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A graduate's guide to researching social care employers

A little bit of research will go a long way. Make sure you've got all the information you need to make the right decision about where to work after you graduate.

Do

  • Read organisations’ websites to see what they say about themselves and why you should think about working for them.
  • Get hold of recent reports, independent evaluations or reviews undertaken of the work the organisation carries out.
  • Use them to see how they are performing.
  • Ask if you could speak to a recent social work graduate or other new recruit and find out how effective the organisation’s induction, supervision and support arrangements are.
  • Shop around – not all voluntary or statutory organisations are identical or offer the same benefits – the most important thing is to find the right fit for you.

Don’t

  • Be afraid to do temporary or agency work – it’s all good experience.
  • Be too influenced by local authority star ratings (no stars = ‘not so good’, three stars = best possible rating). Even social services on ‘special measures’ (with less than no stars) will excel or be improving in some areas.
  • Without first checking out why, be tempted by an organisation that has lots of vacancies. High staff turnover may mean that an employer is failing to support its social workers.
  • Be afraid to ask searching questions at interview.
  • Take the first job you’re offered.

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