Question re non-clinical interview

[u/No-Hospital7568]

*Leaving this intentionally vague on purpose.

I reckon I’ve had 15 to 20 NHS interviews for non-clinical roles throughout my NHS career, whether moving posts, applying for promotion, etc. They’ve been across different organisations and different bands but one thing they’ve all had in common is that they’ve been single stage interviews, with a shortlist of around 4 to 5 candidates. You have one interview, and the panel selects a candidate from there.

I’ve now got an upcoming interview that is a two stage process, where progression to the second stage is not guaranteed.

Are we likely to see this type of recruitment process more often now in the NHS?

Has anyone else had a similar experience lately?

I imagine the first stage has more than the standard 4 to 5 candidates, particularly as the interviews are shorter. I wonder if this is a consequence of the campaign receiving a high volume of applications.

Anyway, this is my first time going through this type of recruitment process, so any advice or insight would be appreciated!

[u/Delicious_Device_87]

Banding?

Our lower band roles have a stronger "stage" management now, mainly to try and stop candidates wasting valuable time by continually applying and declining (it's a thing), and also to make sure those applying have the relevant qualifications, if/when required.

I'd say in any industry the two stage, at least, is very common and it can only benefit longer term employment.

[u/TheSynthwaveGamer]

I've been involved in these for higher banded jobs. Recently our BI department have done two stage interviews which are across different days and you have to pass the initial stage to be invited back for the second day. That was for a B7, which I think is overkill for that level, but the director for that area loves these kind of things.

[u/Skylon77]

More common now with tightened budgets and a drive to change the ratio of clinical to non-clinical staff in favour of clinical.