We’re excited to meet you, and we want you to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible. This page will provide you with all in the information you need for your interview.
What to expect during the selection process
The selection process for Social Work will consist of three elements and will be completed online via Microsoft teams:
- An activity utilising our simulation suite (not scored)
- A written reflection on this activity
- Interview
Elements one and two will be undertaken within the “Welcome talk and task” which is one hour long usually starting at 8.30am.
Element three (the interview) will be scheduled for a later time that day so it is important you are available for all.
- Simulation activity: Engage in an activity surrounding your own observational skills of a scenario. This element will give you the insight into our teaching methods at the University of Staffordshire University.
- Written reflection: During the selection and experience day you will be given the opportunity to observe a simulated scenario with other interviewees and then write a brief reflection on this. This piece of writing will be used to assess your written communication skills and should be of a good standard.
- Interview: The focus of this part of the day is to ensure that you reflect the values of the University and the Social Work profession.
Your interview is an opportunity to tell us why you want to start your journey to becoming a Social Worker here with us at the University of Staffordshire. It is also time for you to show us what skills and experiences you have had previously that have shaped you into the person you are today as well as demonstrating why these skills will aid you on your path to becoming a qualified Social Worker.
The interview usually lasts approximately 20 minutes and is led by a Social Worker from our lecturing team. Your panel may also include a social work practitioner and/or someone from our service user and carer group.
The interview questions
We know that interviews can be a daunting event however good preparation is key to helping you show us why you would make an excellent Social Worker.
To ensure every candidate has the same opportunity to highlight their key achievements, skills, and experiences we are enclosing examples of our interview questions you may wish to consider:
- Why are you interested in training to be a Social Worker?
- What skills and knowledge do you have that prepare you for Social Work training?
- Can you tell us what the role of a Social Worker is and what guides their practice?
- What do you think will be the main challenges for you personally in managing the demands of your personal life and study?
- Why is it important for Social Workers to seek the views of service users, carers, and families?
- Can you tell us how and why some people or groups may be disadvantaged in society?
- Can you tell us how you would deal with a challenging situation when working with others?
How to prepare
During the selection process we will be looking to see:
- Your current understanding of the profession
- Who regulates us as well as our professional responsibilities
- What qualities we as social workers should demonstrate
- What challenges you feel you may encounter and how you may overcome these
- How have you prepared yourself for this interview
Here are some good ways to research the Social Work profession:
Points to note:
- Good interpersonal skills are vital when you are looking to engage in a career which involves working with vulnerable people.
- We would like you to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm by commenting in your interview on your experiences and any reading you have undertaken around contemporary social work, anti-discriminatory practice, and social justice.
- You will be asked to complete a declaration of good health and character, which will allow you the opportunity to inform us of any health/social concerns or criminal convictions that we need to be made aware of. Anything you declare will be discussed with you at a later date.
- Ideally, you should be a car driver or aim to have passed your test and have daily access to a vehicle by the start of your final level 6 placement at the latest.
Take the opportunity to demonstrate your:
- Ability to relate your knowledge, skills, values, and experiences to the Professional Capabilities Framework (Point of Entry to Training Level).
- Your commitment to the academic and professional requirements of the course.
- An awareness of the impact of discrimination and diversity.
- A consideration of how social workers might work with service users to promote their safety and wellbeing.
- Awareness of professional ethics and the ethical dilemmas that social workers might face.