Get Yourself Shortlisted: 3 Steps to Success

In a recent coaching session, I had the chance to work with an internationally trained nurse navigating the healthcare recruitment process in the UK. As an internationally trained nurse myself, I’m passionate about coaching others who share the same journey. Having faced many of the invisible barriers that IENs encounter, I understand how daunting it can be. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet mentors who guided me, saving me from a frustrating cycle of trial and error. Their support broadened my perspective and challenged me to think differently, which has been invaluable.

During our session, I asked my coachee how he had prepared for his job application. He told me that he simply filled out the form and submitted it. This immediately resonated with me, as I remember doing the same thing when I was applying from the Philippines. One of the first lessons I learned was that understanding the recruitment process in both your home country and the UK is crucial to getting shortlisted. Transitioning to a new healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve spent years working in a familiar one.

In my coachee’s case, he had been proactive by taking on bank shifts within the unit, assuming that this alone would demonstrate his understanding of the role. However, when it came to addressing the job description and reflecting on his skills, he hadn’t fully considered what the hiring manager was specifically looking for. This is a common situation among IENs—many believe that simply being in a role for some time naturally leads to progression without much planning or preparation. While this may have worked in their home countries, the UK healthcare system can present different challenges. It’s not that the process is necessarily difficult—it’s just unfamiliar.

This is where career coaching becomes essential. It’s not about embellishing your application but rather about showcasing your skills and experience in a way that aligns with the hiring manager’s expectations. It’s about identifying the skills you need to develop, polishing the ones you already have, and strategically presenting your experience and transferable skills to make a smooth transition into a new role.

I don’t claim to be an expert on career progression for IENs, but I aim to serve as a guide. Below are three key strategies that have helped me, and I believe they can help you stand out during the job application process:

1. Read the Job Description Carefully

Take the time to thoroughly understand the skills, experience, and knowledge required for the role. When writing your supporting information, align it closely with these requirements. If you’ve completed relevant training, degrees, or certifications in your home country, be sure to include them. Even if they aren’t directly transferable to the UK, the skills and experience you gained are still highly valuable. For example, if you’ve held leadership roles before, emphasize the problem-solving and decision-making skills you developed, as these are applicable across borders.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize any skill gaps you may have and make plans to address them. Consider developing a personal development plan for the role and, during the interview, ask about available support. This not only shows that you’ve given serious thought to the role but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement once hired.

2. Reach Out to the Hiring Manager

Don’t hesitate to contact the hiring manager to ask questions or request a shadow shift. This can give you invaluable insight into the role and the team, helping you tailor your application more effectively. Why reach out before being shortlisted? Because you’re not just being assessed for the role—you’re also assessing whether the role and team are the right fit for you. Understanding the work environment and management style early on can save you time and energy if the position isn’t a good match.

3. Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes on Your Application

When you’ve been working on something closely, it’s easy to overlook details. Ask someone else to review your application before submitting it. A fresh perspective can help catch any unclear or incomplete areas, improving the overall quality of your submission. Ideally, seek feedback from someone familiar with your work—they might point out strengths or experiences you hadn’t considered including. We often see ourselves the way we want to be perceived, but others may offer insights into the broader impact you’ve made or skills you’ve demonstrated that you might have missed.

Once you’ve submitted your application and been shortlisted, the next challenge is preparing for the interview. With the right planning and guidance, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression and landing the role you’re aiming for.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about taking the next step, I offer FREE coaching consultations. You can find more details in the services section of my website. Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be happy to help guide you through the process!