Values-Based Interview Questions: How They Work (NHS)
What are values-based interview questions?
They are questions that ask how you have behaved in real situations, to show whether your own values match those of the organisation. In the NHS they are linked to the values in the NHS Constitution. The panel is listening for how you act, not for the right slogan.
Which values does the NHS use?
The NHS Constitution lists six values: working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, and everyone counts. Some employers also refer to the 6Cs (care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment). Check the job advert and the trust's own wording.
How do you answer a values-based question?
Choose a real example, describe what you did and why, and show the value through your actions. STAR (situation, task, action, result) works well. Keep the situation short.
Practice questions with short model answers
These are original practice questions. Use your own experience, not these words.
1. Tell us about a time you showed compassion.
Model answer: "A patient on my placement was anxious and kept asking when her husband would arrive. I sat with her for a few minutes, listened, and let the nurse know. I later checked she had her call bell and a drink. I learned that small actions can ease worry."
2. Describe how you protected someone's dignity.
Model answer: "During personal care I closed the curtains, covered the patient and explained each step. When a colleague entered, I asked them to wait. The patient said afterwards that she felt in control."
3. Give an example of working together for patients.
Model answer: "A patient's discharge was delayed because the equipment had not arrived. I spoke to the therapist and ward clerk, shared what each of us needed and we arranged it for the next morning. The patient and family were kept informed."
4. Tell us about a time you made sure everyone counted.
Model answer: "I noticed a patient who did not speak English well was not being asked about pain. I asked the nurse in charge to arrange an interpreter, which we then used."
5. How have you improved something?
Model answer: "On a ward I suggested a visible whiteboard for patients' mobility needs. I discussed it with the sister, trialled it and we kept it."
6. Tell us about a time you were committed to quality.
Use a real example about checking, following up or going back to ensure something was done well.
7. Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague about care.
Model answer: "I raised it privately, listened to their view, and we agreed to check with the nurse in charge. Patient wellbeing was our shared aim."
8. What does respect mean in practice?
Model answer: "Using the name someone prefers, listening before speaking, and not assuming what they want."
Quick facts
Values-based recruitment tests values alongside skills. Employers use it in different ways, so read the advert.
Prepare one example for each value.
Do not recite definitions. Show actions.
Healthcare Interview Prep is independent of the NHS.
This is general interview preparation, not professional advice.
Practise with real role questions
We do not have a bank for values questions alone. The closest is the Adult Nursing bank, which includes values and behaviour scenarios. Each bank has 40 original practice questions with full model answers. The first 8 are free to read. The full bank is £4.99, one-off, with 12 months' access and no subscription.
Related guides:
Frequently asked questions
Are values-based questions scored?
Employers differ and we cannot say how a particular panel scores. Prepare real examples that show your values.
Do I need to know the values by heart?
Know them well enough to link an example to each. You do not need to recite them.
What if I have no healthcare experience?
Use work, study, volunteering or family examples that show the same values.
Healthcare Interview Prep is independent of the NHS and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the NHS. This guide cannot promise any interview result.
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