Welcome

M1: Intro to NHS

M2: Data Sources

M3: Analytical Tools & Skills

M4: Healthcare Scenarios

M5: Final Assessment

Module 5: Interview & Assessment Centre Preparation

The final module focuses on preparing learners for success in interviews and assessment centres—critical steps for entering NHS data roles. With the NHS receiving over 300,000 job applications per month and data-related roles growing by over 20% year-on-year, standing out in a competitive field requires more than technical skills. This module equips learners with strategies for excelling in competency-based interviews, case study tasks, and group exercises commonly used in NHS recruitment. Through mock interviews, feedback sessions, and practical simulations, students will learn to confidently present their analytical thinking, align with NHS values, and showcase real-world impact. By the end, learners will be fully prepared to navigate the selection process and transition into data-driven healthcare roles with clarity and professionalism.

Module 5: Interview & Assessment Centre Preparation - 5.1

Module 5: Interview Preparation for NHS Data Analyst Roles

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this module, participants will be equipped with the confidence and competence to approach NHS Data Analyst interviews with a clear understanding of the process. You will be able to effectively demonstrate your technical skills, analytical thinking, and alignment with NHS values through structured and impactful responses.

1. NHS Interview Structure Overview

Interviews for NHS Data Analyst positions typically follow a two-stage selection process, designed to assess both technical proficiency and alignment with NHS competencies and values.

Stage 1: Technical Assessment

This stage evaluates your practical analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. You may be asked to complete one or more of the following exercises:

SQL Query Tasks: Writing, reviewing, or debugging SQL queries related to NHS datasets (e.g., HES, SUS, or Primary Care data).
Excel-Based Analysis: Cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data using advanced Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and nested formulas.
Data Interpretation: Analysing visualisations, dashboards, or statistical summaries—commonly using NHS KPIs or real-world public health datasets.
Data Quality Assurance: Identifying anomalies, inconsistencies, or missing data in a sample dataset; often linked to data governance or coding issues (e.g., Read codes, ICD-10 classifications).

Tip: Familiarity with NHS datasets, coding frameworks, and IG standards (e.g., Caldicott Principles, GDPR) is often advantageous in technical assessments.

Stage 2: Panel Interview

This stage is conducted by a panel, typically including representation from analytics, operations, and/or clinical leadership. It may involve:

Technical Questions
Example: “How would you design a data model to monitor A&E 4-hour target performance across multiple trusts?”
Behavioural Competency Questions
Based on frameworks such as the NHS Success Profiles, focusing on leadership, communication, and collaboration.
Example: “Describe a time when you had to explain a complex analysis to a non-technical stakeholder.”
Values-Based Questions
Designed to assess alignment with NHS core values (as set out in the NHS Constitution).
Example: “How do you ensure your work reflects the value of ‘improving lives’?”

Recommended Approach: Use the STAR method to structure responses:

Situation – Describe the context.
Task – Explain your role or objective.
Action – Detail the specific actions you took.
Result – Highlight the outcomes and impact.

Professional Preparation Guidance

Technical Practice: Review anonymised NHS data sets available from NHS Digital or open data portals. Practise writing SQL queries and interpreting BI dashboards (e.g., using Power BI or Tableau).
Mock Interviews: Practice with peers or mentors using real NHS job descriptions to simulate interview conditions.
Values Alignment: Reflect on how your personal and professional values align with those outlined in the NHS Constitution.
Portfolio Readiness: Prepare examples of past projects with measurable outcomes—especially those with cross-functional or patient-impact implications.

Module 5: Interview & Assessment Centre Preparation - 5.2

Module 5: Interview Preparation for NHS Data Analyst Roles

2. Core Technical Topics to Prepare

As part of the technical assessment and interview process, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong practical skills and analytical reasoning. Key areas of focus include:

Technical Proficiency

SQL and Excel
- Writing queries using joins, filters, grouping, and aggregations
- Data transformation using pivot tables, lookups, and conditional logic
- Familiarity with NHS data schema structures and common data wrangling issues
Key NHS Metrics and Performance Indicators
- Referral to Treatment Time (RTT)
- A&E 4-Hour Standard
- Length of Stay (LOS)
- Outpatient Waiting Times and Conversion Rates
NHS Data Sources
- Secondary Uses Service (SUS)
- Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)
- Daily and Weekly Situation Reports (SitReps)
- Diagnostics and Elective Recovery datasets
Applied Trend Analysis
- Identifying and interpreting changes in trends (e.g., increase in emergency admissions, readmission rates)
- Understanding seasonality, variation, and anomalies in health service utilisation

Interview Tip: Even if you do not complete a technical task during the assessment, clearly articulating your reasoning and approach is often just as important. NHS hiring managers value analytical thinking, especially under uncertainty.

