Band 6 how to get interview

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I've just tried to apply for my first band 6 post and wasn't even offered an interview. I think it's because I have been qualified for 9 years and haven't really done much studying since I passed my degree. A lot of my colleagues are studying but none of them have a degree. I was given the impression that our managers are only interested in funding people so that they can obtain a degree.

Is there anything else I can do to show CPD other than pay for a module myself?

I feel that I have really disadvantages myself by completing my degree:(. Any advice would be great.:)

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Please does anyone have any advice? I'm sorry if it seemed like a negative first post, I'm just feeling really down about it all!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

How do you get to be an RN nowadays without having a degree? Every single band 5 post in my trust is advertised as "Must have a degree or be working towards one."

For a Band 6 post they may even be expecting you to be working towards a masters.

If you have done nothing in the last 9 years you are coming over as lazy, unmotivated and willing to coast. When I interviewed people one of the questions I asked is "What have you done?"

My advice? Go and get some relevant qualification/course. Something you can use in an interview. You can also use that as CPD. Remember, basic CPD stuff that you use to revalidate is not what they are looking for.

Unfortunately you will probably have to pay for a lot of this yourself although you can see if your manager has a training budget.

Good luck.

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Thank you, a lot of my colleagues don't have degrees! I would say it's about 50:50 at the moment!

Im certainly not lazy! Maybe just lacking in confidence and taken me this long to feel able to apply for a higher grade job!

I will look into undertaking some courses.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Was not implying you are lazy, just saying it looks as if you are only doing the minimum required to get past revalidation and it can LOOK lazy.

Doing the extra stuff required is hard work, and yes expensive, but unfortunately if you want to get on you have to show willing. Not saying it is right, just saying that's the way it is.

Good luck.

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Thank you, I've had a look into it today and there is a development fund that I can apply to and hopefully get some funding, I'm going to give it a go and then apply for some more jobs, thanks for your advice.

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I had an interview offer for band 6 with only 3 years experience and some study days. I juat had experience relevant to the post. However finally i didnt attend thte interview as I had some personal problems and wasnt able to concentrate at all on preparing to interview. A bit regreting it but on other hand I love my current job. :)

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