Thinking about a career in social care but not quite sure where to start or how to break into the sector? We’re giving you the lowdown on what you need to do and how you can find out whether a job in social care is where you’re destined to be.
Do your research
First and foremost, to find out whether working in social care is right for you, go online and read up about it. There are plenty of websites that can provide you with the knowledge you need to understand the sector in more detail. For example, SkillsForCare explains what characteristics and values are most suited to working in social care and the skills that are required. Or check out our blog on the skills every social care worker needs.
Gaining the experience and skills
So now you know the characteristics and skills required, what next? Gain the experience and find out first-hand what working in social care is like. This can be easily achieved through volunteering. Throughout the UK there are institutions, charities, care homes and youth hostels that accept volunteers. Work out what area of social care you specifically want to work in and proactively target those organisations. Explain why you want to volunteer and how you can support their staff and be extra help for both employees and care users. Volunteering will help provide you with inside knowledge and the vital experience you need to get a paid job in social care.
Tailor your CV
Once you have gained the experience and skills required to begin a career in social care, it’s time to update your CV. Search online for job adverts connected to the role you want to work in and draw out the keywords used again and again – these will relate to skills and experience. Then it’s time to incorporate these keywords into your CV, to ensure that your CV shows you have relevant experience and skills to bring to the role. It’s important to be explicit and state clearly how you match what employers are asking for in an employee, as you can’t assume that they’ll read between the lines of what you don’t tell them.
Talk to an expert
Our consultants across all of our BS Social Care branches have expert knowledge of the social care market within your local area and have built relationships with organisations within social care for over 30 years. They can provide you with insights into what skills, characteristics and experience is needed to get the job you’ve always wanted.
Ready to kickstart your career in social care? Take a look at all our social care opportunities or contact your local BS Social Care consultant today.
