Firstly, congratulations on your remarkable journey thus far! You've come a long way and are now on the verge of achieving your goal. It has been a challenging journey, but you have successfully navigated through it, and I commend you for your dedication and perseverance. However, this is not the end of your path; there are still numerous opportunities and accomplishments awaiting you. In this blog post, I aim to provide you with valuable insights on what lies ahead after taking the PLAB 2 exam and embarking on your first NHS job hunt. If you're interested in learning about pre-planning for post-PLAB exam endeavors, I have a separate blog dedicated to those topics.
1. Take time to unwind and rejuvenate:
After weeks of hard work and the challenges of being in a foreign land, it's essential to prioritize self-care and relaxation. You've made it to the UK, and now it's time to treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Explore new cities, indulge in local cuisines, and embrace the opportunity to meet new people. Remember to give yourself permission to unwind and recharge.
2. Consider pursuing a clinical attachment:
If you haven't secured one yet, many doctors find clinical attachments once they arrive in the UK. One effective approach is to proactively reach out to HR departments of various trusts via email. Additionally, if you have connections within the NHS or know someone who has completed a clinical attachment, consider approaching them for guidance to expedite the process.
3. Obtain your Good Standing Certificate:
The Good Standing Certificate is a crucial requirement for GMC registration. It's recommended to apply for this certificate after receiving your PLAB pass results, as the process is usually quick. Contact your respective state medical council to initiate the application. In my case, I simply filled out an online form, paid the fees, and received the certificate within a week. Remember that the GMC will later verify this certificate, but this step typically doesn't consume much time.
4. Complete your GMC Registration:
Undoubtedly, obtaining GMC registration is the most anticipated and significant milestone in our PLAB journeys—the license to practice medicine in the UK. Fortunately, the registration process is relatively straightforward. Begin by submitting an application on your GMC portal, ensuring that all details, including your professional experience over the past five years, are accurately provided. Once you've submitted the application, the GMC will respond by requesting the necessary documents. Typically, these documents include:
Passport
Proof of your primary medical qualification (degree certificate)
Good Standing Certificates from all the medical councils you are registered with
Evidence of your English language proficiency (valid IELTS/OET scorecard)
Proof of completion of an acceptable pattern of experience (internship completion certificate)
Depending on your application, the GMC may also request additional documents, such as translations for non-English documents, employer references for medical or non-medical work conducted without registration (GEN 1 form), or evidence of online medical studies. Remember, honesty is key throughout the process, and if you have career gaps, it is completely acceptable as long as you provide honest explanations.
5. Craft an Impressive Trac Job/NHS Job Profile:
As you find yourself with some free time away from your studies, consider investing it in creating a compelling profile on Trac Jobs/NHS jobs. This profile will serve as your professional introduction to potential employers. Let's dive into the three main sections you should focus on:
i. Qualifications: Highlight your educational achievements (MBBS, MRCP, etc.), any relevant training courses you have attended (ALS, BLS, etc.), and your professional registrations (both in your home country and with the GMC).
ii. Employment: Provide a comprehensive overview of your employment history, detailing your roles, responsibilities, and any previous experience within the NHS. Be sure to include specific dates and reasons for any gaps in employment.
iii. Supporting Information: This section holds immense importance. Showcase your practical skills, teaching experience, research involvement, presentations, audits, publications, awards/distinctions, leadership capabilities, and teamwork experience. Take your time to write each section meticulously, ensuring it reflects your unique qualities. This is the part of your profile that can greatly influence your chances of securing an interview.
Invest ample time in creating your profile and consider seeking feedback from experienced individuals or senior professionals working in the NHS. Their insights can prove invaluable. Remember, the effort you put into crafting a standout profile will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.
6. Launching Your Job Hunt:
When to start? After completing your PLAB 2 exam, you can start exploring job opportunities in the medical field. Many job advertisements provide options like "Done with PLAB 2/Passed PLAB 2/Waiting GMC Registration." This gives you a chance to get a head start by applying for positions. However, personally, I waited until I received my GMC registration to maximize my chances and also enjoy some post-PLAB 2 time.
Is it possible to land an NHS job? One of the most frequently asked questions, particularly when you have limited experience. The answer is a resounding YES. Allow me to simplify the process for you, but remember, success requires effort and dedication. Nevertheless, it is absolutely achievable.
Where to apply? When it comes to job searching, two primary websites dominate the field: Trac Jobs and NHS Jobs. While these serve as the primary job search platforms, it's important to note that there are additional avenues worth considering if you're interested in working in specific regions. Two notable examples are NHS Scotland and Ireland. Personally, I relied solely on Trac Jobs because it aligned better with my preferences, and approximately 90% of the job advertisements redirected me there. I took my chances and dived into the opportunities available on the platform.
What key words to use? When it comes to searching for NHS jobs, utilizing the right keywords can significantly enhance your chances of finding suitable positions. Consider incorporating terms such as Junior Clinical Fellow, ST1/2, CT1/2, FY2, Trust Grade Doctor, foundation year doctor, Locally Employed doctor, Rotational doctor, and more into your job search to uncover relevant opportunities.
How to apply? As mentioned earlier, I had diligently constructed my profile on Trac Jobs, fine-tuning each section to perfection. However, the true game-changer lies in the additional section of supporting information (maximum words 1500) that accompanies every job application. This is your chance to showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the position, avoiding redundancy with the rest of your application.
Tailoring your application? Initially, I made the mistake of using the same supporting information for every job application. After a month of fruitless attempts, I decided to overhaul my entire approach. I began tailoring my application, aligning it with each job advertisement and the specific person specifications outlined. I dissected the supporting information into concise paragraphs, incorporating keywords highlighted in the person specifications and presenting them with impactful bullet points.
Undoubtedly, this process demands time and effort. However, consider this perspective: submitting 100 generic job applications versus crafting 10 unique, targeted applications. By opting for the latter, you significantly increase your chances of success. Remarkably, I received an interview call within just three days of revamping my application.
The job hunt can be an arduous journey, but as I previously emphasized, nothing worthwhile comes easily. Landing a job is undoubtedly possible, but it requires perseverance in your application endeavors. You never know which interview call may be just around the corner. While it's natural to have preferences for a particular specialty, I urge you to be flexible when it comes to location. Keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected opportunities and a more diverse and fulfilling career path.
How many applications? Speaking from my own experience, I applied for approximately 200 jobs over a span of three months, even considering specialties that weren't my top choices. I must admit, I wasn't consistently applying throughout this period. Nevertheless, my efforts yielded three interview calls and two job offers. Ultimately, I accepted one offer that aligned perfectly with my desired specialty and location, prompting me to halt further applications.
For your first NHS job, there are numerous factors to consider, so take your time and avoid compromising. Remember, there are abundant opportunities out there, and with perseverance, you will secure that desired position. In the meantime, I recommend considering employment in your home country to stay occupied and bridge any gaps in your CV. This not only keeps you engaged but also adds valuable clinical experience to your resume.
I genuinely hope this information serves as a helpful starting point for your journey. If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Great advice! Thanks for starting this blog!❤️
Thank you, this is so helpful! ✨