Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to some common questions
It’s really simple!
To search for a job simply click on the “Search Job” box – once you click the box your search will bring up a list of all the current vacancies available on the Proud to Care website.
Alternatively, you may wish to be more specific in your job search. You can do this by using the search buttons on the left hand side of the page. Here you can refine your search by using a keyword, by category of job role or by location, East, West, North or Central Hull.
Good luck!
See a job you like?
Read the job description carefully.
Any job vacancy advertised on online will have a job description. It gives you an idea of what kind of work you would be doing, where you’d be working and what the hours and salary would be like. It will also say if there are any qualifications or skills you might need for the job.
Read the job description carefully so you feel like you understand what the job is about and if it’s a good fit for you.
Follow all the instructions
If you’re asked to write a cover letter, write one. If you’re asked to email a specific person, email them with the address given and address them by name in your email. Double-check the instructions to make sure you’ve followed them to the letter. Many employers will ask you to fill out an application form online too.
Make sure your contact details are correct
If there are any typos or if the details are out of date, the employer can’t contact you about your application.
Remember, if you see a job you would like to apply for, simply contact the employer directly by using the link provided on each advert.
The first contact you will have with your future employer will probably be by phone, they want to know you are enthusiastic, prepared to be flexible and keen on working with people.
Experience always helps when applying for a job, even if you haven’t worked in care before everyone has cared for others at some time, think about what to have done that show you have the right values for care.
If you are unsure about a specific job role you may wish to contact the employer direct and ask further questions about the job, what the role entails and their expectations. It will also help give you a feel about what the employer is like to work for.
You may also wish to speak to a careers advisor. A careers advisor can provide you with information about job roles in the care sector, the qualifications or training you may need and how much you can expect to be paid.
The employer will make contact with you as soon as possible after the closing date. They will confirm if you are shortlisted for an interview or will offer feedback on your application if you have not been able to progress further – this will allow you to re-focus any future applications.
You can apply for as many jobs as you wish but suggest you keep a record of the details i.e. provider name, post title and location so you can track your applications and manage diary dates for interviews. It is always courteous and good practice to let prospective employers know if you cannot attend an interview or you wish to withdraw your application due to you receiving an alternative offer.
It’s in everyone’s best interest to get you on board as quickly as possible. However, as you will be working with vulnerable people, there are a few steps which have to be completed before you will be allowed to start work – they are:
- Receiving at least 2 references – one must be from your most recent employer
- Completing an Enhanced criminal records check/DBS
- Induction – most providers will have their own induction programme to help settle you into your role.
Providers (employers) will each have their own recruitment process but value based recruitment has become increasingly popular across the social care sector over the last few years. With staff always in demand it is a great way to establish if someone’s values and work ethic are the right fit for the role instead of looking at experience and qualifications.
Values based recruitment is about finding and keeping people who have the right attitude to work in Care and can demonstrate their ability to care, be kind and have compassion. While certificates and experience are a bonus, when it comes to recruiting, having life skills and the right values can be just as important.
Values based interviews use questions to ask for examples from candidates. This gives the candidates the chance to explain their experience, what they did in the situation, and the outcome. By using value based questions even if the candidate does not have a background in care they can use other examples to show how they incorporate values in their day to day life. You may be asked to evidence a scenario question for example:
Question: Can you tell us a time when you listened carefully to someone?
A value-based interview will be designed to see how your express your values through your actions and answers so you may be asked:
- What you did
- How you did it
- Why you did it
- What impact it had on you and other
- What you learnt about yourself
This will depend on the type of job you are interested in – specific qualifications will be highlighted on the job advert.
What matters most is that you have the values, beliefs and attitudes required for working in care.
However, all care workers need a few core skills, for example English and basic number skills. You need to be able to do everyday tasks like communicating, counting medication, making notes and using a computer. You also need skills in teamwork and problem solving.
The Care Certificate shows the minimum areas that should be covered as part of your induction training. You may choose to do additional formal qualifications depending on your area of work or chosen career path, for example NVQs.
What’s really important is that you’re a compassionate, kind and thoughtful person. The individual employer might ask that you have qualifications showing good English and numeracy skills such as GCSE A-C in English and Maths. It might also be helpful to have a social care qualification such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications though – if you’re interested, you can work towards them once you start the job.
