the knowledge platform

uk person specification decoder: the shortlisting mark scheme

how to translate a uk nhs person spec into a high-scoring supporting statement—so panels can award points quickly and confidently.

The Bottom Line

  • Your supporting info is scored against the person specification: write in a 1:1 mapping structure.
  • Headings = criteria. Under each heading: a single STAR example + outcome + learning.
  • Clarity beats creativity. Make scoring easy for the panel.
Most candidates lose points because the panel cannot find evidence quickly. Your job is not to sound impressive—it is to make it effortless for the shortlister to award points against each criterion.

The scoring-first structure (copy-paste headings)

1

1) Create headings from the person spec

Use the exact criterion wording as headings (Knowledge/Skills/Experience/Qualifications). This turns your statement into a markable checklist.
2

2) Under each heading, write one proof paragraph

One STAR example (2–4 sentences), include a measurable result where possible, then one sentence: what you learned / what you changed.
3

3) Close with a short ‘Why this Trust / team’

Two sentences max: service context + alignment. Don’t write a generic love letter.
SourceNHS Jobs advice: Making successful applications
Open Link
SourceExample Trust guidance: How to fill in your application
Open Link