Without filling detailed application form (incl. STRONG supporting statement) one can forget about being invited to the interview (talking from external candidate perspective without prior NHS experience). Received a text message about interview (1.5 days notice!, so if I was in employment it might have been difficult to accommodate) and replied to email to confirm my attendance. Was allocated time slot (the message said - first come first serve, so replied within 30 mins). *Interview: First part was a test: a) read a page long document and summarise it in bullet points for briefing; b) mixed dates and list of tasks (perhaps names too but don't remember) to be put in order for planning a project in NHS environment (it pays off to know average time scale for consulting with stakeholders etc. and know about NHS projects) *Interview: panel interview - 2 people, formal, answering questions while both were taking notes. After the interview: I was not seen off to the door as a previous candidate was (I could see it from the reception while was waiting for my time slot) but shown where to go. I received no answer regarding the outcome of the interview at all. I also received no reply to my email asking for the feedback.

There were 2 interviewers. They were patient, accommodating and inclusive. The atmosphere allowed a for conversation-type interview. It lasted for almost 2 hours. 1 hour for a reviewing a report and preparing a presentation. The remaining 1 hour was for competency based questions.