There are many things that you can do when applying for jobs in the social care sector to ensure that your application stands out and will hopefully get you an interview.
Getting that social care job interview
Jobs in the social care sector are competitive, so it’s important to make sure that you have a strong CV and job application that shows off your strengths and capabilities.
Prepare - before you start
Prepare or update your killer CV before you even look for a job. The job application form (or CV) will ultimately help you to land an interview, so present yourself as a professional, passionate and capable person.
Some jobs are applied for online, as opposed to submitting a CV. But your CV can act as a good template for you to cut and paste the basics into any application.
Carefully plan your application (or CV) and prepare it in a Word document first to check for any grammatical or spelling errors.
The application might need to be handwritten. If so, keep writing neat and in black ink.
Choose carefully
Read each advertisement and job description to ensure that it’s the kind of job that you actually want to do.
Do not just apply for everything; find something suitable. There are many websites and agencies online where jobs are advertised, but you can also utilise social media to follow companies on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Our care and social work recruiters have outlined their top interview prep tip in the clip below:
Make sure you meet the essential criteria
If the person specification asks for 5 GCSEs as ‘essential’, and you don’t have them – or the equivalent – don’t even apply.
Recruiters and employers must ignore any applicants who don’t meet the criteria.
Match the person specification and job description
If you can demonstrate that you meet every one of the essential criteria (and some or all of the desirable, if possible), you are virtually guaranteed an interview.
Echo their words. Not alone, but if it says you need experience of working with people with dementia, for example, point out that you have it, and explain where you got your experience, and what tasks you performed or skills or knowledge you have in relation to this client group.
If they ask for a CV, adapt your CV to highlight how exactly you meet the requirements that are listed in the person specification and the tasks in the job description. Read job details carefully and work out how you can tailor your application to suit the position and to show that you have the skills and abilities to do the job.
If they don’t ask for a CV, make sure that your application form or covering letter point out that you meet the criteria, and explain what proof you have that demonstrates your skills, experience, knowledge or qualifications.
Have relevant experience
Employers love the experience, so when you are compiling your CV think carefully about anything you have done that may count as relevant experience for working in social care. Even things that aren’t directly related could help to strengthen your application – such as babysitting, nursing, anything that has transferable skills like working with people.
The hands-on practical experience looks great on a CV and suggests to a potential employer that you are dedicated and serious about working in social care. If you don’t have any, or none with a client group you’d like to work with, look for voluntary work locally.
Ensure you have the qualifications
Depending on the role within social care you would like to pursue, you might need certain qualifications. Research which qualifications you need, and if necessary, enrol in the required course. There are funding opportunities available, or if you find a voluntary or paid job, they may pay for any essential training that will be useful in future.
Highlight your qualities
Social care work requires a number of qualities, so highlight these on your application. A social care worker needs to be caring and a good listener and willing to work with a wide range of people.
Use words like: hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy.
State that you have empathy, compassion and patience. Make sure they know that you enjoy helping people and get fulfilment from your work. Sound enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Finally
Keep a record of your application. It’s useful to read, ready for your interview!
