NHS INTERVIEW GUIDE

Online and In-Person NHS Interview Tips: Set-Up, What to Wear and the Day Itself

Practical tips for video and in-person NHS interviews, from testing your Teams link to what to bring, how the day runs and what to do afterwards.

Last updated 24 October 2026 · Created by a practising NHS doctor · Independent of the NHS

Quick answer

How do I prepare for an online NHS interview on Microsoft Teams?

Test the Teams link on the device you will use the day before, set your camera at eye level, face a light source and choose a quiet room with a plain background. Use earphones with a microphone, keep only brief prompts nearby and have the recruitment contact's number ready in case the call drops. Then prepare your answers exactly as you would for a face-to-face interview.

Key takeaways

Test the video link and your equipment a day early.
Camera at eye level, light in front, quiet and tidy background.
Bring the documents your invitation lists, usually ID and certificates.
Expect a welcome, a panel, possibly a test or presentation, then your questions.
Ask for feedback afterwards, whatever the outcome.

To prepare for an online NHS interview, test the Teams or Zoom link a day early, set your camera at eye level in a quiet, well-lit room, keep brief notes nearby and give the panel a backup phone number. For an in-person interview, plan to arrive early, dress smartly and bring whatever documents your invitation asks for, such as ID and certificates.

This guide covers both formats, walks through how a typical interview day runs, and ends with a one-day-before checklist and the mistakes that trip people up. Formats vary a lot between trusts, roles and bands, so treat this as general guidance. Your invitation letter or email is always the authority on what to expect and what to bring.

In this guide

How do I prepare for an online NHS interview on Microsoft Teams?
What should I wear and bring to an NHS interview?
How should I handle nerves before an NHS interview?
What happens on the day of an NHS interview?
Should I send a thank you and ask for feedback after an NHS interview?
One-day-before checklist
Common mistakes to avoid

How do I prepare for an online NHS interview on Microsoft Teams?

Prepare as you would for a face-to-face interview, then add a technical rehearsal. Most problems come from untested links, poor sound or last-minute updates.

Many NHS organisations use Microsoft Teams, though some use Zoom or another platform. You can often join Teams as a guest through a web browser without an account, but check the invitation and try the link on the device you will actually use.

Test the link: open it the day before, check your name displays properly (your full name, not a nickname).
Camera height: raise your laptop on books so the camera is level with your eyes.
Lighting: face a window or lamp rather than sitting with light behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.
Background: choose a plain, tidy wall. A simple blur is fine if your room is busy.
Sound: wired or reliable earphones with a microphone usually sound clearer than laptop speakers. Silence your phone and tell your household you need quiet.
Notes: a few prompts on a sticky note beside the camera are fine, but do not read answers from the screen.
Backup number: keep the recruitment contact's phone number to hand, and make sure the panel has yours in case the call drops.
Power and updates: plug in, restart earlier in the day and close other apps.

If your connection drops mid-interview

Stay calm. Try rejoining the same link straight away. If that fails within a minute or two, ring or email the recruitment contact or panel chair using the details in your invitation, say you have lost connection and ask how they would like to continue. Panels are used to this and usually carry on or switch to a phone call.

When you are back, a simple line works well: "Sorry about that, I lost the connection. I think I was partway through my answer on teamwork, shall I finish it?"

What should I wear and bring to an NHS interview?

Wear smart, comfortable clothes that you would be happy meeting a senior manager in, and bring the documents your invitation lists, usually photo ID and evidence of qualifications. The same dress standard applies online, from the waist up at least.

Smart business wear such as a suit, or smart trousers or a skirt with a shirt or blouse, is a safe choice for most roles. Keep jewellery and fragrance modest, and wear shoes you can walk in if a tour is likely. Religious and cultural dress is completely fine.

Documents: check the invitation carefully. Trusts often ask for photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, original certificates for qualifications, proof of address, and evidence of professional registration where the role needs it. Requirements differ, so follow the exact list you are sent.
Copies: bring photocopies if requested, kept together in a clear folder.
Your application: a printed copy, plus the person specification, to reread while you wait.
Practical items: a pen, a small notebook with your questions for the panel, water, and the address, car parking details and contact number.
Presentation materials: if you were asked to prepare a presentation, bring it on a memory stick and on paper.

How should I handle nerves before an NHS interview?

Nerves are normal and panels expect them.

Practise your key examples out loud until they feel familiar but not memorised. On the day, slow your breathing, have a sip of water before answering, and remember it is fine to say "Can I take a moment to think about that?" If your mind goes blank, ask the panel to repeat the question. A thoughtful pause is better than a rushed answer.

What happens on the day of an NHS interview?

