Phlebotomy Jobs in the United Kingdom

Phlebotomy Jobs Overview

In the healthcare industry, there are a wide range of interesting career paths open to you. One such path is phlebotomy, which involves drawing blood for everything from blood donations to transfusions. As a phlebotomist, you'll also help relax patients, label blood for testing, and enter information into databases.

While working as a phlebotomist, you're able to perform your duties across numerous work environments. From the patient's home to long-term care centres, travelling is often part of the job description. If you specialise in collecting blood donations, you'll likely travel to different sites and offices to create mobile donation centres. During an emergency or natural disaster, efficient blood collection is essential.

As a phlebotomist, your hours largely depend on where you work. For instance, hospitals maintain a 24-hour schedule, which means working weekends and holidays is common. If, on the other hand, you work in a clinical laboratory or blood donation centre, you'll likely work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an eight-hour workday.

Finding the Right Phlebotomy Job

Now that you've made the decision to start a career in phlebotomy, it's time to find a good job. Making the right choice means doing a considerable amount of research beforehand.

Define Your Goals and Interests

The first step in finding a phlebotomy job is to delve into yourself and the skills you've built. Spend some time writing a list of your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if you're great at communicating with people and keeping patients calm, you'll have one of the skills necessary for this role. Once you've made a list, you'll reference it before writing a CV and when you're preparing for a job interview.

You should also figure out what you want out of this job. If you'd like a flexible schedule, consider applying for a job in a diagnostic lab or doctor's office. If you work in a hospital, your hours change from day to day. Determine what you want your work-life balance to be. Phlebotomists who are responsible for setting up blood donation centres have more of an opportunity for better work hours and more travelling. By learning more about what you desire in a phlebotomy job, you'll have a great foundation for your job search.

Review the Job Description

It's a good idea to thoroughly review the description for any phlebotomy job you're considering. Furthermore, you should identify the top five things to look for in a job description to make sure it's the right fit. For instance, you might find it important that the job you're seeking provides ample paid time off, comprehensive benefits, and numerous career advancement opportunities. Don't settle for a phlebotomy job that doesn't offer what you want.

Likely the most important section in any job description is the responsibilities and requirements one. These requirements should match your experience and skills. As an example, some phlebotomy jobs require several years of experience. If you're fresh out of university, you might not have this experience. Therefore, you should search for jobs that don't require experience.

Look for possible red flags as well. From time to time, employers will have unrealistic expectations for new hires. You might also notice that the job description is unclear about what you'll be doing. If you're not confident about the role before you apply, don't hesitate to move in another direction.

Research the Company and Its Culture

If you've looked through dozens of job descriptions and have found a few that interest you, the next step involves researching the company and its culture. Even if a job description fits you like a glove, there are some companies with poor reputations that you should avoid.

Your potential employer likely has a website. Read their mission and values statement to see if you align with them. In addition, consider the company size. Would you rather work for a small research company or a large hospital? The answer to this question should help you make a sound decision.

Consider the Scope of the Role

Before you send in an application, find out the differences in responsibilities between a similar role at a smaller company versus a larger one. As an example, many positions at blood donation centres are part-time and typically come with fewer responsibilities. However, you might enjoy working for a larger company that gives you more room for growth in your phlebotomy career.

Look for Opportunities to Grow

Many phlebotomy jobs offer career advancement opportunities within the same company. For example, if you work at a hospital as a phlebotomist, you may have an inside track to eventually transition to a registered nurse. If you have long-term career goals that you'd like to reach one day, look for a job that helps you get there.

Applying to Phlebotomy Jobs

Now that you've cut through the dozens or hundreds of jobs you've thought about applying for, it's time to craft your CV and send in your application.

Prepare for the Application Process

Before you even begin writing your CV and cover letter, remember to never take a templated approach. Even though every job you're applying to is in the phlebotomy field, there are differences between every role and employer. Tailor your cover letter and CV to the company and job you're applying for. This task is significantly easier if you review the job description and identify the key qualifications and skills that the employer is seeking. You should then emphasise these points in your application.

As you're filling out your application, follow any specific instructions that the employer provides, which might include submitting certain documents or sending in your application on a different platform. Always double-check your application for errors.

Create an Effective CV

Providing a potential employer with a great CV is important if you wish to land your preferred job. It's possible to bolster your phlebotomy CV by placing the right keywords in your CV and application. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to improve their hiring process.

An ATS tracks applicants and filters applications with keywords. However, these systems aren't 100% accurate and will filter out qualified applicants on occasion. Placing keywords in your CV lowers this risk. CV keywords include specific qualifications, skills, and education. For a phlebotomy job, dexterity is a potential keyword.

