Rachael is the early careers manager at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a military spouse and a proud member of the Armed Forces community. She works with people looking to begin a career in the NHS, collaborates with school and college students, newly qualified clinical professionals, as well as the Armed Forces community.
Motivation
Due to relocation Rachael was looking for a new job and spotted the role of early careers manager. She was eager to enter a different sector and can gain new experience. Although her role is not clinical, she knows that by helping the NHS hire excellent candidates she is ensuring great patient care. The NHS offers a huge amount of flexibility that works around her family and Armed Forces life.
Challenges and solutions
As a member of the Armed Forces Community, Rachael encountered challenges when seeking employment. The biggest of these was having moved multiple times between different locations and having to change jobs each time. Finding a role that would fit around military life was also difficult, and she found completing the numerous job applications monotonous.
Having numerous roles in various locations was also off-putting to recruiters and helping them see the positives she brings is a challenge. Additionally, attending an interview in person when she was currently located miles away made it impossible to secure a new role.
Step Into Health helped break down these barriers by bringing together employers who understand these challenges and the potential the Armed Forces Community bring. Step into Health allowed Rachael to directly connect to potential employers and facilitated communication and inquiries in a safe space.
Role and responsibilities
Rachael has been in her role as early careers manager for two years. During this time, her projects have expanded to include Armed Forces recruitment, international recruitment, overseeing the trust’s involvement in the NHS Graduate scheme, final year university student recruitment, and school and college engagement.
The transferable skills that Rachael uses most in her role are communication, teamwork, leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement
Career Development
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is incredibly supportive of career progression and training. Rachael has undertaken an array of internal training opportunities, from Excel to leadership training and the trust funded external HR training. Her regular appraisals include open conversations around careers and next steps.
Tips for applicants
Rachael says that ‘If you are a member of the Armed Forces community applying for vacancies in the NHS are to review the job description carefully, even if the job title is unfamiliar. When completing your application refer to the person specification and provide specific examples that demonstrate the skills and competencies required for the role. You should also look up the trust’s values and provide an explanation of how personal values align with them.’
Rachael recommends the Step into Health programme to other members of the Armed Forces community. She added ‘It makes job hunting easier, provides a direct contact to a trust, and allows communication with employers who understand their circumstances and the benefits they bring. Job hunting and applying can be stressful, and this programme provides vital advice that makes the process easier.’