Two Tips For Cracking A Social Care Job Interview

Prepare some answers

Like it or not, there will be some questions in the interview which you can't ignore or avoid. For example, your strengths and weaknesses are asked, almost invariably. Why do you want to work in that company or what do you know about the company are some common questions as well. 

The best strategy is to think about these questions and prepare the answers after a thorough introspection. You should be fully aware of your skills and experiences and find a way to pitch it in a way which sounds handy for the employer. You will hear the different variations of these questions in almost all the interviews you face. Be it social work jobs in Wales or in Hampshire, these questions will come.

Don’t blow the basics

Although it might sound obvious, if you are late for an interview, you better skip it altogether. Interview is the first impression you will make and this will be the most important impression you create. If you can't be there on time for the interview itself, what is the surety that you will be punctual once you get the job!

It is better that you arrive early, by planning your trip well and having the time to check your appearance before facing them than to turn up just on time with hairs undone, sweaty and breathing hard.

Do not turn up empty-handed either. This looks very unprofessional. Carry a pen or two, a copy of your freshly printed CV and a cover letter. If your interviewer has sent you something, please carry those as well.

Please turn your mobile off, even at the cost of missing a message on Whatsapp or a Facebook update. People are annoyed if the mobile rings in a cinema hall, you can imagine how the interviewer might feel if your phone rings during the interview.

Good luck!

Be Realistic While Searching Social Care Work

This is the true story of a social worker, an amazing experience because it is iconoclastic in a sense. People do expect that finding a social care job is easier with agencies. However, what they don't realise it that these agencies are actually fighting for the same jobs. So, each of these agencies are sending candidates for same jobs. This significantly reduces the chances of getting an interview call. It also means, you are fighting against a lot many candidates and not only the few your chosen agency has sent. 

These agencies are generally trying to do a good job of it. They would ask for three references, preferably from past companies and a very detailed CV. 

Now comes the second part. Even if you manage to secure a job via these social work recruitmentagencies in UK, don't expect that you will get the offer you deserve or desire. You really need to haggle for the pay. This is true even if you have years, and decades, of experience.

You might get a call to give a presentation which tells you that you have done well in the interview and your CV has impressed them. However, even this doesn't assure a job. 

However, even after all this, using agencies would be a recommended practice as this is the best way for you to secure a social care jobs in London or the UK. However, do not expect a lot and be prepared for the grinding. The interviews can be tedious and rigorous but that test must be passed before you get a permanent job.