How to apply
Recruitment process
- Overview
- Current page section : How to apply
- If we offer you a job
- Reasonable adjustments during recruitment
Prepare your application
Before you start your application, take time to read the job advert, job description and person specification carefully.
These documents will help you understand the role and decide whether it's right for you. They explain the key responsibilities, skills, experience and qualifications we're looking for. You should also check the working hours, location and salary to make sure they meet your expectations.
Before you apply, have the following information ready:
- details of your previous employment, including your responsibilities and key achievements
- details of your qualifications and training, including where you studied and any grades or awards you achieved
Work permits
If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in the application form.
Completing the application form
Our Trust values are caring, inclusive and ambitious. Think about how your own values match ours. We want our patients to receive the best possible care. Throughout your application, give examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your work or life. You can highlight your skills and experience in different sections of the application, but your supporting statement gives you the best opportunity to explain them in detail.
We recognise that more people are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini, when preparing job applications. These tools can be helpful for planning, proofreading and improving accessibility, particularly for candidates who are neurodivergent or have a disability.
AI should support your application, not replace it. Whether you use AI is your choice, but your application must be your own work and accurately reflect your skills, experience and achievements. We do not accept applications that have been generated entirely by AI and submitted without meaningful input from the candidate. Take time to review and personalise any content produced with the help of AI so it reflects your own experience and the role you're applying for.
As part of the application process, we'll ask whether you have used AI. Please be honest about how you have used it and make sure the information you provide is accurate and reflects your own experience. This helps us support you throughout the recruitment process and assess your application fairly.
We expect every application to be an authentic reflection of the person applying. Caring for patients requires honesty, integrity and professionalism, and we look for these qualities throughout the recruitment process.
You can use AI to:
- check spelling, grammar and formatting
- help structure examples using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format
- generate practice interview questions
- help organise and refine your own ideas
You should not use AI to:
- write your application for you
- generate examples or experiences that are not your own
- copy and paste AI-generated content without reviewing and adapting it
- share confidential or sensitive information in AI tools
AI and interviews
The use of AI during interviews and assessments is not permitted unless it has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. If you would like to use AI-assisted technology as part of a reasonable adjustment, please email us before your interview.
Try to complete all parts of the application form. If some sections of the form do not apply to you, enter N/A (not applicable) in the spaces provided.
We'll contact you throughout the recruitment process by email and text through Trac, so please make sure the email address and mobile phone number you provide are correct and up to date.
What to include in each section
As part of your application, we'll ask for some personal details, including:
- your name
- address
- contact information
- National Insurance number
- date of birth
You will also have the opportunity to declare whether you have previously been dismissed from a job and whether you have any cautions or convictions.
Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and will not be used during shortlisting. Any declarations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please answer all questions honestly and accurately, as this information helps us carry out the necessary pre-employment checks.
If you're offered a role that involves working with or around patients, you'll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
As part of your application, you'll be asked to provide details of your education and training.
Include any qualifications and training you have achieved, such as GCSEs, NVQs, A levels, degrees or professional qualifications. If you studied overseas, please include the equivalent qualification.
You'll need to provide the name of the school, college, university or training provider, along with the dates attended and qualifications gained.
You can also include any qualifications or courses you're currently studying, particularly if they're relevant to the role.
Your work history is an important part of your application. It helps us understand your previous roles, experience and responsibilities.
List your most recent role first and include:
- employer name
- job title
- employment dates
- a summary of your responsibilities and achievements
If you have limited work experience, you can include placements, internships and voluntary work.
When describing your experience, highlight responsibilities and achievements that are relevant to the role you're applying for. Where appropriate, use language from the person specification to help show how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
Gaps in your work history
If you have any gaps in your employment or work history, please explain them in your application.
The number of references needed will depend on your work history. Before submitting their details, make sure your referees have agreed to be contacted and that their contact information is up to date.
We can only accept professional email addresses. Personal email accounts, such as Gmail or Yahoo, cannot be used.
- If you're currently employed, your first referee should be your current employer.
- Your second referee should normally be a previous employer covering the last 3 years.
- If you're studying, you can provide a tutor or lecturer.
- If you have little or no work experience, you may provide someone who can comment on your suitability for the role, such as a teacher, tutor or community leader.
Please do not use family members or friends as referees.
Most reference requests are sent by email through Trac Jobs.
Your supporting statement, sometimes referred to as a cover letter, is your opportunity to show why you're the right person for the role. Use it to explain how your skills, experience and achievements meet the requirements set out in the person specification.
Tailor your statement to the role you're applying for rather than using a generic statement. We shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the essential criteria, so it's important to provide clear examples that demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience.
You can strengthen your application by highlighting relevant achievements and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.
Please do not include personal information, such as your name, age or location, in your supporting statement. This information is hidden from shortlisting panels to support a fair and unbiased recruitment process.
Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, health condition or are neurodivergent, you can ask for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Requests will be handled confidentially and we will work with you to provide the support you need.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
Under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, you may be offered an interview if you meet the essential minimum requirements for the role. To be considered, you must select this option when you submit your application.
After you apply
If you're invited to interview
After the vacancy closes, the hiring manager will review all applications. Once shortlisting is complete, the recruitment team will contact you with the outcome.
If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to interview. We'll send you all the information you need, including the date, time and any preparation required, such as a presentation.
If you need any adjustments to take part in the interview, please let the recruitment team know as soon as possible so we can support you.
Once you've been invited, you'll need to confirm your attendance and book an interview slot through Trac. Check the interview details carefully, including the date, time and venue if the interview is taking place in person.
If you're unable to attend, or you'll be outside the UK at the time of the interview, contact the recruitment team as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, an alternative arrangement may be available.
If you're not successful
If you're not invited to interview, please do not be discouraged. We know how much time and effort goes into every application, and recruitment can be highly competitive.
We appreciate your interest in joining Guy's and St Thomas' and encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.
Contact us
Email: [email protected]