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Our recruitment process

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Updated 12 February 2025

We are thrilled you are thinking of joining our Trust and working in one of the most beautiful counties in the country. Our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best and we are seeking people who share our Trust values of teamwork, integrity, respect and excellence.

All our external roles are advertised on Trac Jobs and NHS Jobs. Each advert will include information about the role, the team, and the job description, as well as information on what you need to succeed in the role.

If you would like more information on the role, please contact the recruiting manager as they will be more than happy to answer any questions.

We understand the application process can be daunting. We hope the information on this page provides you with some further guidance and advice to help you succeed in your application. 

Applying

Your application is a vital step and is your first introduction to a new line manager. This is your chance to tell us all about you, your experience and why you would suit the role.

Make sure to include your employment history for at least the last three years and explain what you have done in your career so far that would match the person specification.

  • Read and re-read the job description and person specification to make sure you fully understand the role.
  • Try starting on paper and write down one example for each criteria point on the person specification, remembering to demonstrating transferable skills and experience if you don’t have a direct match for the criteria point.
  • Keep it clear and concise. Perhaps ask a family member or friend to read through your application to see if it is clear to them what skills and values you are trying to portray.
  • Re-read your application before pressing send as you can’t edit once it has been submitted.
  • Download a copy of your application to keep on file as this can be a good starting point for interview preparations.
  • Remember to match your skills to the person specification and always consider transferrable skills. 
  • Complete all sections of the application form, including your reference details. 
  • Use your supporting information to get across all the skills, knowledge, experience and values you can bring to the new role. 
  • Include all employment history from the past three years, even if it doesn't seem relevant.
  • Remember your application is the only information your potential new employer has about you.
  • Don't forget to include relevant experience including both paid and unpaid work.
  • Remember to provide examples of your skills. 
  • Don't forget to distinguish between your different qualifications (GCSE’s, A-Levels etc) and don’t forget to tell us about the qualifications you have that match the person specification.
  • Never presume that being in the same or similar role will mean you will be shortlisted.
  • There is no need to repeat your employment history in your supporting information.
  • Don't be afraid to contact the recruiting manager. We love to hear from our interested candidates and tell you more about the roles available.
  • Remember to take your time and don't rush your application. 

Shortlisting

Once you have applied and our vacancy closes, we will begin the shortlisting process. At this stage, the recruiting manager cannot see any of your personal information – this helps to ensure you are assessed only by your skills and experiences.

When we shortlist for our roles, we are looking to match the skills experience and values on your application form, to the person specification.  This is why it is so important to make sure you are matching your application to the person specification.

Sometimes this process can take longer than we would like. If this happens, please do not worry. We will always tell you if you have been successful or not.

Interviews

If you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange an interview. These details will come through from Trac Jobs so please ensure you look out for this information. 

There are lots of different methods of assessment that may be used as part of the interview process, and these will be fully explained to you prior to your interview.

Once you have been invited to attend an interview, please make sure you book your preferred slot. Once you have received your confirmation, you can begin to prepare. 

It can be hard to know where to start when preparing for an interview so here are some top tips to consider.

  • Research the Trust and the team/department you are hoping to work in. It's important to understand what we want to do as a Trust.
  • Re-read the job description and personal specification. It is important to be sure of what the role entails. Interviewers will be looking to see you understand the role.
  • Prepare for a wide variety of questions. Each of our questions will be based on the job description and personal specification so it is important you can demonstrate the skills, experience, and values outlined in the documents.

Virtual interviews

We conduct a lot of interviews virtually over MS Teams so have put together some top tips below.

  • Choose the right environment. Make sure you set up your interview space in a quiet, comfortable place. Avoid attending your interview in a public place, and make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection.
  • Test, test and test again. Technology is amazing, however we all know too well it can have difficult moments. Try testing the interview system with a friend or family member. Make sure to check your camera, microphone and speakers work well.
  • Remember the formalities. Consider formal office wear - what you would normally wear for a face-to-face interview. The temptation may be to dress more informal however, do remember this is still a vital step in creating the right impression.
  • Think about your background. Once you have chosen your perfect spot, make sure nothing in the background could be distracting. We suggest using the blurred background option to avoid backgrounds becoming distracting or showing your personal items to a stranger.
  • Stay focused. Try to ignore potential distractions you may experience in your own space, turn off radios and TVs. Make sure your furry friends are not going to make an appearance and distract you.
  • Body language is still key. This can have such an impact on getting yourself across. Remember to be facing your screen (not leaning away) and look into the camera to make eye contact – it is the best way to make a connection.
  • Be yourself. It may sound strange but be yourself and act as you would in a ‘normal’ interview. Remember this if your chance to show off your skills and experience.

Following your interview

If you are successful following your interview, you will receive a conditional offer. This offer is subject to employment checks. Our team of recruitment experts will advise you through the offer letter and what needs to be completed progress you offer to start date.

Recruitment checks can include an identity check, reference check, DBS check, Occupational Health check and professional registration check (if applicable). 

Read our candidate guide here.

We also have a candidate guide for those joining us from overseas.

Managing your application on TRAC Jobs

At every stage of the process, you will be able to manage your recruitment through Trac Jobs. This means you can, at a glance, see the progress of your application, employment checks and a start date.

Further guidance on using your Trac account is available here.

Contact us 

If you have any queries, please email recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk