Your personal statement is where you sell yourself. Don’t just write a few lines.

Use the full word count to highlight your skills and match them to the job requirements (use the points you highlighted in green in the job description to help you). Sally suggests working with a mentor to make it compelling and tailored. 

Prepare, prepare, prepare 

Start preparing for your interview well in advance. Reach out for help early – not the night before! KENMA-UK offers support for interview preparation, and your first session is free. 

Look the part 

Dress professionally, even for virtual interviews, to reflect the high standards of the nursing profession. First impressions matter! 

Practise answering common questions 

Expect to be asked about your strengths, weaknesses, teamwork, and how you handle conflict.  

Top tip: Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for nursing interview questions is a powerful way to structure your answers. Don’t forget to always back up your responses with real examples from your experience (remember that you must still respect patient confidentiality in these examples). 

A unique way to introduce yourself 

Struggling with the “Tell me about yourself” question?  

Sally recommends using your name as an acronym to highlight your strengths. For example, she uses: 

SALLY – Smart, Accountable, Logical, Loyal, Yielding results. 

Think of positive traits that match each letter of your name. It’s a memorable, confident way to make an impression and showcase your personality. 

Ask questions – and follow up

At the end of most interviews, you’ll get the chance to ask your own questions. This is a great opportunity to show your interest and find out more about the role and organisation. 

One good question to ask is: 

“What projects have you got aligned for this financial year that I could get involved in if successful for the job?” 

This question not only shows your enthusiasm for contributing to the team but also gives you insight into the organisation’s current priorities and what your day-to-day may look like if you get the job. 

Prepare questions in advance that you might want to ask.  

After the interview, send a thank-you email and request feedback, whether you get the job or not. Feedback helps you grow – Sally herself gained three mentors just by following up after an unsuccessful interview. 

About KENMA-UK: empowering Kenyan nurses in the UK 

The Kenyan Nurses and Midwives Association-UK (KENMA-UK) is a vital support network for Kenyan healthcare professionals transitioning to live and work in the UK. From ethical recruitment advocacy to professional development, KENMA-UK offers resources, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.