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10 Critical Components for Every Social Worker's Job Search Action Plan

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by Jennifer Luna Jackson, MSSW

     Beginning your social work job search can result in a wide range of emotions, including excitement, determination, anxiety, vulnerability, and even elation. Often, job seekers become so wrapped up in the emotion of a job search that they forget to begin the process by laying the necessary foundation for the job hunt. Preparing for a job search involves some key steps that will make it much more likely that you secure a social work job that is perfect for you. First, set aside a defined amount of time per week (such as 15 hours) that will be solely devoted to finding a job. Next, utilize the following 10 steps during your designated “job search time” to help you move forward with your search.

1. Apply for Your License

    This should be your first priority. The earlier you begin the licensing process, the more marketable you will be to employers. There are some states that will allow you to take the exam before you graduate and will grant you a temporary license. By taking the exam early, you will reduce your test anxiety and feel more confident in your search. You will also be able to track your licensure through the job application process. For example, in your cover letters, you might say, “I’ve applied for my licensing exam and am awaiting my test date,” or “I have passed my exam and am awaiting my license.” This goes a long way with employers! Additionally, if you are seeking independent or clinical licensing, the sooner you receive your initial license, the sooner you can begin your supervision plan for this advanced licensure process.

2. Know Your Skills!

    As an eager job seeker, when you get an interview, you can get caught up in trying to predict what the interviewer will ask. Rather than worrying about the questions ahead of time, a better approach is to think about your strongest skills and knowledge areas that you want the employer to know about. These skills should relate to your internships and professional experiences.

    Begin by writing down three main skills that you would like to articulate confidently, accompanied by professional experiences you have had in which you can demonstrate those skills. Then write down three knowledge areas, either theoretical or practical, in which you can demonstrate your expertise.

    It’s important to remember that, while theoretical knowledge is the foundation of social work practice, practical knowledge is essential in every job. For example, if you have worked with older adults and you are familiar with the Medicare system, this knowledge would be invaluable to a supervisor. It demonstrates that you can negotiate complex systems with little hand-holding.

    Finally, write down three transferable skills that you possess. These are skills you have gained through a lifetime of volunteerism, employment, internships, and participation in professional or student organizations. These skills set you apart from others. They could include knowledge of a second language, excellent presentation skills, leadership/supervision skills, and/or social media experience. These unique skills are the key to your success.

3. Create a Career Inventory

    As you begin developing your job search materials, take time to create an inventory of your career that includes the industries you have worked in and the roles you have played in each job. As you are creating your inventory, remember to incorporate the following items that have contributed to your career journey:

4. Do Your Research

    Conducting research for your new position is a two-part process. Begin by recognizing what you need from a job. How much money will you need to make? How far are you willing to commute? Will the job support your career goals and provide you with new skills? What concessions are you willing to make?

    Part two of the research process is to begin looking at salary and benefits. Evaluate your past work experience, skills, and knowledge areas. What makes you unique? Research organizations thoroughly and dig into their websites to find information about their budget and funding streams. In the process of gathering information, don’t be afraid to reach out to your network, especially via LinkedIn. See my article, “Why LinkedIn for Social Work?” at http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/career-jobs/why-linkedin-for-social-work/. Check with your professional contacts. Are your salary expectations in line with organizational standards?

    You can also use the following online salary research resources:

5. Define Your Personal Brand

    Now that you have done your career inventory and identified the professional experiences, skills, and knowledge that you would like to promote to prospective employers, it’s time to create your personal brand. Your personal brand is the way that you would like to present yourself to your audience. In social work, authenticity is the core of your personal brand. If you remain authentic, your brand will be consistent and genuine.

    To create your brand, think of what you would like your main message to be, and include up to three supporting themes. These themes should support your career goals. As you delve more into your brand, you will find that there are other factors to consider besides your knowledge and experience. Your brand includes your style of dress, your personal characteristics, and your manner of communication. Your brand doesn’t change frequently, and it should be simple and consistent online and offline.

    (Editor’s note: For more on your personal brand, see the Social Work Leadership article on page 18 of the Summer 2018 issue and Kristin Battista-Frazee’s Your Social Work Brand series on The New Social Worker’s website.)

6. Create Your Elevator Pitch

    Your elevator pitch will naturally follow after you have created a personal brand. The elevator pitch is simply a way to introduce yourself during professional networking opportunities. (Think of being in an elevator with a potential employer. What would you say in those 30-60 seconds?) Again, the key to a great pitch is to create an authentic, quality connection.

    This includes:

7. Rejuvenate Your Résumé and Application Materials

    Now you are ready to rejuvenate your résumé and application materials. You want to create a strategic résumé that is easily tailored to each job application. One of the best ways to make your résumé strategic is to begin with a professional summary. The professional summary should go at the top of your résumé and should be written in third person. You can begin this paragraph by stating your title or the number of years’ experience you have in your field. Describe your key skills, knowledge areas, and populations that you have worked with that match the job to which you are applying. Hone in on your transferable skills, remembering that these are your “super powers”—qualities about you that make you stand out from the crowd. Quantify your achievements, and don’t be afraid to brag a little! Finally, briefly discuss your values, passions, and/or personal characteristics that make you YOU.

Example of Professional Summary

LMSW with experience and training in medical social work, crisis intervention, and trauma informed therapy. Expertise in neonatal and pediatric intensive care case management, pediatric oncology, and programs serving teen parents with at-risk pregnancy. Coordinated volunteer and children’s programs at large hospital, elected Voices for Children vice president, and certified in play therapy.

8. Build Your Social Media Presence

    Your social media presence is more important now than ever before. Employers check social media regularly as they are sifting through applicants. It is essential that you carefully prepare your social media presence before you begin sending out résumés.

    LinkedIn is currently the most widely used network in the world for employers and job seekers. Begin by claiming a unique URL that includes your name for your LinkedIn profile (i.e., https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname/), making it easier for employers to find you. Display an appropriate professional headshot—don’t crop yourself out of another photo, and don’t pose with your partner or pets. Remember that this is the employer’s first professional impression of you. Create an informative headline with strategic key words.

9. Identify Key Words

    Key words are words that will be key to creating your headline, searching for jobs, and branding. Use the right nouns to describe your skills and experience. Use industry language, and explore words used by others in your field. Ask yourself: What do I aspire to be known for?

    Using your professional summary as a framework, develop a professional statement utilizing key words that are consistent with your other materials. Update your LinkedIn status regularly to demonstrate engagement and expertise. Show that you are connected to professional groups in your industry.

10. Select and Ask Your References

    Checking of references is usually the finishing touch before employers make a job offer. Be prepared by asking your references for a recommendation in advance. It is good to have three to five references. They should be professional references, such as your field instructors, field supervisors, work supervisors, or faculty. When asking for a reference, send an email with the context of the reference, so they know what you would like for them to emphasize. It is also important to attach your résumé for their review, especially if it has been more than six months since they have worked with you. Finally, always send a thank-you note or email to your references.

    By preparing for your job search before you begin applying for jobs, you will feel more confident and informed about the types of jobs you are looking for and what you bring to the table. Remember, a job search in itself is a huge undertaking, so take the time to make it a learning experience and use it as an opportunity to present yourself in the best professional light.

    Good luck!

Jennifer Luna Jackson, MSSW, is a social worker, career coach, and trainer. She serves as director of the DiNitto Center for Career Services at the University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Jennifer has been invited to present regionally and nationally on social work career development topics, including personal branding, career development, and the professional development cycle for social workers.

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