What is your scheduling availability?
Before answering questions about your availability, you should have an idea of the requirements of the position. If you haven't gathered the information from the job posting or description, now is a good time to confirm what is required if you join the NHS. Consider asking the interviewer what their expectations are; for example, are the shifts 8,10 or 12 hours, etc., and are weekends required? If their schedule expectations won't work for you, consider what you can offer instead and see if you can meet in the middle. It's much easier to discuss these things in the interview to make sure it aligns with both the organisation's needs as well as your own personal needs.
"I noticed this position was posted as 30 hours per week. Can you confirm if that's accurate or if overtime will be required? As a new grad, I'm eager to get started, and I know I will require additional onboarding, orientation, and training time, so I'm willing to flex my schedule to ensure I have adequate availability. My ultimate shift preference is during the day, but I'm willing to start on the evening shift if day shifts are not available. I also understand that nursing care isn't just Monday-Friday, so I'm willing to work rotating weekends and holidays as well."
"I'm looking to work part-time, and ideally 15-20 hours per week and ideally I would prefer to work 8-hour shifts, but I'm flexible. I am able to pick up extra shifts as necessary to cover for call-outs and vacations occasionally as well. I do have some personal obligations, so at this time, I'm only able to work the overnight shift. I'm also able to work weekends as needed. Does this align with what you're looking for?"
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