Applying for a new job

If you’re thinking of applying for a new job, there are various resources that can assist you in seeking success. Below are some suggested places to start.

Online resources

• NHS Careers provides information about career options, education and training opportunities. There is a link to NHS Jobs to search for current vacancies, and a Careers A-Z section; as well as a Course Finder for details of clinical study courses and the Health Learning and Skills Advice line for free of charge information and guidance on career development. See the NHS Careers page for health care assistants
• The RCN Learning Zone has a careers section with advice on career planning skills; including learning areas on completing an application form, writing a CV and preparing for interview. Note – you will need your membership number and password to access our Learning Zone for members. 

Books

• RCN (2009) Tips for completing application forms and CVs. London: RCN
• McErin (2004) Writing the nursing CV: effective professional communication Manchester: Edukom

Leaflets

The following new leaflets written especially for HCAs and APs are now available by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 quoting your details and the publication code.

• HCA guide to interview skills (Code 003516)
• HCA guide to CVs (Code 003517)
• HCA guide to application forms (Code 003518)

Journal articles

• Extra training brings added value. Weekes, D. Nursing Standard. 2009 17 Jun. 23(41). pp. 62-3. Career development supplement. Opportunities for assistant practitioner training for health care assistants. The qualifications required and career prospects are discussed
• Skills for Health launches core standards. Halford, K. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants. 2009 Dec. 3(12). pp. 613. The value to assistant practitioners of the Core Standards for Assistant Practitioners (2009) in setting out academic attainments and developing their career. 1 ref
• Career planning for the healthcare assistant. Nazarko, L. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants. 2009 Oct. 3(10). pp. 513-5. The variety of roles for health care assistants within the NHS, their pay and conditions, opportunities to seek a suitable work-life balance and possible pathways of career development. 1 ref
• Tailored applications. Raisbeck, E. Nursing Standard. 2008 25 Jun. 22(42). pp. 64. Tips on compiling a curriculum vitae (CV) and covering letter for job applications
• Writing your CV. Peate, I. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants. 2008 Feb. 2(2). pp. 97-8. The preparation of a curriculum vitae (CV) as a marketing tool to obtain a place on an interview shortlist. The format and covering letter for a CV are described, with an example.

DISCLAIMER: This information has been selected by RCN Information and Knowledge Management from reputable sources. We hope you find it useful. However, we do not accept responsibility for the wording, content and accuracy of the information at sites linked to.