How to Write a CV and Supporting Statement for an NHS Job

How NHS applications usually work

Most NHS roles are advertised on NHS Jobs, and many trusts also use Trac. Instead of only uploading a CV, you usually complete an online application form with your employment history, education and a supporting information section, often called the supporting statement. Some roles also ask for a CV.

Shortlisting is usually done against the person specification, which lists essential and desirable criteria. If your application does not clearly show you meet the essential criteria, it is unlikely to be shortlisted, however experienced you are.

Step 1: Read the job description and person specification

• Download both documents from the advert.
• List every essential and desirable criterion: qualifications, registrations, experience, skills and knowledge.
• Note the pay band (Agenda for Change bands run from 1 to 9) so you pitch your examples at the right level.
• Look up the trust's values. Many trusts use values-based recruitment linked to the NHS Constitution.

Step 2: Write the supporting statement

This is the most important part of most NHS applications.

1. Follow the order of the person specification. Shortlisters often score each criterion in turn. Make it easy for them.
2. Use the criteria as subheadings or start each paragraph with the criterion you are addressing.
3. Give evidence, not claims. Instead of "I have excellent communication skills", describe a situation, what you did and the outcome.
4. Cover every essential criterion, then as many desirable ones as you honestly can.
5. Show the values in your examples: compassion, respect and dignity, working together for patients, commitment to quality of care.
6. Check the word or character limit on the form and stay within it.

Step 3: Get the employment history right

• Fill in every field fully. Do not write "see CV".
• Explain any gaps briefly and honestly.
• For each role, include achievements that match the person specification, not only duties.

Step 4: If a CV is requested

• Keep it to two pages unless the role is senior or clinical with a long training history.
• Put your professional registration (for example NMC, HCPC or GMC) near the top, with your PIN or number if relevant.
• Lead with a short profile that mirrors the role and band.
• List mandatory training and relevant courses in their own section.
• Use the same keywords as the person specification.

Example of evidence for a criterion

Criterion: Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.

On a 24-bed respiratory ward, I worked daily with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors and discharge coordinators. When delayed discharges were building up, I suggested a short daily huddle to agree discharge plans for the next day. Over three months this helped the team reduce the number of patients waiting for discharge paperwork, and the huddle is still used on the ward.

Example for illustration. Use your own real experience.

Common reasons NHS applications are not shortlisted

• Not addressing the essential criteria directly.
• Generic statements copied between applications.
• Claims without examples.
• Missing registration details or qualifications listed as essential.
• Going over the word limit or leaving fields empty.