Screening process

We check all applications to see if candidates meet the requirements. We base this on qualifications, experience and skills for the job.

Registration requirements

The HSE cannot employ a regulated health professional in Ireland unless they are properly registered with the relevant professional regulator.

For some health and social care professions, the Minister for Health acts as the competent authority.

Recognition of qualifications in the Department of Health - gov.ie

Recognition of qualifications

If you have not yet completed the recognition or registration process, we recommend starting as soon as possible, as it can take time.

If there is no professional body, regulator, or authority for your qualification, the selection board will decide whether your non-Irish qualification is equivalent.

Recognition of non-Irish qualifications

Checking eligibility and shortlisting

We check applications against the requirements listed in the job specification. These requirements decide who is eligible and who is shortlisted.

When completing your application, think carefully about how your own experience matches the job requirements. Give an accurate and complete description of your qualifications and experience. Decisions are based on the information you give.

Relevant professionals and Human Resources (HR), review applications to determine eligibility. Applications may then be shortlisted for the next stage based on their form or other assessment

Only applicants who clearly show that they meet the required criteria will move forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Selection methods

The selection process may involve:

• additional assessments
• tests
• preliminary interviews

We will notify you of these additional stages if it applies.

Interviews

You will normally receive 2 weeks' notice for an interview. We may reduce the timescale in exceptional circumstances.

Interviews are normally conducted by a 3-person board, including subject matter experts and a manager.

Most interviews are competency based. Candidates get higher marks if they show in both their interview and application form that they have the experience, skills, and competencies needed for the role.

The interview board keeps a record of the interview to support their decision-making and recommendations.

What you need to bring

If you are attending an interview in person or online, you will need to show a form of recent photo identification.

Examples of ID includes:

• drivers licence
• passport
• student ID

Interview results

We will let you know your interview results as soon as possible after the interview.

A recommendation from the interview board is not a job offer. It is only 1 step in the selection process. Only official interview results and job offers from the HR and recruitment team are valid.

The selection process continues after the interview.

This includes checks such as:

• references
• Garda/police clearance
• occupational health
• recognition of qualifications and experience

References

The HSE reserves the right to request both written and verbal references from:

• current and previous employers
• educational institutions
• any other organisations with which you are associated

The HSE has the right to decide if the references and referees you give are relevant and appropriate.

Do not submit written references with your application form.

Pre-employment health assessment

You may need to have a medical check or fill out a health declaration form. The HSE’s Occupational Health Service will then decide if you are fit to start the job.

Creation of panels

Some competitions will have a panel of successful candidates after the interviews. While the panel is active, candidates on it may be considered for additional approved vacancies, if they meet the requirements.

The first person on the panel will be considered for a role first subject to satisfactory clearances. The next candidates will be considered in order of merit.

If interviews are held in phases, a primary panel will be formed with the candidates who pass the first phase of interviews.