5 steps to a medical career in Scotland

Appication process

Getting your application started is easy. There are several stages to our recruitment process.

Please let us know if you have a disability, medical condition, or individual need which may affect your performance in our selection process. We welcome the opportunity to support you and discuss any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process you may need.

1. NHSScotland recruitment website

All our vacancies are listed on our recruitment website. To apply for a role, you’ll need to complete an online application. We don’t accept CVs.

For help to apply online for vacancies, read our application process guide.

If you’re looking for a medical training post in NHSScotland, you must apply online via the Oriel recruitment portal. 

Learn more about specialty recruitment.

2. Shortlisting  

a job advert closing, your application will be sent to a shortlisting panel. The panel will assess your suitability for the post you have applied to. You will be invited to attend a formal interview if successful at this stage. Depending on your current location and availability, we will discuss your video or in-person interview options. 

3. Interview  

The interviews last approximately an hour. At your interview, you’ll be asked a number of competency-based questions. The panel will look for you to provide examples from your previous experience to support your application. Depending on the medical role you have applied for, you might be asked to deliver a presentation or complete an assessment. You’ll be advised about the interview format beforehand so you’ll have time to prepare.

The interview panel will consist of a representative from each recruiting health board. Each of them will have experience in the role you have applied for. You will be given a score based on your responses throughout the interview. 

You will then be advised of the outcome of your interview. 

4. Relocation  

If offered a post, you’ll be contacted by the medical staffing team in the health board you’ve been appointed to. They will make sure you’re fully supported with your move to Scotland. 

5. Visa  

If you have been offered a post within one of NHSScotland’s Health Boards, you’ll be issued a certificate of sponsorship so you can apply for a health and care worker visa. 

The visa will grant you entry to the UK and allow you to work in the role you were recruited to. In addition to the certificate of sponsorship that the employing NHSScotland Health Board will supply, you must also meet the other eligibility requirements. 

Find out more about the certificate of sponsorship.