This course teaches you how NHS applications are shortlisted and how to write an application and supporting statement that clearly matches the person specification. It uses worked examples, a step-by-step method for mapping your evidence to each criterion, and weak and strong versions of real-style paragraphs so that you can apply the method to your own applications.
What you will learn
- Explain how NHS shortlisting works and why the person specification drives the decision.
- Analyse a job description and person specification and identify essential and desirable criteria and how each will be assessed.
- Map your own experience to each criterion using specific, verifiable evidence.
- Write a structured supporting statement using clear headings and short STAR-style examples.
- Avoid common errors that lead to rejection, including generic statements, missing criteria and inaccurate information.
Course content
- How NHS shortlisting works (2 min)
- Reading the job description and person specification (2 min)
- Mapping your evidence (3 min)
- Writing the supporting statement (3 min)
- Style, length and common mistakes (3 min)
- The rest of the form: employment history, references and declarations (2 min)
- Case study: rewriting an application (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), honesty and integrity in CVs, applications and references
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), acting with honesty and integrity at all times
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024), honesty and integrity
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017), standard 6: behave in a professional manner
- The NHS Constitution for England and NHS values
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
How to Write an NHS Supporting Statement (With Examples)
How to write an NHS supporting statement that gets shortlisted: map the person specification, use headings and STAR examples, with weak and strong examples.
Common NHS Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Common NHS interview questions with example answers: tell us about yourself, why this trust, STAR, clinical, prioritisation, ethics and audit questions.
Clinical Audit vs Quality Improvement: The Difference and How to Do Each
Clinical audit vs quality improvement explained: the key differences, when to use each, a worked two-cycle audit and a PDSA example for NHS staff.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.