Applying for the NHS, how long to hear back after application closes?

5 comments

1. Largely depends on how long the shortlisting process takes. In some NHS companies the hiring manager has to complete it themselves in others it is done by HR. From experience this is usually done within 1-2 weeks of the job closing (and is dependent on number of applications). You should receive email notification if the status of your job appliaction changes, this will either invite you to book a slot for interview or to inform that it is unsuccessful.

   Good luck!

2. It honestly varies based on the department/specialism/whatever. Kind of like asking how long a piece of string is! I’ve heard back before the closing date on some applications, and on others I’ve not heard back for like a month. I usually check to see if they’ve given an expected date for interviews in the job description and if I don’t hear back by the week before that then I assume I’ve been unsuccessful.

   It also doesn’t hurt sometimes to speak to whoever or dealing with the applications and is the named contact for further information. The NHS is notoriously stingy when it comes to paying for functioning software and applications don’t always go through and end up going awol so it’s worth it to check that they’ve actually received your application and that it hasn’t ended up in limbo.

3. It took me 4 months to get a PHYSICAL LETTER to say that I had an interview for a data analyst role in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I had completely forgotten applying by that point!

   I did get the role in the end, and I can tell you that my experience was pretty normal.

4. It definitely varies by Trust and what position you have applied for. Long listing (usually done by HR) and short listing (done by the appointing manager) is now done through Trac for most Trusts and this is a ball ache of a system to use. Also the NHS is extremely competitive and a lot of jobs will have hundreds and hundreds of applicants, which the process even lengthier.

   Depending on the role you have applied for, if you are successful – it will not be a quick start. You’ll have to wait for the DBS check to come through and that can take around 6 weeks if not more. I’ve had around 6 jobs in the NHS, maybe more. I think the longest time I’ve had to wait from application to start date is 6 months.

5. Like other people said it varies from Trust to Trust and depends on which role you applied for. From my experience applying to admin positions, sometimes you never hear back from them but others do let you know you weren’t shortlisted. Usually 2 weeks after the closing date they should contact you with an interview date. I guess it also depends on how desperate they are to fill in the position.