevant questions on all sections.

• Use clear, plain English.  Do not use jargon and abbreviations.

• Keep your sentences short and easy to read. It is easier to read two sentences rather than one very long sentence.

• Complete a spell and grammar check.  Check your application to ensure there are no mistakes and or missing information.  

• Make yourself stand out in the Supporting Information:  

  • Explain why you would be suitable for the role 

  • Pay close attention to the job advert, job description and person specification

  • Describe how your skills and experience, to date, match with the job description and person specification for the role 

• Check, check and check again.  If you can, give your form the 'overnight test'.  Revisit it again, on the following day with a "fresh pair of eyes".  This will help you to identify any mistakes or gaps.  It may help to get someone else to read it for you.  

More detailed tips for your application can be found on the NHS jobs website.

Shortlisting process

All applications will be reviewed after the post advert has been closed.  The recruiting team will consider each application against the job specification criteria.  A shortlist of candidates to be interviewed will be created.    

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will then receive an invite by email via NHS jobs.  Interviews will either be in person or via video on Microsoft Teams.  

If you are not short listed, you will either be notification through the NHS Jobs portal, or sent an email thanking you for your application, but confirming that your application has not been successful.  

Pre-employment screening

If you are successful and accept the employment offer, you will be contacted the HR Team. The HR Team will begin the process for pre-employment checks. As an NHS Organisation we have certain checks we must carry out to ensure the safety of our services and meet NHS Employers Standards. These checks include:

• References for the most recent 3 years employment (if you have been out of employment during this time, further advise can be given)
• Right to Work Checks
• Identification and Proof of Address Checks, including receipt of an ID Photo
• Occupational Health Clearance (you will be directed to an independent system to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire)
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check (once ID is received, you will be directed to an independent system to complete the questionnaire)
• We also request all candidates to complete a Disclosure Statement, to provide you an opportunity to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands you may have at the earliest possible opportunity
• Qualification Checks
• Professional Registration Checks (where required) with your registering body
• Alert List Checks

Your start date will be confirmed, by the Recruiting Manager, once all checks have been approved. You will receive your contract of employment which includes the Main Statement of Terms and Conditions. We would advise not to hand your notice in until receipt of this contract.We would advise not to hand your notice in until receipt of this contract.

We wish you every success on your recruitment journey with LPFT.

Before the Interview

Prepare for interview questions:

• Read the job description and person specification. 
• Check that you understand everything. 
• Write down any questions you need to ask. 
• Prepare a range of examples from your own experiences, to highlight how you meet the skills and competences of this role. 

Make contact with the recruiting manager:  

• Do contact the Recruiting Manager prior to your interview, if you there is anything you do not understand or would like more information about for the role.  

Do your research:  

• It is important to be show you are familiar with the Trust and any latest news. 
• This will give you a good understanding of any new developments related to the role you are being interviewed for.

Familiarise yourself with the roles base location:  

• We recommend familiarising yourself with the area and roles base location.
• Some of our hospital and site locations are very large providing a variety of services.   

Look the part: 

• Looking the part for an interview helps to form a positive first impression with your interview panel. 
• We recommend dressing appropriately by wearing smart office wear, for both in person and video interview calls.

Prepare questions to ask the interview panel when offered the chance:  

• Asking questions helps to show your genuine interest in the role. 
• It highlight's that you have done your research.
• The interview is your chance to find out whether this is the role for you. 
• Make sure to ask any questions you may have about the role, the Trust, the department, working arrangements, projects and plans, or development opportunities.
• Be careful not to ask for information that has already been provided or discussed during the interview.

During the Interview

Engage with the panel - It is important to engage with all of the members of the interview panel, despite which member asked the question you are answering.

Be clear - Speak clearly and be concise in your responses.

Sell yourself – Give real examples of how you have achieved positive outcomes. It is important to use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’ in your examples. This will confirm it is your personal contribution.  

Be aware of your body language – Using positive body language helps to portray a good impression. It shows the panel that you are interested in the role and engaged with the interview. Try to avoid slouching or touching your face.  Instead, smile, listen, and maintain good eye contact.

Video Interviews

Test your technology:

• Give yourself enough time before the interview to check that everything is in working order.
• We recommend testing your microphone and speakers, and ensuring your technology has enough battery to last the duration of the call.

Test the lighting:

• Lighting is extremely important in a video interview call. 
• If the lighting is too dark or too bright, then the interview panel will not be able to see your face.
• Test the lighting prior to the call, and adjust accordingly.

Check your surroundings:

• Before the interview, turn on the camera to view what is in the background of the shot.
• We recommend finding an area with a blank wall behind you, to limit any distractions.

Minimise interruptions:

• Make sure you are in a quiet area where you are unlikely to be interrupted.
• Try to be in a separate room with a closed door to limit any distracted during the interview.

Joining the interview:

• You will be invited to join the interview with an email containing a Microsoft Teams link.
• If you have the Microsoft Teams Windows app, you can join the interview via the app.  Alternatively, you can join via your browser instead.