NHS INTERVIEW: WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO CHANGE JOBS?

NHS Interview questions and answers

I can guarantee you that there’s no employer who want’s to hear that the reason why you are looking to change jobs is because you completely hate the culture in your current organisation, or that you hate the way your manager plays favourites at work. Which is a bit ironical because these employers were once employees and so you’d think they’d be able to relate without judging you too excessively when you convey that your honest opinions about why you want to leave your current organisation were due to bad experiences (if applicable).

Oh well, that’s life for you, and as much as we’d prefer otherwise sometimes, first impressions can be long-lasting and they therefore do matter. Sounding bitter about one’s current organisation never comes off as a good first impression and we don’t want that.

So when asked this question in an interview, here’s a step by step method on how you can approach it to get a wholesome answer;

Tip #1.      Start off with a positive focus

Purpose: Make it clear from the beginning of your response that your desire to change jobs is rooted in something positive, not because you are running away from a negative situation or environment.

You can begin with a statement that shows your motivation for growth and development.

Example: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in my current position and in the organisation that I work for, and having worked there for about 2 years, I feel I’m ready for new challenges’.

You can also begin by focusing on your accomplishments while demonstrating enthusiasm for future opportunities.

Example: ‘I’ve had a rewarding experience in my current role, where I've developed and nurtured strong skill sets and I am proud of my accomplishments so far. However, I’m excited about the opportunity to broaden my skills that will allow me to continue evolving in my career and help me contribute to patient care in new ways’.

Tip #2. Highlight your professional development goals

Purpose: Following on from your positive intro, use the opportunity to demonstrate that you have clear goals and ambitions within your chosen career.

Example: 'I have a strong interest in working within a larger collaborative healthcare team because it fosters an environment for diverse perspectives, skills and expertise which is invaluable in the context of enhancing patient care and experiences. I believe this role will provide a suitable platform to grow while making meaningful impact in the department and organisation'.  

Tip #3 - Demonstrate long-term commitment

Purpose: Mention what really excites you about this new role. This could either be career-related or related to external factors beyond your profession, such as the city or community where the Trust is based. This shows employers that you’ve also taken the time to look at the broader social context of working with them, which will contribute to enriching your overall experience and possibly influence your decision to stay for the long term if you eventually decide to settle in the area.

Example: 'I'm particularly thrilled about this role with [NHS Trust] because not only does it resonate with my professional goals, it also offers a unique environment for its staff to thrive in. This NHS Trust is located in the vibrant city of Birmingham, and after my research into the city, I’ve discovered that it’s an incredibly diverse and culturally rich place. It’s multiculturalism and inclusivity makes it a place where I feel I could seamlessly integrate both professionally and personally. I don’t currently drive, so it’s a big plus for me that the city offers excellent public services and a dynamic social scene, all of which contribute to a balanced lifestyle'.

Tip #4 - Align your values to the NHS

Purpose: This shows your potential employers that you’ve done your research on the NHS and that you understand how the NHS’s mission align with your personal and professional  values.

Connect your desire to move to the NHS, or to move to this particular NHS Trust, with their core values like compassion, team work, innovation, patient-centred care, etc.

Example: 'Your organisations commitment to providing high-quality health care through your diverse initiatives such as staff training programs, integrated care pathways and a focus on preventative health resonates with my own values, and working with this Trust will allow me to be part of a team that prioritizes both excellence in clinical practice and holistic patient care'.

Tip #5. End with confidence and enthusiasm

Purpose: Leave a strong final impression by showing your enthusiasm for the change and all the opportunities it brings.

Example: 'I am therefore quite excited about the prospect of working in such a diverse setting where I’m able to contribute to the healthcare needs of the community while also enjoying a high quality of life'.

Use tips individually or in combination

All the 5 tips above for answering the question “why are you looking to change jobs” can be used individually to answer this question, or you can combine any or all 5 together to create a more robust response if you wish, in which case, it will look like the below;

Full Example;

My current desire to change jobs is because I believe I’m at a stage in my career where I’m ready to undertake new challenges that align with my long term aspirations in healthcare. In my current job, I have gathered a wealth of valuable experience and I believe that working for a reputable organisation like [NHS Trust] will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my skills and grow in the profession, particularly in clinical research [or any other specific area relevant to the role].

The NHS is known for its commitment to providing high quality care, and together with the core values of this Trust -compassion, Kindness and teamwork – I am confident that this setting offers the right environment for me to make meaningful impact on patient’s lives and be part of a supportive team that shares my passion for patient care.

Beyond my professional aspirations, I am also excited about the opportunity to live and work in [Name of City]. I did a bit of research before applying for the position, and I’ve learned that the city is very culturally diverse with a strong sense of community. And for me, a multicultural environment is beneficial in that it will help me integrate easily, thereby enriching my interactions with my patients and colleagues. Which is why I’m very confident that living and working here will allow me to effectively balance my career growth with a fulfilling personal experience, making it the ideal place for both my career and life outside of work.  

Conclusion

Always keep it simple, let your answer be infused with lot's of positivity and enthusiasm for the potential role, and let it flow naturally.

Knowing more about real NHS interview questions and answers go a long way in landing your dream job in the NHS, so Click here to watch more insightful videos on this. You'd be glad you did.