3. Behavioural and NHS Values-Based Interview Questions

The NHS selection process assesses not only technical capability but also your ability to embody and apply NHS values in real-world situations. You should be ready to provide structured responses to questions exploring both behavioural competencies and ethical alignment.

Behavioural Scenario Questions

Expect competency-based questions that assess communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. Examples include:

“Tell us about a time you worked with incomplete or messy data. How did you handle it?”
“Describe a situation where you had to prioritise competing deadlines.”
“Give an example of when your analysis led to a positive change in patient care or service delivery.”

Use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and impact in your answers.

NHS Core Values Assessment

You may also be asked questions that assess your understanding and application of the NHS Constitution’s core values. Be prepared to discuss how you:

Uphold patient confidentiality and data protection principles (e.g., GDPR, Caldicott Guardian principles)
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in your work and team interactions
Foster collaborative relationships across clinical and non-clinical teams
Use evidence-based analysis to inform and improve decision-making in patient care or service planning

Preparation Tip: Think of examples that demonstrate how your day-to-day decisions reflect NHS values—not just what you did, but why it mattered.

Module 5: Interview & Assessment Centre Preparation - 5.3

Module 5: Interview Preparation for NHS Data Analyst Roles

4. Presenting Your Analysis Effectively

Producing robust analysis is essential — but how you communicate insights can be just as important. NHS Data Analysts often present findings to diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, operational leads, and senior managers. Your ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively is a key interview competency.

Best Practices for Presenting Analysis

Be structured and concise in your delivery. Organise thoughts logically and avoid unnecessary detail.
Use plain, accessible language. Avoid technical jargon unless you're sure the audience is familiar with it.
Tailor communication to your audience. For example, a clinician may want to understand patient outcomes, whereas a service manager might focus on operational efficiency.
Always conclude with a key takeaway or insight. Clearly state what the analysis reveals and why it matters.

Presentation Tip: Use metaphors or relatable visuals.
For example: "The delay between diagnostics and discharge creates a bottleneck — much like a traffic jam following an accident."

5. Questions You Should Ask at the Interview

Ending the interview with insightful questions reinforces your interest and professionalism. It also gives you a clearer picture of the team, expectations, and long-term development potential.

Consider asking:

“How does the team use data to inform long-term planning?”
“Which tools or systems are currently most essential to your workflows?”
“Is there scope to work on transformation or service improvement projects?”

Avoid asking about salary or logistics unless the panel brings it up — focus on the role, the culture, and the contribution you can make.

Final Interview Preparation Checklist

Use the following list to ensure you’re fully prepared for your NHS Data Analyst interview. You should be able to confidently say "yes" to each of the following:

I can explain key NHS datasets such as HES, SUS, and RTT.
I am confident in using basic SQL functions (e.g. joins, aggregations) and Excel tools (e.g. pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
I understand core NHS performance measures such as A&E 4-hour targets, length of stay (LOS), and outpatient metrics.
I have prepared at least three STAR-based examples to address behavioural questions.
I can interpret and explain trends shown in charts or dashboards.
I understand NHS values and can demonstrate how my work aligns with them.

Closing Advice

You don’t need to be perfect — but you should aim to be clear, thoughtful, and coachable.

The NHS values individuals who:

Think critically and responsibly in complex environments
Communicate clearly and act with integrity
Are committed to improving health outcomes and services

Stay calm, stay structured, and remember: the interview is not just an assessment — it's a conversation.

Would you like the full Module 5 combined and exported as a PDF or Word document for professional use or distribution?

Healthcare Data Analyst Final Assessment

Watch Below: Real Question, Real Examples!

Interview Insider Tip: If you have made is this far, and have given your best, then breathe and smile, you got this!

Useful References

Here is a line-by-line list of references for Module 1: Introduction to Healthcare Data Analysis:

NHS Digital - NHS Digital
The NHS Handbook by Stuart G. McClean
Understanding Healthcare Systems (Harvard Business Review) - HBR - Healthcare Systems
NHS England - Data and IT Strategy - NHS England Data
Introduction to Health Informatics (Coursera) - Coursera – Introduction to Health Informatics
Healthcare Data Privacy and Security (HealthIT.gov) - HealthIT.gov – Data Privacy
Using Data to Improve Healthcare (The Health Foundation) - The Health Foundation
NHS Information Governance Framework - Information Governance Framework
Health Data in the Digital Era by Elias G. Carayannis and David F. J. O’Neil
The Role of Data in Shaping Healthcare in the UK (BMJ) - BMJ - Role of Data

This should now be a more straightforward list. Let me know if you'd like to add anything!