Top 30 Tips for Nurses Seeking Employment in 2025

The demand for skilled nurses across the UK continues to rise, and so do the opportunities. Whether you are newly qualified or ready to take the next step in your career, knowing where and how to search makes all the difference.

At CareStaff24, we understand how competitive nursing can be. From online platforms to personal connections, this guide explores the most effective ways to secure a nursing role that truly fits your skills and lifestyle.

1. Tailor Your CV

Keep your CV short, clear, and specific to each job. Focus on clinical experience, patient outcomes, and measurable achievements. Use strong action words like “coordinated,” “implemented,” or “led” to demonstrate initiative.

2. Craft a Personalised Cover Letter

A good cover letter is not a template, it’s your story. Explain why you’re passionate about the role, what you bring to the team, and how your values align with the organisation’s culture.

3. Build Your Network

Connections open doors. Join professional groups, attend NHS or RCN networking events, and connect on LinkedIn. Many nurses find roles through people they’ve met on placement or during training.

4. Use Online Job Platforms

Don’t rely on one website. Combine the CareStaff24 job board with specialist sites such as Nurses.co.uk or HealthJobsUK to cover both private and NHS vacancies.

5. Research Employers

Before applying, learn about the hospital or care group’s patient demographics, reputation, and values. Reference their mission statement in your interview, it shows initiative and alignment.

6. Prepare with Confidence

Mock interviews make a huge difference. Record yourself answering common clinical and behavioural questions to refine your tone and delivery.

7. Highlight Soft Skills

Empathy, communication, teamwork, and adaptability are the traits that make great nurses. Give examples of when you’ve used these skills in real situations.

8. Show Lifelong Learning

Mention your recent CPD sessions, courses, or certificates. Employers love nurses who stay curious and keep their knowledge fresh.

9. Stay Informed

Read publications like Nursing Times or follow NHS England updates. Discussing new policies or digital care tools in interviews shows awareness of modern practice.

10. Strengthen Clinical Competence

Update core skills such as wound care, catheterisation, or medication administration. Specialist training; like IV therapy or dementia care, can make you stand out.

11. Volunteer or Shadow

Shadowing an experienced nurse or volunteering for community clinics provides perspective and practical insight into diverse patient settings.

12. Explore Job Sites Regularly

Set up job alerts on both national and regional platforms. Refresh your profile weekly to stay visible to recruiters.

13. Attend Job Fairs

In-person or virtual nursing fairs offer direct access to hiring managers. Bring printed CVs, introduce yourself confidently, and ask about current staffing needs.

14. Maintain a Professional Online Presence

Your LinkedIn and social media profiles should reflect professionalism. Share healthcare insights, not personal updates. Employers do check.

15. Find a Mentor

A senior nurse can help you refine your CV, practice interviews, and even recommend you for roles. Mentorship is one of the fastest paths to career confidence.

16. Look After Yourself

Job searching can be stressful. Maintain sleep, hydration, and mental wellbeing. Calm and confident energy shines through during interviews.

17. Gather Strong References

Ask previous supervisors or placement mentors for references while your performance is still fresh in their memory.

18. Build a Career Portfolio

Include certificates, CPD records, feedback forms, and appraisals. It’s tangible proof of your professionalism and progress.

19. Stay Open to Flexible Shifts

Demonstrating flexibility with nights or weekends can help you secure roles faster. Once you’re established, you can request your preferred schedule.

20. Refine Interview Etiquette

Small details matter: eye contact, punctuality, polite communication, and posture. Leave your phone on silent and bring a printed copy of your CV.

21. Research Your Interviewers

A quick LinkedIn check lets you understand the panel’s background. This helps you find shared interests and approach questions more naturally.

22. Practice Active Listening

Listen carefully and pause before answering. This demonstrates professionalism and empathy, key traits in nursing communication.

23. Radiate Enthusiasm

Show genuine excitement for the role. Employers are drawn to nurses who clearly love what they do.

24. Follow Up

After interviews, send a polite thank-you email. It leaves a lasting impression and reinforces your interest in the position.

25. Understand Cultural Competence

Modern nursing values inclusivity. Highlight examples of working with patients from diverse backgrounds to show cultural awareness and respect.

26. Consider Entry-Level Roles

If you’re re-entering the workforce or newly qualified, entry-level positions can open doors. Experience often leads to rapid advancement.

27. Strengthen Communication

Communication builds trust. Practice explaining complex information simply, especially for patients and families under stress.

28. Demonstrate Critical Thinking

Prepare examples of quick decision-making under pressure; triage, medication checks, or patient escalation. It proves your clinical judgment.

29. Keep a Positive Mindset

Every interaction matters. A friendly tone, supportive attitude, and optimism make you stand out to recruiters and teams alike.

30. Commit to Growth

The best nurses never stop learning. Explore postgraduate pathways, specialist training, or leadership development to stay ahead in your career.

Modern Channels for Nurse Recruitment

Use every available route to find your next role:

• Job Boards: Start with CareStaff24, then expand to Indeed, Nurses.co.uk, and NHS Jobs.
• Hospital Websites: Many advertise roles directly under “Careers.” Set alerts for your preferred locations.
• Professional Networking: Stay active in RCN forums or healthcare social groups; recommendations often lead to quick placements.
• Recruitment Agencies: Partner with specialist nursing recruiters who match you with verified employers.
• Direct Applications: A personalised email to HR sometimes gets faster results than online forms.
• Job Fairs and Alumni Networks: These remain powerful spaces to meet hiring managers face-to-face and hear about new vacancies first.

Keep your options open, update your CV regularly, and check listings at least twice a week. The best roles often move fast.

FAQ’s

How much is a nurse’s salary in the UK?
Nurses in the UK are typically paid under the NHS pay band system. In 2025, Band 5 nurses earn roughly £28,000–£34,000 per year, Band 6 up to £41,000, and senior Band 7/8 nurses can exceed £50,000. Private healthcare roles may vary slightly depending on region and experience.

See NHS pay calculator

 

What does a nurse actually do?
A nurse provides medical care, emotional support, and education to patients across a wide range of settings. They monitor health conditions, administer medication, assist in procedures, and ensure patient safety and dignity. Nursing combines science, communication, and compassion.

How long does it take to become a nurse in the UK?
Most registered nurses qualify through a three-year degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Degree apprenticeships may take up to four years but offer paid training alongside practical experience.

Start Your Next Nursing Role

Every nurse’s career begins with a single application. With the right preparation, mindset, and digital support, you can turn opportunity into progress.

Visit the CareStaff24 job search page today to browse live vacancies across Eastbourne, Hastings, and beyond. Your next role is waiting, let’s find it together.