Expression of Interest for NHS Jobs: How to Write One (With Examples for Doctors)
Some NHS adverts don't ask for a supporting statement. They ask for an "expression of interest" instead. Sometimes it's a short letter for a fellowship, sometimes a form for a bank or locum pool, and sometimes it's a way for a department to collect interest before a post is formally advertised. Many IMG doctors aren't sure what to write, so they either paste in their full supporting statement or send two lines. Neither works well.
Quick answer: an NHS expression of interest (EOI) is a short letter or form, usually 300 to 500 words, that says which post or programme you're interested in, why you want it, and how your experience matches its main requirements. Open with the role and your current position, give two or three specific examples linked to the job description, say what you'd bring to the team, and close with your availability and GMC status. Keep it shorter and more focused than a full supporting statement.
When the NHS asks for an expression of interest
Clinical fellow and fellowship programmes, especially ones with a teaching, research, QI or leadership theme
Bank, locum and staff pool registrations, such as NHS Professionals or a Trust's own medical bank
Rotational or "pool" recruitment, where a Trust collects interest for several posts at once
Before a post is advertised, when a department wants to know who might apply
Internal opportunities, such as a lead role, a project or extra sessions
Read the advert carefully. If it gives a word limit or questions to answer, follow them exactly.
Expression of interest vs supporting statement
Length: an EOI is usually 300 to 500 words. A supporting statement is often 800 to 1,500.
Coverage: a supporting statement answers every criterion in the person specification. An EOI focuses on the two or three things that matter most for that role.
Tone: an EOI reads more like a letter, so it's fine to say why this particular programme appeals to you.
If the advert says "supporting information" or attaches a person specification, it wants a full supporting statement instead. See our guide to writing an NHS supporting statement as an IMG.
How to structure it
Opening (2 to 3 sentences): the post you're interested in, your current role, and your experience in one line.
Why this post (2 to 3 sentences): something specific about the department, programme or Trust.
Your fit (two or three short paragraphs): one real example each for the requirements that matter most, such as clinical experience, teaching, QI or leadership.
What you'll bring (1 to 2 sentences): how you'd contribute to the team or the programme's theme.
Close (1 to 2 sentences): your GMC status, availability or notice period, and that you'd welcome the chance to discuss it.
Example 1: clinical fellow in medical education
I am writing to express my interest in the Clinical Fellow in Medical Education post in the Department of Medicine at [Trust]. I am currently working as a Medical Officer (SHO-equivalent) in internal medicine in [country], with four years' postgraduate experience, and I hold full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
This post appeals to me because it combines acute medicine with protected time to develop the teaching programme for foundation doctors and students, which is the area I want to build my career in.
Over the past two years I have organised a weekly bedside teaching session for interns, collected feedback after each session and changed the format based on it, which improved attendance from around six to fifteen doctors. I also co-designed a simulation session on managing sepsis, using ABCDE and early escalation.
On the clinical side, I manage acute admissions on a 40-bed medical ward, take part in a 1-in-4 on-call rota and lead the team overnight.
I would bring structured teaching experience, a commitment to feedback and a willingness to develop new sessions for your foundation programme. I am available to start from [month] and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the role.
Example 2: joining a Trust's medical bank or locum pool
I would like to express my interest in joining [Trust]'s medical bank for SHO-level shifts in emergency medicine and acute medicine. I am a GMC-registered doctor with a licence to practise and three years' postgraduate experience, including 18 months in emergency medicine.
I am comfortable assessing and managing undifferentiated patients, including resuscitation, and I hold a current ALS certificate. I am available for evening, night and weekend shifts and can travel within [area].
I can provide references from my last two posts and my occupational health and DBS documents on request.
Example 3: expression of interest before a post is advertised
Dear Dr [Surname],
I understand from [colleague / the department website] that your department may be recruiting a junior clinical fellow in general surgery later this year. I would like to express my interest in any such post.
I have three years' surgical experience in [country], including emergency general surgery on-calls, assisting in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendicectomy, and running a completed audit on surgical site infection rates. I recently completed a four-week clinical attachment in general surgery in the UK.
I have attached my CV and would be grateful to be considered if a post becomes available.
Kind regards,
Dr [Full name]
Common mistakes
Pasting in a full supporting statement. It's too long and loses the focus an EOI needs.
No examples. "I am hard-working and passionate" scores nothing. One real example does.
Not naming the post or Trust. Generic EOIs are obvious.
Forgetting the basics. GMC status, availability and contact details should always be there.
Ignoring the word limit. If there is one, stay under it.
Want it checked before you send it?
If you'd like help, our £35 supporting statement service is a good place to start, and our £35 NHS CV review makes sure the CV you attach backs it up. For a strong first paragraph, see our guide to the supporting statement opening paragraph.
Frequently asked questions
What is an expression of interest in the NHS?
A short letter or form showing interest in a post, programme, bank or pool, explaining why you want it and how your experience fits.
How long should an NHS expression of interest be?
Usually 300 to 500 words, unless the advert gives a different limit.
Is an expression of interest the same as a supporting statement?
No. A supporting statement covers every criterion in the person specification and is longer. An EOI is shorter and focuses on the most important requirements.
Should I attach my CV?
Yes, unless the advert says not to. Make sure the dates and details match what you write.
Can I send an expression of interest if no job is advertised?
Yes. Send it to the consultant or clinical lead, keep it short, and attach your CV. Some departments keep a list of interested doctors for future posts.
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