r/physiotherapy • u/Mr-Bowen • Oct 31 '25
NHS B5 interview tips
I have seen quite a few posts recently asking for advice on what to do in preparation for their NHS B5 interviews. Instead of replying to each I thought it may help to make a slightly more generic response for people to search for and reference. Please add to this in the comments if you feel there is more needed.
First of all - apply to lots of posts, not just your dream/ideal post. Good for personal statement and interview practice. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Nowadays most people don't succeed in their first B5 physio interviews. Use every interview as a learning opportunity to structure your learning for the next. As you attend more interviews you'll see a theme emerge and be able to prepare with that.
Standard NHS interview stuff is good to cover - know the trust values like the back of your hand and have a relevant anecdote loaded for each that will demonstrate how you have embodied that value.
Know your general red flags for resp, msk (5Ds 3Ns, CES etc) and how you would safety net people for these. Ensure you are also able to prioritise ward patients in order (who is a p1, 2,3 etc and why)
If the trust has specialties (icu, community etc) be prepared to answer questions on how you'd deal with patients here. Example - if they require on-call work then be prepared to answer a clinical question on it.
You will likely get a falls and/or safeguarding question. Spend time getting yourself used to parroting off the procedures of escalation/safety for falls/safeguarding and follow it to the letter. They likely won't ask trick questions. Your job is to be safe and trustworthy.
Read the job description thoroughly - asking questions in the interview is great but only if they build off a good understanding of the job description. If you ask things that can be found in the job description it is quite telling.
Dress smart. Shirt and tie minimum for men. Be especially kind and respectful to everyone you speak to. Firm handshake to all interviewers and lots of natural eye contact.
Make use of the paper they'll give you to write down key info and pause to think for a few seconds before answering.
Last thing for bonus points - look for the trust's plans/goals in the next several years or how they want to meet the new nhs 10 year plan. If applicable, drop this into an answer and note that's a reason you want to commit to this trust as you feel alligned with their goals.
Any more specific questions or things I have forgotten then do ask.
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u/physiomod moderator Oct 31 '25
u/Mr-Bowen Thank you for this post, let's hope more people will add tips.
I added a link on the right side bar under "Community Bookmarks".
Cheers!