In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted CV and a standout LinkedIn profile are useful tools for social workers looking to advance their careers.

Whether you’re seeking locum, temporary, or permanent positions, these elements can significantly boost your job prospects. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Optimise your CV

Your CV is likely to be the first impression you make on potential employers. Start by clearly stating your qualifications, such as your Social Work England registration and any relevant degrees or certifications. Then, customise your experience section to highlight your expertise in areas like family support, children in need, or hospital discharge.

For each job, focus on your key achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. For instance, if you’ve been involved in palliative care, describe how you improved patient outcomes or introduced new care plans. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure the CV is no more than two pages.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Social workers develop a broad skill set that applies to various roles. Include transferable skills such as communication, case management, and problem-solving. Demonstrating your ability to work under pressure, multitask, and handle emotional stress will show potential employers that you’re adaptable and resilient.

Make the Most of Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile serves as your online CV, and recruiters frequently use it to find candidates for social work roles Start with a professional photo and a strong headline that clearly defines your role, such as “Experienced Locum Children’s Social Worker” or “Specialist in Mental Health Social Work.”

In the About section, summarise your experience, emphasising your areas of expertise and key accomplishments. Make sure to use industry-specific keywords, such as ‘Children in Need’, ‘CAMHS’, ‘substance misuse’, or ‘learning disabilities’, to make your profile easier to find in searches.

Ask for recommendations from colleagues or supervisors to build credibility.

Keep your Experience section on your LinkedIn profile updated, mirroring your CV. Be sure to add any extra qualifications, training, or professional memberships that set you apart, and ask for recommendations from colleagues or supervisors to build credibility.

Showcase Continuous Learning

Social work is a field that values continuous professional development. On both your CV and LinkedIn, showcase your commitment to learning by listing relevant courses, training programmes, or workshops you’ve attended. This could include anything from safeguarding courses to trauma-informed care training. Don’t forget that you’ll have done a lot of this work for your SWE renewal, and there’s no harm in adapting that information here.

Network Effectively

LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool. Connect with other professionals in your field, follow relevant companies, and engage with content related to social work. By staying active and visible, you’ll increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters or hiring managers.

A well-structured CV and an optimised LinkedIn profile are key to improving your job prospects as a social worker. By tailoring your application materials to the roles you’re pursuing and showcasing your skills, experience, and continuous learning, you’ll stand out in this competitive field.