When you are a social worker, with the right qualifications and experience, and looking for a change, it is important to highlight in your resume what makes you a tick as a social worker.
That's what social service employers look for first. Why did you choose social services is an obvious question that would first present itself. So you have to attack that question first. Don't hesitate to put it squarely, and right up front. Don't do window dressing, but stick to facts.
Don't be too modest in your spelling out your experience. Give it a thorough, concise and precise treatment. Generally it is better to have a single page in which you should be able to write a precis of about what education and experience you have. You can attach the details of the experience in greater depth in an attachment. The precis should so worded that the receiver should want to really look at your experience in depth. Catching the attention is the first step. Therefore, your precis should be alluring enough.
Do not hide your disappointments, or failures. Much as you would like to write all manner of positive things that you have done, it is equally important in social services resume, to also mention disappointments or failures. No human being is perfect in what they do. So don't hesitate on this score. Otherwise, your resume would look much too good to be true.. and that's a sure way of getting your resume onto the wrong side of the possible employers.
Give as many references as you can; from your employers, from the people who wrote to you to after you gave them care. These help you come first on the heap. Give telephone numbers where you can. That will help the recruiter to check. Remember that in social services, it is your attitude, compassion and action that is most important. And for that to be verified, it is important that others speak for you as well.
A final word: check the importance stressed in the ad or the letter of invitation you may have received. See that you address the importance that has been outlined. Start with that, and not normally the way you generally do. People are short of time, and are even shorter in their disposal when things are not the way they want it to be. That's why they have stressed the important thing about that job offer.
These are some simple tips, often missed in the hype surrounding 'good' 'great' resumes. A great resume is one which is simple, to the point, concise, and well written with good language. Coloring it, or decorating it does not help. Your resume is not a greeting card. It's a serious piece of paper, and going to serious people. So watch out for that mistake. Don't do it. You will ruin your chances.
Good Luck.
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