By Rachel Lamb . 18/11/2021 · 4 Minute read
It’s hard to believe there was ever a time when we didn’t have a small but extremely powerful computer being carried everywhere in our pockets.
If you were born any time before the millennium, you’ll probably remember filling out forms by hand, after wrestling with the printer for hard copies, and sending them off by snail mail, which to you and me simply means the standard postal service (even though it often took so long that snails could definitely have delivered them faster).
Thankfully, we now live in an age where applications can be filled out in the palms of our hands, then sent and received within the blink of an eye from wherever we happen to be. Yes, smartphones are a true blessing, especially for healthcare professionals looking for NHS jobs and private healthcare roles via a recruitment agency.
We all know that the lives of doctors, nurses, radiographers and other healthcare staff are hectic enough without spending your free time uploading documents and filling out forms. That’s why we’ve put together some top tips on what documents to keep handy on your mobile phone, so you can apply for healthcare jobs quickly and easily (and put your feet up during your free time!).
1. Your most recent CV
This may seem like an obvious one, but you’ll be surprised how many people still walk around with an outdated resume on their mobile devices. When the right hospital job comes up, you want your CV ready to go at the touch of a button - no one likes getting last-minute ‘editing sweats’ as you try desperately to remember the details of your most recent job.
Starting from scratch? Learn how to write a winning CV.
2. Proof of passport/Biometric Residence Permit
Your healthcare recruitment agency will need to check that you’re legally permitted to live and work in the UK, so make sure you have photo evidence of your British passport or Biometric Residence Permit. If you’re a non-British national living in the UK, it’s always handy to have photo evidence of your passport from your country of residence too.
Note: Passport evidence must be an image of the photo page in your passport.
3. 2x proof of address documents
Use your smartphone camera to take clear photos of two proof of address documents. These can include a valid driving licence, a utility bill dated within the last 3 months, or a P60/P45 dated within the last year. Save the photos to your camera roll and you’ll be one step ahead of the application process!
4. Copies of any previous healthcare training
Take screenshots or photos of any previous healthcare training certificates from within the last year. You’ll definitely need these ready to go when completing applications for agency healthcare jobs in the UK.
5. Your DBS certificate
Take a photo of your full valid DBS certificate using your smartphone or scan it into the computer and email it to yourself, so you have a mobile copy ready and waiting to be sent off to your healthcare agency. When taking a photo, make sure you don’t cut off any sections of the page and include a photo of the back if you have any prior convictions. You’ll also need photos of your supporting documents, like a marriage or birth certificate, if you’ve had any name changes.
Extra tip: Make sure you sign up to the DBS Update Service so you won’t need to apply for a new certificate every time you change roles.
6. A nice ID badge photo
Everyone loves a good selfie. Make sure to show-off your friendliest smile but avoid photos that include any other people or if you’re holding any animals or alcohol - this is a professional photo, after all. Don’t worry, if you can’t find a photo you like, just use your smartphone camera to take a new one - say cheese!
Another great use for a smartphone? Giving Your World a call…
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the application process for one of our healthcare roles, we’re always here to help. Simply give us a quick call and we’ll talk you through it.
Happy applying!
