Writing your application form

Once you have found a job that matches your skills and what you are looking for, you can apply for it easily online through NHS Jobs. Once you have submitted your first application, you can save your form and come back to it later. You can then use it as the basis for any other applications you make - as long as you tailor it each time to demonstrate how you meet the person specification of the vacancy you are applying for.

Here are some things to bear in mind when you are doing your first application.

Gather all the information you need

To save you time, you will need the following information to complete the form:

  • your national insurance number (if you have one)
  • your work permit details (if applicable)
  • details of your qualifications (including dates awarded)
  • your professional registration / pin number (including expiry / renewal date) if appropriate
  • details of any previous employers (including dates)
  • your supporting information - refer to the person specification in the vacancy to see what kind of information you need to provide that will demonstrate your suitability for the role
  • contact details for at least two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer. Make sure you have asked their permission to use their details on your application.

Completing the form

  • You may be asked to answer some pre-application questions before you can complete the form itself. Make sure you answer all of these. They have been designed to help you quickly work out whether you are suitable for the role. Once you have answered them, click 'apply'.
  • Tick the declaration box to confirm you have read the site's terms and conditions.
  • Use the drop down box to specify where you first saw the vacancy and click 'submit'.
  • You are now in the application form. Make sure you enter all the information that's asked for - and DON'T USE BLOCK CAPITALS.

"A good application form is well written, grammatically correct and detailed. For example, make sure there are no gaps in employment or explain any gaps that are there, and check that references include your most recent employers. Although it's an obvious one, be sure to check for spelling mistakes and get somebody else to look it over for a second opinion."
Lynsey McCabe, Recruitment Manager, North East Ambulance Service

Your different options

Once you have started or completed the form, you can either:

  • cancel and leave it at any time, without saving it
  • submit your application - make sure you have completed it fully and checked it carefully (including your spelling) before hitting 'submit'.

Once you have submitted your first application, you can save it and return to it at a later date. When you want to use this information again for further applications, you simply go to 'my applications' and click on 'continue with form.'

Applying for other jobs

One of the benefits of NHS Jobs is that once you have applied for one vacancy, your application is automatically saved in your NHS Jobs account. You can then re-use the form for any other positions you want to apply for. However, it is important you tailor each application to every new vacancy you apply for - particularly your supporting information. Doing this will give your application the best chance of success.

“Read the person specification and job description provided and use it to demonstrate how you can adapt your current skills, knowledge and experience to that particular job. You can explain more of this in your supporting information. This is where you get the chance to really sell yourself, and it can make a huge difference to your chances.”
Lee Jenks, Recruitment Manager, Wolverhampton City PCT

A few other things to bear in mind

  • Check the closing date carefully for vacancies and apply early if you can.
  • Some employers will remove vacancies from NHS Jobs as soon as they have received enough appropriate applications.
  • Check your email regularly to see how your applications are progressing. Any invitations to interviews or assessment days are likely to be sent by email. If you have not received a response within three weeks of the closing date you should assume your application has been unsuccessful - and you can focus on applying for other roles.

You may also like to read our articles on 'Making successful applications' and 'Developing a career plan'.