What to do after submitting your NHS application?
Informal visits are one of the most powerful but underutilised strategies in the UK healthcare recruitment process. While job boards and written applications are important, showing up in person (when possible) can leave a lasting impression.
What Is an Informal Visit?
An informal visit is a non-interview meeting with the department or team you're hoping to join. It’s a chance to see the work environment, ask questions, and introduce yourself directly to the staff or hiring manager. In essence, it allows you to go beyond paper credentials and connect human-to-human—something that can tip the scales in your favour.
Why Do Informal Visits Matter?
Make a Strong First Impression: A face-to-face visit shows initiative, confidence, and genuine interest in the role.
Understand the Workplace Culture: Seeing the department in action helps you evaluate whether the role is the right fit for you.
Build Early Rapport: Meeting the hiring team before interviews can make you a memorable applicant when shortlisting begins.
How to Arrange and Ace an Informal Visit
Start by emailing or calling the contact listed on the job advert. Be polite and professional. Introduce yourself, express your interest in the role, and ask if it would be possible to arrange a brief informal visit to learn more about the team and department.
If you’re currently overseas, don’t worry—you can still take advantage of this strategy. Instead of visiting in person, send a professional email introducing yourself and asking thoughtful questions about the role or department. This still demonstrates proactivity and can initiate meaningful dialogue with potential employers.
Three Tips for Successful Informal Visits
1. Present Yourself Professionally
Dress smartly, arrive on time, and treat the visit with the same respect you would a formal interview. Bring a copy of your CV and be ready to talk briefly about your background and motivations.
2. Ask Insightful Questions
Show your interest by asking relevant questions such as:
What are the current priorities for the department?
How do new staff typically integrate into the team?
What challenges is the department currently facing?
These kinds of questions demonstrate not only your curiosity but also your readiness to contribute meaningfully.
3. Follow Up Graciously
After your visit, send a short thank-you email. Reaffirm your interest in the role and thank the team for their time. This small gesture reinforces your professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
Final Thoughts: Integrate Informal Visits into Your Strategy
Informal visits are not just optional extras—they can be the difference between your application getting noticed or overlooked. Employers value initiative, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm. An informal visit gives you the chance to show all of that before formal interviews even begin.
Whether you're applying from abroad or already in the UK, make informal contact a regular part of your job-hunting routine. It’s a strategy that can open doors, build valuable relationships, and help you secure your ideal healthcare role in the UK.
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