I have my social work interview tomorrow? Any advice??

[BooChunky]

I've been reading the student room, looking at communitycare, skim reading two textbooks (I got the interview appointment very late!)

I'm so nervous!!

Hope it goes really well. Seize your moment and try to look relaxed. You must have ticked very many of their boxes to get to this stage so channel positivity and resourcefulness. Good luck!

Have you read up on the Care act ? Big huge deal in adult social services at the moment.

Unashamedly marking my place. Lots of luck

Thanks, I'll have a look now. I'm just going over all my notes.

I'm most nervous about any questions about new legislation so maybe it will help! (Although have prepared an answer about 9% budget cut to mental health services since 2010 and David Cameron's move for prison time for Social Workers who fail at risk children)

Is there anything else I should quickly read up on?

I'd be looking to see your values. Why do you want this job? I'd be looking for compassion and empathy, partnership, hopefulness, emotional intelligence, commitment to transparency.

Basically, that you can walk alongside those who will be using your services as they grapple with the extremes of life's experiences, in a non-judgemental and supportive way.

Good luck! Interviews are the pits but if you feel strongly about this role then it will shine through.

Oh my god I'm so nervous

Good luck. Don't forget the interviewers are not out to trick you or make you feel awkward.

Go Boo! Nerves are normal but you'll be fine.

is this an interview to study sw? If so they will be looking for your value base, ethics, understanding of cultural diversity. how social and economic factors affect individuals families and community.
Don't go in saying that you want to "help people" yhats not what sw is about. It's about empowering people to achieve their potential. Risk assessment and managing this.
Some awareness of the care act and mental capacity act would be good. hth

I used to prep people for interviews in my old job. Some generic tips-

If you have a job specification, or competency list make sure you know it inside out and you can evidence match most of it. For example it light say it's looking for a person with excellent communication skills- you'd want to answer HOW you have those skills with an evidence based answer-
"In my voluntary work with learning need adults, I had to clearly and effectively explain the housing rental process, this involved me-.....

When you are asked a question, if you have joy understood it or you are not sure what they are asking, rephrase it, and ask them if that is what they are asking? For example- tell us what the current legislation for children aged 5-11 means for at risk families (I'm
Making this up!) you might say- "yes, so you'd like to know about the changes in the law with regards to at risk faniles and young children between 5-11?" Thia not only helps you clairfy what they are asking, it buys you time and shows that you are actively listening.
Make sure you have some interesting questions for them, about the role or the broader industry. Ask them what the next step in the process will be and tell them what you will be doing to make sure youre part of that. For example- "I'd love to be considered for the role and hope I have done everything I can to demonstrate my suitability and drive for it. I'll be continuing with my study/voluntary work/work shadowing/ Gove some detail here- while I await your decision. "

I got a place!!

Yay!! Well done and congratulations

Lovely news. Enjoy your day!

Well done.