Guide

NHS CV Template

Applying for NHS roles? Our free NHS CV template is built for the NHS Jobs portal — with Band levels, person specification matching, clinical competencies, and UK formatting that gets you shortlisted.

What Makes an NHS CV Different

NHS applications aren't like private sector jobs. The NHS uses a structured recruitment process with person specifications — a list of essential and desirable criteria that your CV must address point by point. If you miss even one essential criterion, you're automatically screened out.

NHS CVs also need to reference your professional registration (NMC, GMC, HCPC), DBS check status, and any NHS-specific training like Safeguarding, Manual Handling, or Infection Prevention.

NHS Band Levels & Person Specifications

Every NHS role is assigned an Agenda for Change (AfC) band level, from Band 2 (healthcare assistants) to Band 9 (senior directors). Your CV should clearly demonstrate experience at or near the target band level:

• Band 2–4: Healthcare assistants, admin, porters — focus on practical skills and care experience
• Band 5–6: Newly qualified nurses, junior therapists — show your NMC/HCPC registration and clinical competencies
• Band 7–8a: Senior practitioners, ward managers — demonstrate leadership, audit, and service improvement
• Band 8b–9: Senior managers, consultants — strategic leadership, budget management, and organisational change

How to Match the Person Specification

The person specification lists essential and desirable criteria across several categories: qualifications, experience, skills, and knowledge. Your CV must address every essential criterion explicitly:

• Create a 'Key Skills & Competencies' section that mirrors the person specification headings
• Use the exact language from the person specification — if they say 'experience of clinical audit', use those words
• Provide specific evidence for each criterion — 'Led 3 clinical audits resulting in 15% improvement in compliance'
• Address desirable criteria too — they're used to differentiate between shortlisted candidates

Professional Registration & Compliance

Your professional registration is non-negotiable for clinical NHS roles. Include it prominently:

• NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) — PIN number and registration status
• GMC (General Medical Council) — for doctors, with licence to practise status
• HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) — for AHPs, with registration number
• DBS check status — Enhanced DBS with barring list checks for clinical roles
• Mandatory training: Safeguarding (Levels 1–4), Manual Handling, Fire Safety, Infection Prevention

Get Your NHS CV Right — Free

Jumproo's CV builder understands NHS conventions. Pick a clean, ATS-friendly template, add your registration details, match the person specification, and apply through NHS Jobs with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions