21 NHS BAND 2 
Interview Answers!
(Hiring Manager Approved™)

Working Together for Patients

• What it means: Every decision and action should be in the patient’s best interest. Collaboration across teams ensures safe, effective care.

• How to show it in your interview: Give an example of working in a team (e.g., helping colleagues on a busy ward, stepping in to support a short-staffed shift). Emphasise communication, reliability, and prioritising patient wellbeing.

Example: “In my last role, I worked closely with colleagues to make sure patient needs were met even during busy times. I always put patients first, and I know teamwork is essential in the NHS.”

Respect and Dignity

• What it means: Treating every patient, visitor, and colleague with kindness, compassion, and fairness.

• How to show it in your interview: Use an example of maintaining dignity (e.g., supporting vulnerable patients, respecting confidentiality, treating everyone equally).

Example: “I always make sure patients feel listened to and valued. Even small actions, like speaking calmly and ensuring privacy, show respect.”

Commitment to Quality of Care

• What it means: Striving for safe, effective, and high-quality patient care in everything you do.

• How to show it in an interview: Talk about times when you went the extra mile to maintain high standards (e.g., spotting a safety risk, reporting concerns, ensuring a patient’s comfort).

Example: “If I notice something that could affect safety or comfort, I act quickly or report it. Quality care is about paying attention to details and being proactive.”

Compassion

• What it means: Showing empathy, kindness, and understanding in every interaction.

• How to show it in an interview: Give an example of supporting someone emotionally as well as physically (e.g., calming an anxious patient, listening to concerns, offering reassurance).

Example: “Patients may feel vulnerable. I always take time to listen, show patience, and make sure they feel cared for.”

Improving Lives

• What it means: The NHS aims to enhance health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life for patients and communities.

• How to show it in an interview: Mention how your actions contribute to patient recovery or better experiences (e.g., encouraging independence, promoting healthy choices, supporting families).

Example: “Even in small ways, like encouraging independence or offering information, I can help improve patients’ confidence and wellbeing.”

Everyone Counts

• What it means: Every person matters equally, and no one should be excluded or left behind.

• How to show it in interview: Highlight experience with diversity, fairness, or advocating for vulnerable people (e.g., treating all patients equally regardless of background, speaking up if someone is being overlooked).

Example: “I believe in treating everyone equally and fairly. Everyone deserves the same level of care and respect in the NHS.”

Final Tip: When answering NHS Band 2 interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Link your examples directly to these NHS values and show how you will bring them into the role every day.

Good luck!

Richard McMunn