On almost every NHS application — whether through NHS Jobs, TRAC or an individual trust portal — the part that decides whether you are shortlisted is the "supporting information" or "personal statement" box. It is free text, often with a 1,500-word limit, and it is read against a single document: the person specification. This guide explains how to write it so a shortlanding panel can tick every essential criterion quickly.
Start from the person specification, not a blank page
Every NHS advert links to a job description and a person specification. The person specification is a table of criteria split into "essential" and "desirable", each marked as assessed at application (A), interview (I) or both. Shortlisting panels score you only against the essential criteria assessed at application stage. Before writing a word, copy those criteria into a list — they are the headings your statement must cover.
- List every essential criterion marked "A" (application) or "A/I".
- For each one, note a concrete example from your work, training or study that proves it.
- Use the wording from the specification ("evidence-based practice", "safeguarding", "MDT working") so a reviewer can match it at a glance.
A structure that maps to the scoring
Panels skim. A wall of prose hides your evidence. Use short labelled paragraphs that follow the order of the person specification:
- Opening (2–3 sentences): who you are, your current role/band, and why this specific post and trust.
- Qualifications and registration: NMC/HCPC/GMC number where relevant, mandatory training, and any gaps you are addressing.
- Clinical/role-specific experience: one paragraph per major essential criterion, each with a real example.
- Values and behaviours: link to the NHS Constitution values (working together for patients, compassion, respect and dignity).
- Close (2 sentences): your motivation and what you would bring in the first few months.
Use examples, not adjectives
"I am an excellent communicator" scores nothing. A specific situation does. Weak: "I have good time-management skills." Strong: "On a 28-patient ward I prioritised observations using NEWS2 scoring, escalated two deteriorating patients to the outreach team within target, and still completed my medication round on time." The second version proves the criterion and shows clinical judgement.
NHS values and the Constitution
NHS recruitment is increasingly values-based. Show, with an example, that you understand candour, safeguarding and patient dignity. A short anecdote about raising a concern appropriately, or adapting care for a patient with additional needs, carries more weight than a list of qualities.
Before you submit
- Check every essential criterion is evidenced — tick them off against your list.
- Stay within the word/character limit; trust portals silently truncate.
- Spell out abbreviations on first use; not every panel member shares your specialty.
- Read it aloud — if a sentence does not prove a criterion or motivation, cut it.
GovJobs links to the official NHS advert for every role we list, so you can open the full job description and person specification on the trust's own site before you apply. This guide is general information, not formal careers advice.