In 2022, there were 15,655 social workers employed in the UK. However, there are hundreds of people competing for newly qualified social worker jobs as we speak.
So, how can you make yourself stand out from the crowd?
Social worker jobs are no different than other professions, the first stage is sending an application and getting in contact with an institution. But, matching the social worker job description is just one part of the puzzle…
You need to showcase the unique qualities that make you the right candidate for the job. Therefore, to help you on your way to becoming a social worker, here are 6 tips that will guarantee you job success.
6 tips for newly qualified social worker jobs
Before you can start applying to social worker jobs, you need to get your social work CV up to the highest standard. As this piece of paper is the first thing someone will see, you need to ensure it’s absolutely perfect.
1. Clean up your CV
The worst thing that can happen is an employee opens your CV and sees a block of text that’s scattered with errors. It will make you look unprofessional and ill prepared. You can start by editing your CV into a template that is well-designed and clear. Ideally, you want to put the most important information at the top and lead the reader through the page in stages.
It’s possible to include a photo, but it’s not necessary. The most important thing is your experience relates to the job you’re applying to.
2. Show you can lead
Speaking of experience, it’s essential that you don’t just list your qualifications when applying to jobs for social workers. You can bet that your competition also has impressive knowledge and qualifications for the role.
That’s why you need to show you can lead and take initiative. To do this, you can organise an event with your local charity or a community centre.
This will show that you care about being involved in your community and enjoy working with people.
3. Make social work friends
There’s nothing better than meeting up with some friends but how about building a network of professional friends, where you are able to build on your knowledge and share and grow together. Building professional relationships with people in the same line of work as you is essential.
These people will be the ones to help you navigate the application process and could even point you in the right direction to jobs in social work.
4. Use the internet
The internet is a great place for finding out more information about institutions and who leads them. You’ll most likely have to scroll through lots of social work jobs when you’re trying to land a new position.
But, if you find one that appeals to you and you really want to land the position, then try to find out as much as possible about the head of staff. For instance, do they have a certain employee ethos? What are their values?
Any piece of information that you can use to show you are specifically interested in the job will help you be memorable in the application process.
5. Look for a mentor
Finding a mentor might be ideal for people who have just graduated or are having problems when applying to newly qualified social worker jobs.
Having someone you can go to for professional advice will make the process feel less overwhelming and give you a place to share your queries about the application.
The best way to find mentors is either through the institution you’re already affiliated with, such as a school or college. However, you can also find a mentor at a conference or online workshop.
That’s why it’s important to keep a look out for networking events with other social workers who you can connect with.
6. Take your time and be open
Ultimately, finding the perfect job can take time. You might end up applying to several positions before you land the dream role you’ve been thinking about.
Even though it can be tiring looking and filling out several applications, it’s a necessary part of being a social worker. A great way to distract yourself is to find a part-time job while you’re applying to positions.
If you can show that you are patient and not in a hurry to jump at any job that is offered to you, it might make you more desirable in the employer’s mind.
Normally, employers are looking for people with confidence in their abilities. So, although it’s good to be eager and enthusiastic, it’s also fine to wait until the right job comes along.
Just keep reminding yourself that good things take time. Plus, don’t forget why you want to be a social worker in the first place!
A career like this is a special way to make an impact on people’s lives. It allows you to get a better understanding of the struggles and obstacles people face in their lives.
By learning about the various things people have to overcome, you can become more empathic and help people improve their quality of life. Therefore, don’t get discouraged if the applications seem never ending.