Step-by-step guidance on applying for consultant posts. Learn about the NHS process, common pitfalls, and how to improve your chances of success.
Introduction
Applying for consultant posts is the first gate in the process, and it is one of the most unforgiving. The NHS application is not about style or first impressions. It is a criteria-matching exercise, where success depends on how clearly you evidence the essential and desirable requirements set out in the job description and person specification.
Many excellent candidates never reach interview because their applications do not make it easy for assessors to see that they meet the criteria.
“ It is a criteria-matching exercise, where success depends on how clearly you evidence the essential and desirable requirements…”
How Consultant Applications are Assessed
Consultant posts are usually advertised on NHS Jobs, accompanied by a Job Description and Person Specification. Applications are submitted through the online form, not a CV, and strict word or character limits apply. Posts remain open until the advertised closing date, but some are closed early if sufficient applications are received.
Applications are scored at the shortlisting stage by colleagues, many of whom may not sit on the interview panel. Their task is straightforward:
- Has the candidate met all essential criteria?
- Have they provided evidence of any desirable criteria?
- Is the evidence presented clearly and concisely?
With many applications to review, assessors need to see immediately that you meet the requirements.
The Challenges of Applying for Consultant Posts
The NHS Jobs form is highly restrictive. Candidates face several challenges:
- Limited space: achievements must be condensed into very short entries.
- Relevance: everything has to map directly to the criteria.
- Consistency: vague or incomplete answers create doubt.
- Differentiation: with so many applicants meeting the basics, standing out requires careful framing of achievements.
Common Pitfalls in Consultant Applications
Candidates often lose out because they:
- Provide generic responses that do not map to the criteria.
- Assume assessors will “read between the lines.”
- Submit incomplete or rushed applications.
- Fail to highlight consultant-level achievements, instead listing training milestones.
The form itself is restrictive, but shortlisting success depends on how effectively you can present consultant-level evidence in the right format.
Application Examples for Consultant Posts
Essential Criterion: Experience of independent clinical practice
Weaker response:
“Regularly attended gynaecology clinics and assisted with colposcopy. Covered labour ward as senior registrar.”
Stronger response:
“Acted up as consultant for designated sessions, taking independent responsibility for labour ward. Ran an outreach diagnostic gynaecology clinic independently, including colposcopy and outpatient procedures, managing referrals, decision-making, and escalation.”
Essential Criterion: Experience of clinical governance and audit
Weaker response:
“Participated in audits during training.”
Stronger response:
“Led audit on induction of labour protocol, analysing compliance and outcomes. Presented findings at Trust governance meeting and implemented changes to practice, resulting in improved adherence to guideline.”
Beyond the Application Form: A Wider Strategy
Shortlisting success is not only about completing the NHS Jobs form. The form is restrictive, but candidates can still differentiate themselves by:
- Describing achievements at consultant level, not trainee tasks.
- Seizing small opportunities to elevate evidence: for example, presenting an audit as a poster, creating a short teaching programme, or turning service improvement work into a presentation.
- Aligning entries with Trust priorities and values, making it clear you are a good fit for the organisation.
This broader approach turns the NHS application into part of a job acquisition strategy, rather than a box-ticking exercise.
“The form is restrictive, but candidates can still differentiate themselves…”
What’s Included in our Pursuing Module?
Firstly, the programme as a whole (we call it ‘course’ but it is a whole learning and preparing programme)is designed to address both the learning necessary to excel, but also the practical preparation as well. Our Pursuing Module ensures you get shortlisted and includes the following:
Core learning video
Highlighting critical steps, common mistakes, and practical ways to stand out.
Pursuing Guide
Process what matters most and explore the opportunities
available in a strategic and informed way.
Application & CV Guides
Making your application professional, structured, and tailored from the start.
Pursuing Checklist
Ensuring you’ve addressed structure, tone, and alignment with the consultant role and organisational needs, while also taking away clear goals.
Articles & Advice
Covering evergreen and emerging strategies for your CV & application.
It is our deep understanding of this process — not just what it claims to be, but how it really works — that underpins our very high rates of successful shortlisting.
Key Takeaways
If you are applying for consultant posts:
Treat the application as a criteria-matching exercise.
Map responses directly to the essential and desirable criteria.
Use concise, consultant-level evidence.
Seize opportunities to strengthen your evidence base.
Next Steps
Explore our Consultant Interview Course and Preparation Programme to learn how to frame your experience and strategy for shortlisting success.
“Candidates who succeed consistently understand that this is a process that begins well before interview day.”