Person Specification Guide for NHS Radiography Applications
The person specification is the single document that decides whether you get shortlisted. Panels score your supporting statement criterion-by-criterion against it — nothing else counts. This guide breaks down how to read one, what each section actually means, and how to evidence every line.
Essential vs desirable — what panels do
Essential: must be evidenced in your application. Missing any essential = automatic out, no matter how strong the rest of your application is.
Desirable: scored as bonus points. Strong candidates evidence as many as possible — this is usually where shortlists tie-break.
The six standard NHS person spec sections
Qualifications — degree, HCPC, mandatory training. Quote the exact registration number and dates.
Experience — modality volumes, settings, audit involvement. Quantify.
Knowledge — IR(ME)R, IPC, safeguarding, governance frameworks. Show you can name them, not just use them.
Skills — communication, MDT working, leadership. Evidence with STAR examples.
Personal qualities — resilience, adaptability. Same: STAR, not adjectives.
Other requirements — driving, on-call, DBS. Confirm explicitly.
How to evidence each criterion
Mirror the language of the spec. If it says 'experience of cross-sectional imaging', use that exact phrase before giving your STAR example.
One paragraph per essential criterion is the safest structure for a supporting statement.
Use the Shortlisting Coach to score your draft criterion-by-criterion before you submit.
Score your application against the person spec
Paste any NHS person spec and your draft — get a criterion-by-criterion shortlisting score and concrete fixes. Free run every day.
Try the Shortlisting CoachFrequently asked questions
What happens if I miss an essential criterion?
Most NHS shortlisters will reject the application outright, regardless of how strong the rest is. Always evidence every essential — even if briefly.
How long should a supporting statement be?
Usually 1.5–2 sides of A4. Long enough to evidence every essential with a concrete example; short enough that the shortlister can score it in one read.