Some of the skills you should list on your CV include:

• Communication skills
• Detail-oriented
• Dexterity
• Compassion
• Interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills

When including references on your CV, compile them onto a single reference sheet. Every reference should provide the following info:

• Name
• Current position and job
• Phone Number
• Company
• Email address
• One sentence description about who this person is

Never leave out important information in your CV. Every line or sentence should include relevant details.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

You should breathe a sigh of relief now that you're done writing your CV. However, a compelling cover letter is still necessary to improve your application. A well-written letter helps you stand out among other applicants. Given the importance of phlebotomy in many healthcare settings, a cover letter is essential.

The information you should place in a cover letter includes:

• Your name and contact info
• The date
• Contact person's name, employer, and address
• Details on how you found the job
• A summary of your experience and hard skills
• Reiterate contact info at closing

Any hard skills you include in your cover letter should match the job description.

Submit Your Application

It's time to submit your application. When you're applying with Monster, create an account. Once you reach the home page, click the sign-up button at the top right corner. From here, you'll fill out and submit a form with some basic personal info.

Once you submit the form, you'll receive an email to complete registration. You now have the ability to submit your application. Before doing so, double-check your CV, cover letter, and every page of the application for errors. Make sure you include all the documents your potential employer asked for. After you submit your application, all that's left is to wait for a response.

Following Up With an Employer

Patience is a virtue! It's also very difficult to maintain patience when you're waiting for a response from a potential employer. The good news is that you're able to be proactive.

Timing Your Follow-up

After submitting your CV, wait for two weeks before following up with the employer. If you've just had an interview, wait five business days to follow up. The timing is crucial.

How to Follow Up

Before following up, consider your mode of communication. Email is usually your best option. While phone calls are more direct, hiring managers often prefer written communication.

When writing a follow-up message, strike the perfect balance between respecting your employer's time and displaying interest in the job. Thank them for considering you before reiterating your qualifications. In addition, state that you look forward to hearing from them.

Who to Follow Up With

Most healthcare facilities that hire phlebotomists have hiring managers who handle the job opening. This is who you should contact. If you're having difficulties finding the manager's contact info, check the job posting or company website. If you can't find the right person to contact, the next best thing is to get in touch with the HR department.

Interviewing Tips for Phlebotomy Jobs

Nailing your interview is often the final step in landing a job as a phlebotomist.

Preparing for the Interview

Once you schedule an interview with your prospective employer, you should have a few days to prepare. Go to the company's website to learn everything you can about its culture and mission. If you did this step before sending in your application, you should have a firm understanding of what the company's like.

Get ready to talk about yourself and your experience in your interview. What's more, you'll need to know how to answer common interview questions. Review phlebotomist interview questions and answers to better prepare yourself.

Interview Process

The number of interviews you go through for a phlebotomy job mainly depends on how many applicants there are and where you're applying. Expect one to two rounds of interviews. The first round might occur over the phone or by video. However, the second round often takes place in person.

Hiring managers will likely ask you questions about your unique skills, why you want the job, your background, and how you would handle common on-the-job problems. For instance, be ready to answer how you would calm down an angry patient.

Interview Tips

Above all, be authentic and confident during your interview. The hiring manager wants to view you as the right fit for the job, which means that you need to demonstrate your skills with relevant examples and experience. Make sure you brush up on the STAR technique when answering behavioural questions. If you answer a behavioural question with a story, the STAR method involves:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Follow Up

Once you're through the interview, follow up with the hiring manager. Write a thank-you note that reiterates your interest in the job before 24 hours are up. If you don't hear back from the employer, write an email around one week later.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Congratulations on getting an offer! Now it's time to evaluate it.

Responding to the Offer: Timing and Communication

Before accepting the job, make sure you understand what the offer entails. You should know the exact details of your responsibilities, benefits, and salary. If you have any questions about the position or the company you're working for, seek clarification before signing on the dotted line.

Research compensation packages and salary ranges for the position. If you want to negotiate salary, you should develop a strategy beforehand. Ask what the company's budget is for your position and what the standard salary range is. Furthermore, say that you'll accept a reasonable offer.

Handle this process professionally to avoid damaging your prospects of gaining the job. If you're too demanding, there's a risk of having your offer rescinded. Your goal is to focus on the mutual benefits that the employer gains from hiring you. During negotiations, maintain a positive relationship with your employer. If the offer is reasonable for your position, don't scoff at it.

Phlebotomy Career Paths

As a phlebotomist, you have several career paths available to you.

Typical Career Paths for Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists don't have traditional upward movement in their careers. If you enjoy collecting blood, labelling vials, and performing standard phlebotomy duties, one option is to apply for a role as a phlebotomist supervisor. In this scenario, you'll oversee a staff of phlebotomists. This position is often available in hospitals.

Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

Maintaining a successful career on a long-term basis often involves taking steps toward professional development. Other than gaining more experience, you might consider asking your employer about additional training to take.

To earn a job as a phlebotomist supervisor, a bachelor's degree is oftentimes necessary. In the field of phlebotomy, networking typically involves joining professional associations.