Applying for your first physical therapy job can be confusing, but we're here to help you get the process started effortlessly.
The aim of this article is to clear up the application process for Physio, which can be confusing as there is a lot out there. These aren't guarantees, but are great tips to maximize your chances. Ultimately, the choice is yours and depends on your individual circumstances. There is no right or wrong answer here, just what's right for you.
Let us divide the application process into different phases.
opportunities
Considerations
Private providers
NHS
Applications
Interviews
After the interview
Use your own opportunities
The future of our profession seems bigger and better than ever, as more varied and complete career paths become available. This means that the competition for seats will be tougher than ever and trying to stand out from the crowd will become a challenge.
Going out and looking for opportunities is a good idea, but needs to be handled properly – cheeky cold-lead emails are unlikely to give you an opportunity. If you leverage previous connections and rely on your network of colleagues, universities, and previous interns, opportunities are much more likely to open up.
Reputation is key here and something to consider when reaching out to someone for opportunities or when and where the next job is available. If you've made a positive impression before, now is the time to get the most out of this hard work!
Unlock your career potential
Considerations and implications
When applying for your first job, there are various things to consider. Location, size of the organization, training opportunities, and salary are all things to think about when deciding where to work.
Location is important because you need to plan ahead and think about your support network that is available to you and the future opportunities that may arise if you want to apply. I If you've been a student anywhere, before chances are you knew enough about the place to bolster your application. And when you have achieved something, it always helps!
The size of the organization is also important to consider as it affects you in terms of possible progress within the company as well as the type of client / patient you will see in your job.
Both the location and the size of the organization often determine the training opportunities available, but not always. Larger organizations usually have a larger training budget and a larger pool of common knowledge. For example, in the UK, community hospitals do not have the same education department or local university links as a teaching hospital, making it difficult to access resources.
The salary often depends on experience and organization. The NHS has set salaries for all employees (except doctors) based on job role, while private companies have set salaries based on potential income. There is also potential for wage negotiations with smaller private providers.
Is private the right way?
There are a number of private companies, each with their own websites, on which they advertise their current job vacancies. Many also post ads on popular websites. So it's worth setting up notifications to make sure you don't miss a thing.
In physiotherapy, private providers are usually specific for one or two different types of service users / customers. So if you know what field or specialty to work in, this is a great opportunity for you. It's worth taking a look on social media and seeing which providers make you like the look.
Apply as a physio in the NHS?
The NHS is the largest Phyio employer in the UK (and most likely worldwide), so it is the best way to offer training roles, also known as rotations. In a rotating role, you will go through different subject areas every six months and offer you the opportunity to diversify your interests and skills. Each NHS trust has a different selection of specialties for you to try.
Most NHS jobs are posted on the NHS Jobs website, which also hosts applications. Your CV and cover letter will still be required, but in a different format that will guide you on the website. That means you can keep track of the hospital and the role you want to apply for in one place.
Should you take your portfolio with you?
Writing an Application – Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing an application, remember that the goal is to earn enough points to be shortlisted for the interview.
Each position you are applying for has a job description and a personal specification that you can use to assess your skills and understanding of the role. If someone is shortlisted for an interview, they will read your application and reevaluate you with these documents. If they match sufficiently, you will be offered an interview.
The job description and personal specification provide the framework for your application. Remember that the entire aim of the application is to demonstrate that you meet the requirements set out in it. The most common mistake is not to provide examples of how you meet the person specification and job description.
It is possible that the shortlisted person has many tens of applications to read. Make sure this is logical and precise. If there is a word limit, it is there for a reason. If it's too short, the person reading your application will know that you haven't written enough to effectively explain why you should be interviewed. Be careful not to duplicate yourself or add unnecessary details. It's great that you were the leader of your school year. But is it really that relevant to the job you're applying for? Probably not.
Interview preparation
It's okay to feel nervous before and during an interview, that's a good thing! It is important to control your nerves and to use this energy during the interview process and turn it into something that makes you unstoppable.
We cannot guarantee that you will get the job you are interviewing for. However, it is much more likely that you will get the job if you follow our advice and break your interview into a three-step process to reach your potential.
Tips for the job interview at Physio
The most important thing to remember is that values and beliefs shine when you stay true to your authentic self. If you pretend to be someone you don't know, you are more likely to achieve your full potential in an interview and at the end of the day, when your values and beliefs align with the team you are applying for. If not, will you really enjoy working there?
The best resources for preparing interviews
Remember that interviews are a skill that you can improve. There is always another way to apply for another job that didn't go well this time.
Tips after the interview
At the end of the interview you have the opportunity to ask the interviewers a few questions. Asking a few quality questions will give you an opportunity to stand out from the rest of the candidates. Candidates often dry up here, so try to have some prepared questions here.
Good questions make you appear interested and engaged, but don't forget . This is your chance to find out if you are a good fit for the organization and the team. If you have trouble with your questions, focus on everyday questions about the role, as well as the opportunities to grow and progress within the company. This is a great time to ask about the overall culture that underpins the team's performance.
"You can improve your interview skills, which is why feedback is important regardless of success or failure."
To be interviewed is a complex skill – it is a combination of communication skills, pressure management skills and organizational skills. This means you can improve your interviewing skills, which is why, regardless of success or failure, feedback is an integral part of the interview process.
As a final thought, an interview is a chance to put yourself in the shop window – you get a time in captivity with people who can make things happen. Keep in mind that there may be other options that the employer may find more suitable for you. This becomes clear in your interview.
This post was originally published March 2019 and written by Matt Ross. The page has now been updated for freshness, accuracy and completeness.