Most NHS interviews follow a similar pattern: a welcome, a panel interview of structured questions, sometimes a test or presentation, then a chance for you to ask questions. The order and length vary, so read your invitation for the timings.

For in-person interviews, aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Allow extra time for parking and finding the building. Be polite to everyone you meet.

Welcome: someone from the team or HR greets you, may check your documents and explains how the session will run.
The panel: often two to four people, typically the hiring manager plus a senior colleague, and sometimes a service user representative or HR. They take turns asking questions and take notes, which is normal.
Tests or tasks: depending on the role, there may be a drug calculation, a numeracy or literacy test, an in-tray or typing exercise, a written task or a scenario discussion.
Presentation: more common for senior or specialist posts. You are usually given the topic and time limit in advance.
Your questions: near the end the panel will invite questions. Have two or three ready about the team, training, supervision or the service's priorities.
Afterwards: the chair usually explains when you will hear. Some trusts phone the same day, others take a week or more.

Should I send a thank you and ask for feedback after an NHS interview?

A short thank you email is optional but a kind touch, and asking for feedback is always worthwhile, whether or not you get the job. Most panels are happy to give brief feedback if you ask.

Keep a thank you message to two or three lines: thank them for their time, mention something you enjoyed learning about the service and confirm you remain interested. If you are unsuccessful, ask politely for feedback on what would have strengthened your interview. Write it down and use it next time. A gracious reply to a rejection can also leave a good impression for future posts.

One-day-before checklist

To rehearse answers, many candidates use NHS Jobs interview advice, their trust or university careers service, a practice educator or line manager, or resources from professional bodies and unions such as the RCN, Unison, the BMA or the royal colleges. Healthcare Interview Prep is another option: an independent self-study resource with practice questions and written model answers for 471 NHS roles, with the first 8 questions for each role free to read. It is not affiliated with the NHS and does not offer live coaching or mock interviews, so pair it with spoken practice with a friend or mentor.

Reread the invitation: time, format, location or link, panel names if given and the list of documents.
Test your video link, camera, microphone and internet connection, or plan your route and parking.
Gather documents, copies and your printed application in one folder.
Lay out your clothes.
Review the person specification and the trust's values, and rehearse six to eight examples out loud.
Save the recruitment contact's number in your phone.
Get a proper night's sleep.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not testing the technology: the most avoidable problem of all.
Reading from notes or a second screen: it breaks eye contact and sounds scripted.
Forgetting the documents: missing ID or certificates can delay pre-employment checks.
Ignoring the format details: missing a line about a test or presentation in the invitation can leave you unprepared.
Having no questions: it can come across as a lack of interest.
Assuming online means informal: answers are scored in exactly the same way.

Frequently asked questions

Do NHS interviews happen on Microsoft Teams?

Many do. A large number of NHS organisations hold some or all interview stages online, often on Microsoft Teams, though some use Zoom or other platforms and others prefer face-to-face interviews, especially where tests or tours are involved. Your invitation will say which format is used. If it is unclear, contact the recruitment team named in the invitation and ask before the day.

What documents do I need to bring to an NHS interview?

Bring exactly what your invitation lists. Trusts often ask for photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, original qualification certificates, proof of address and evidence of professional registration where the role requires it. Requirements differ between organisations, so follow the list you are sent and contact the recruitment team if anything is unclear.

How early should I arrive for an NHS interview?

Aim to arrive around 10 to 15 minutes before your interview time. Hospital sites can be large, with limited parking and several entrances, so build in extra time to find the right department. For an online interview, be set up well ahead and join the link about five minutes early.

What if my internet drops during an online NHS interview?

Try rejoining the same link straight away. If that does not work quickly, phone or email the recruitment contact or panel chair using the details in your invitation and explain what has happened. Panels deal with connection problems regularly and will usually continue once you are back or switch to a phone call. Having a backup number ready helps.

Can I use notes in an online NHS interview?

A few short prompts are usually fine, such as key words for your examples or your questions for the panel. Avoid reading full answers from the screen, as it breaks eye contact and sounds scripted, and panels often notice. Some organisations set specific rules for tests or assessments, so follow any instructions in your invitation about what you may have with you.

Practice question banks for related NHS roles

Practise with NHS interview questions for your role

Each NHS role on this site has 40 original practice questions with full model answers. The first 8 are free to read, and the rest of a role's bank costs £4.99 with 12 months' access and no subscription.

More NHS interview guides

Healthcare Interview Prep is an independent NHS interview preparation website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the NHS. Example questions and answers are original practice material, not official or leaked interview questions.

Healthcare Interview Prep: practice questions and model answers for 471 NHS roles across 11 sectors, created by a practising NHS doctor.