Maybe I'm not as ready as I thought... I need a checklist. :)

Ha. I am famous for my ability to get lost on a straight line.  So, so pathetic.  I'm slowly getting the hang of it about a year in.

Me too. 

• 5. Applied for NI number (called up Job Centre plus, they sent me a form that I mailed back. Voila!--which was good, because the, ahem, professionals, at Manpower told me I couldn't work on a spousal visa until I called Job Centre in front of them to prove them wrong.)

Did you just call your local Job Centre and ask for a NI Application? Is that what its called?

• 5. Applied for NI number (called up Job Centre plus, they sent me a form that I mailed back. Voila!--which was good, because the, ahem, professionals, at Manpower told me I couldn't work on a spousal visa until I called Job Centre in front of them to prove them wrong.)

Did you just call your local Job Centre and ask for a NI Application? Is that what its called?

Yes, I believe I called the Job Centre and told them I needed a NI number, then they gave me some other number to call to set up an appointment. I called that number, they asked me a few questions, then sent out a letter with my appointment date and time on it. I took my passport/visa to the appt and an email I printed off which said "Thanks for applying for this job... blah blah" just to prove to them that I was looking for a job. I got my number a couple of weeks later, then I got my official card a few weeks after that.

• 5. Applied for NI number (called up Job Centre plus, they sent me a form that I mailed back. Voila!--which was good, because the, ahem, professionals, at Manpower told me I couldn't work on a spousal visa until I called Job Centre in front of them to prove them wrong.)

Did you just call your local Job Centre and ask for a NI Application? Is that what its called?

I applied for my NI number last month, and I just walked down to the Job Centre since it was on the way to the shops anyway, and they gave me a number to call. I phoned up the number, the woman took some details and made sure my visa was issued outside of the UK, then she sent me out the forms I needed. I had 2 weeks to fill them out and get them back to the nearest Work and Pensions office (for me it was in Southampton), and all I needed to send with it was a photocopy of my passport ID page and visa sticker. Pretty easy methinks

I applied for my NI number last month, and I just walked down to the Job Centre since it was on the way to the shops anyway, and they gave me a number to call. I phoned up the number, the woman took some details and made sure my visa was issued outside of the UK, then she sent me out the forms I needed. I had 2 weeks to fill them out and get them back to the nearest Work and Pensions office (for me it was in Southampton), and all I needed to send with it was a photocopy of my passport ID page and visa sticker. Pretty easy methinks

Approxiametly how long did it take for you to get the NI number?  I had an interview next Friday and they are requesting I bring it along.  Since I only applied for it on Tuesday I won't have it.  The woman at Jobcentre said it could take up to 8 weeks to get but I could still work without it.  How is that possible?  Do they give you a temporary number until the permanent card?

You dont need you NI number for an interview or even to start a job.  I was always asked for the number too, and told them I didnt have it yet and they never made an issue out of it.  I got my NI number in about 4 weeks and started working without it.  As soon as I got it (about 2 weeks after I started work), I passed the info on to my employer. 
There are no temp numbers issued since you dont actually need a number to work.  Just give it to your employer as soon as you get it and they will make the necessary adjustments to your payroll record.

You dont need you NI number for an interview or even to start a job.  I was always asked for the number too, and told them I didnt have it yet and they never made an issue out of it.  I got my NI number in about 4 weeks and started working without it.  As soon as I got it (about 2 weeks after I started work), I passed the info on to my employer. 
There are no temp numbers issued since you dont actually need a number to work.  Just give it to your employer as soon as you get it and they will make the necessary adjustments to your payroll record.

Can you get paid without it?

Yes you can. I had my number before my first paycheck, but if you dont, I believe you would be paid and no NI would be withheld and then when you got your NI number, it would all be taken out in your next check after your supplied the number. (I THINK)  You can call the NI office and ask them, I am sure. 
However, if you were offered that job on Friday and started the following Monday, you probably wouldnt be paid until the end of November anyway or maybe even December (if you are paid monthly) and may well have it by then.

Awesome, thanks Mirrajay!

Someone correct me, but I thought they did emergency tax until your NI number came through? And then they gave you a refund of any over-charged tax.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/emergency-code.htm

Yes they tax you at the emergency rate, ie usually higher rate, and then you get the money refunded later.

Someone correct me, but I thought they did emergency tax until your NI number came through? And then they gave you a refund of any over-charged tax.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/emergency-code.htm

Yes they tax you at the emergency rate, ie usually higher rate, and then you get the money refunded later.

Thanks ladies!

Thanks for the correction.  Sorry, JessicaKate!

No worries Mirrajay.  The main thing was knowing that I could work without the NI number... I figured whoever hires me would make sure the government got their tax money one way or another.