Finding jobs in care and support

A rewarding career in care 

Now more than ever before, Care providers are in need of excellent candidates to work in their care homes and across the sector. There are also more jobs in care out there than before as employers seek to manage the impact of the global pandemic. There are thousands of people working on finding a job in care and support and developing a career in the care home sector.

And working as a care or support worker will be a rewarding choice for many, who will discover the many benefits of a career in care.

A recent survey of care and support workers found that an overwhelming majority (of over 1000 responses) felt valued in their role – by both those they care for, families and friends of those they care for, and their employers.

 

Top tips to find a job in care and support

We’ve asked top recruiters in the care sector for their top tips and words of wisdom to help you find jobs in care and support. 

So here are our top ten tips for finding a job in care and support: 

1. Understand why you will be good at care  – there are number of qualities that make for good care and support workers. Consider which of those qualities you have and how you can show case them, utilising examples that highlight your past achievements.
2. Focus your search  – “We would recommend focusing your search, and the jobs you’re applying to every week. Applying for several roles probably feels the natural thing to do at the moment, especially if you’re unemployed, but a ‘one-size-fits-all’ method rarely works, and employers become wise to ‘serial appliers’. Ask yourself – are the jobs you’re applying to a good fit for your skills, and values? Think about why you have chosen a particular provider, and equally, why the provider should choose you…” Where there is a supporting statement section to an application form really consider that specific role and where you can add value before just adopting a standard approach.
3. Don’t let the media put you off  – it’s not all doom and gloom. A career in care can be incredibly rewarding. This is one of the main reasons people stay in this industry for many years if not their whole careers. It’s all about perception and sadly Care roles are often portrayed negatively, when in fact working in this sector could give you greater job satisfaction than you’d ever dreamed of! 
4. Do your research – Take a look at the care organisation’s blogs and social media and make reference to anything you like the look of as part of the application and interview process – most care providers are sharing good news stories about making their homes and services the best they can be during Covid. Showing that you have identified what an organisation is currently proud of really highlights your keenness and also confirms that their positive marketing is being noticed.
5. Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask questions at interview. Look at what our survey respondents said was important to them when applying for a job – these themes will make for great support worker interview questions. And put yourself at ease by asking each care provider how they have dealt with the challenges of Covid-19 – they will have protocols in place and protection to make it safe for you to work.
6. Be prepared at interview – You might be invited to a video interview instead of a face to face interview – but don’t panic if you haven’t done one before (see our blog on video interview tips). Good care providers will give you advice on what to expect and how to prepare. And you just need to concentrate on being the best you whether at interview or in person.  Great advice from Ben Williams, founder of Sten 10 on interviewing with a face mask:
   • – Expressing greater enthusiasm through vocal modulation, changes in pitch, pace, volume.
     – Continuing to smile behind the mask: the eyes can still convey ‘genuine’ positivity through creases in the corners of the eye.
     – Nodding more to show assent.
7. Embrace a career change  – If you are considering Social Care as a career for the first time, and are wondering if this is something you could really do then, check out the links to www.everydayisdifferent.com and specifically their video. You might find that embracing a change could actual mean you find your true vocation.
8. Think long term – Don’t have a short term view. If you’re thinking about a career whether you’re a school leaver or someone looking for a career change then why not ask the Care Provider about career pathways so you can make plans to shape your new career ahead.
9. Ask friends and family – most of us have probably had experience of a loved one living in a care home, or have a close friend or family member who has experienced this. Ask them for an insight into their experiences. If you don’t have anyone you can ask, often Care providers offer information on their websites detailing what their residents, residents’ family members and staff say about their home. This can help you to build a picture of the working environment and see if it aligns to your needs. This will help provide you with additional information and discussion points for interviews. Also, if you may have supported those close to you, family, friends or neighbours ask them what was important to them during this time and what really helped them feel cared for and secure.
10. Be passionate about care – When reviewing applicants, care providers look for candidates who have a genuine interest in caring for others and this must show when interviewing. Looking for a job because you have been furloughed or are out of work is understandable but a genuine interest in caring for others must shine through to set you apart from other candidates if that is what the role requires.

 

We hope that these tips help you out with your job search, and don’t forget our recruitment guides and other career resources to help you with finding a job in care and support.

Good luck