NHS General Support Assistant CV Template Example

The role of a NHS General Support Assistant is a cornerstone of healthcare support services, ensuring the smooth running of patient care facilities and providing essential assistance to medical staff. General Support Assistants in the NHS are responsible for a range of duties, including cleaning and maintaining clinical areas, moving and handling patients safely, supporting administrative tasks, and assisting in patient care under supervision. The typical salary for this role in the UK ranges from £18,000 to £22,000 per year, depending on experience and NHS banding. Crafting an interview-winning CV is crucial to stand out in this highly competitive sector.

Understanding the NHS General Support Assistant Job Description

When writing a CV, it’s vital to understand the job description fully. A General Support Assistant is expected to:

• Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Assist in patient mobility, supporting safe handling procedures.
• Provide basic patient care, such as feeding or observing patient conditions.
• Support healthcare teams with administrative tasks, including record keeping.
• Adhere strictly to health and safety, infection control, and confidentiality policies.

Highlighting your experience and skills that match these responsibilities is key to making your CV relevant and compelling to NHS recruiters.

Why a Strong CV is Essential for NHS Roles

In the NHS, competition for support roles is high, and recruiters often spend just 30 seconds scanning a CV. A clear, structured, and optimised CV ensures that your skills, experience, and qualifications are immediately visible. Including keywords from the job description, measurable achievements, and professional language improves your chances of getting shortlisted.

Top Sections to Include in Your NHS General Support Assistant CV

Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be concise, enthusiastic, and tailored to the role. Focus on your commitment to patient care, reliability, and teamwork. Example: “Dedicated and compassionate General Support Assistant with 3+ years’ experience supporting healthcare teams in busy NHS settings. Skilled in patient care, infection control, and administrative support, committed to delivering exceptional service to patients and staff.”

Professional Experience
Include your work history in reverse chronological order. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on measurable results:

• Assisted in moving 20+ patients daily with zero incidents, adhering to manual handling guidelines.
• Maintained high standards of hygiene across wards, reducing infection risks by 15%.
• Supported administrative tasks, including patient record updates and scheduling appointments.

Education and Qualifications
List relevant qualifications, including NVQs, health and safety certifications, or first aid training. Highlight continuous professional development, as NHS employers value candidates committed to learning.

Skills Section
Include both hard and soft skills:

• Infection control and hygiene
• Patient handling and care
• Communication and teamwork
• Record-keeping and administrative support
• Time management and organisation

Tailoring Your CV to the NHS

Recruiters look for NHS values alignment, including commitment to patient care, respect, and professionalism. Tailor your CV to show how your experience reflects these values. Use action verbs such as assisted, supported, maintained, and managed to demonstrate initiative.

CV Tips for Graduates

If you’re a graduate entering healthcare support roles, focus on transferable skills gained through volunteering, internships, or part-time work:

• Highlight teamwork and communication skills from student or volunteer experiences.
• Include any relevant healthcare courses or certifications.
• Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt in a busy NHS environment.

Advice for Middle and Senior Management Applicants

For applicants aiming for supervisory or management positions within NHS support services, your CV should demonstrate leadership, operational oversight, and efficiency improvements:

• Showcase experience in staff management or mentoring.
• Highlight achievements in improving workflows or patient care efficiency.
• Include knowledge of NHS policies, budgeting, or resource allocation.

CV Structure Recommendations

A well-structured CV is key to readability and impact:

1. Contact Information
2. Personal Statement
3. Key Skills
4. Professional Experience
5. Education and Qualifications
6. Additional Training or Certifications
7. References (optional – “Available upon request”)

Do’s and Don’ts of an NHS CV

Do:

• Tailor your CV to the specific job description.
• Use clear, concise language.
• Include measurable achievements.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar.
• Highlight relevant training or certifications.

Don’t:

• Use generic or overly complex language.
• Include irrelevant personal information.
• Overstate experience or skills.
• Forget to align your CV with NHS values and standards.

General CV Advice

Remember, your CV is your first impression. Keep it optimistic, professional, and easy to read. Use bullet points, bold headings, and action verbs. Keep your CV to 2 pages maximum, focusing on the experience and skills most relevant to the NHS General Support Assistant role.

Final Thoughts

Creating an interview-winning NHS General Support Assistant CV is about showcasing your skills, experience, and dedication to patient care in a clear, structured, and professional manner. Whether you are a graduate stepping into your first role, a middle manager aiming to climb the NHS ladder, or a senior professional looking to lead teams, a well-crafted CV is your gateway to opportunities.

For personalised guidance, expert CV rewriting, and LinkedIn profile improvement, book a professional appointment today. Let me, Jerry Frempong, help you maximise your potential and land your dream NHS role. Book your appointment here

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