Month: August 2016

Unless they’re a confirmed ego-maniac, everyone is nervous about going for a job interview. And ironically the more we want the job the more nervous we get. Being prepared and knowing you’ve done everything you possibly can to help secure it beforehand can definitely help make you feel calmer. Here are our top 5 ways to get an interview:

1. Getting experience

Regardless of what type of job you’re going for, having tried and tested it – via voluntary work or a temporary post, etc. – it shows the interviewer that (a) you’re serious about the job and (b) you know what it involves and that you like it.

Check out your local authority website for volunteering opportunities or approach charities/companies directly.

2. Getting great references

Another reason for volunteering and doing similar work in the past is to get a good reference/s you can show your interviewer. Another person’s good opinion of your work and personality – especially someone already in the care sector – will be highly regarded. If you don’t have formal experience have you looked after an elderly family member, neighbour or friend who could perhaps vouch for you?

3. Getting qualifications

All home care workers need to have social care qualifications or be prepared to work towards them (often the company puts employees through training). This covers topics such as understanding Dementia, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and infection control.

Any qualifications you do have should be up-to- date. You’ll also need a government Disclosure Certificate saying you’re fine to work with vulnerable individuals. You can apply if you get the job but if you already have one, that’s a definite advantage.

4. Listing your strengths

Take time to write down your good points beforehand and how they fit into the role. Are you a good listener, for instance? Many housebound people love having someone to chat with. Are you patient? People with Alzheimer’s often repeat themselves while those with mobility challenges can take time to complete certain tasks. Other great qualities to bring to the role include a cheery disposition, a desire to help others and, of course, a love for your fellow human beings!

5. Knowing your stuff

Even if you don’t have formal qualifications at this point, it’s still essential to research the government’s policies on what to do about caring for vulnerable individuals in certain situations. Unexplained bruising or increased agitation should be dealt with in particular ways, for instance. You’ll probably be asked a scenario-type question at your interview and it makes it easier to answer if you already know the guidelines.

The above 5 points should definitely help put you out in front when it comes to getting that care job. In fact, you’ll probably smash it! Meanwhile, find more helpful info on working in a Home Care role on our website lavorocare.com or like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to work in a caring role – one tending to individuals in their own homes in particular – it’s then time to take the next step. And by that we mean find a suitable job. There are various avenues you can explore in order to do this and we’ve highlighted some of the main ones right here:

 

Qualifications

Like most care jobs these days you’ll require qualifications to work with vulnerable individuals (i.e. children, elderly people, or those with physical/mental/learning disabilities).

You can get these by attending college full time or by working in the job and studying at night, day release etc. Many companies will put staff through these qualifications which could include: a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, a Diploma in Adult Care and a Level 4 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care in a particular field such as Children and Young People’s Services, Dementia etc. It’s also possible to go on and study for specific roles via continuing professional development.

Volunteering

It’s a great way to find out first hand if you’re going to enjoy a caring role. Volunteering also gives you brownie points when you apply for a job in the sector (since you’ve already shown a commitment to your career choice). It’s also one of the best methods of building up a network of relevant contacts for those working in the field so that if a job does come up, chances are they’ll let you know straight away. Find a volunteer role through checking your local online community boards and charity websites.

Being pro-active

You can go down to your local employment centre, search through online job boards (including Communitycare.co.uk, UKHCA.co.uk, your local council and the NHS) or ask friends and neighbours if they’ve heard of any care roles that have come up. But it’s far better to be pro-active. Do this by writing to companies you’ve researched and would like to work for and asking if they’d bear you in mind for any positions that come up. This could be by both letter and email (just make sure you get the correct person’s email address in the first place).

Did you find your job in care through any of the above means? If so, we’d be interested to hear at jobs@lavorocare.com . Or are you looking for a care role at the moment? Check out our current positions at http://lavoro.com/jobs . Like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.

Hi everyone, this article is the first in a series of weekly articles dedicated to those working (or wanting to work) in care and/or support roles and why they are special people.

There aren’t many people who can say hand on heart that they love their jobs, but you’ll find that many individuals who care for others in their own homes can.

The rewards that looking out for someone and making their life that little bit better are hard to define. But you’ll know they’re there via that warm feeling you often experience and the smiles you regularly receive in return. It’s then you know you’re definitely on the right track career-wise. Here’s some reasons why a care role is unique:

• It’s a calling

Live-in carers in particular often view their role almost as a calling since it involves an incredible amount of responsibility and care for one individual – someone who isn’t family and didn’t start out as a friend but, through time, has certainly become one. This is obviously a full-time role, with sometimes two carers sharing a round the clock rota, which means it can get intense at times but which, ultimately, leads to a close bond with your client.

 

• It’s not all one-way

Individuals you are caring for will certainly look forward to your visit, but you too will no doubt be finding yourself keen to hear the latest in a client’s life, or wondering how they’ve coped with a recent appointment etc. In other words, clients become friends rather than ‘work.’

 

• It’s flexible

One of the biggest advantages of being a carer for someone in their own home is the fact that you can often fit the role around your own commitments eg. maybe you have to be at home for the kids coming in from school, or you have a part-time job in the mornings, etc.

 

• It’s intuitive

Especially if you’re older and looking to work in care you’ll find that you already have many of the life skills needed for the role. That’s because you’ve probably been involved in a nurturing role in the past such as bringing up a family or caring for elderly relatives/neighbours.

 

• It’s fun

There’s not many jobs where simply going for a walk, making soup, enjoying a cuppa and a chat, or looking through some old photos together is work. Caring for someone in their own home is though. And, if it feels more like popping in to visit a friend than work, then you’ll know for sure you did the right thing in turning down that dull office job.

Looking for a care role at the moment, check out our current positions at http://lavoro.com/jobs . Like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.