Why choose Sanctuary International to help you relocate as an overseas social worker?
If you’re keen to move to the UK for a social work career, you’ve landed in just the right place. As one of the UK's largest health and social work recruitment agencies, we’ll confidently find you that perfect social work job in an area you’d love to live in. After all, there’s not a single UK social work employer that we do not know. Best of all, we provide a free wraparound relocation support service that makes your journey to the UK seamless. You’ll be supported at every stage as we guide you on documentation, VISA applications, Social Work England registration, English language testing, accommodation, travel and more.
Please read more about requirements for overseas workers.
*Please note, you must be a qualified social worker. We do not currently recruit care workers.
UK-wide coverage
As one of the largest recruiters of social workers in the UK, employers trust us to find suitably qualified international social workers. Supporting more than 160 local authorities at any given time, we recruit for the full range of children’s and adults social work positions.
Over the years, we’ve developed an award-winning reputation for helping to create positive, rewarding places to work and deliver excellent social work.
A dedicated point of contact
One of the first things you notice about Sanctuary International is that we take a highly personalised approach to recruitment. Why? Because it’s important that you feel supported.
Your consultant will guide you at every step, from interview to arrival. Most importantly, you’ll never feel under pressure. You’ll only ever be presented with career opportunities that are a great match for you. There is a wide range of roles available - it’s our job to find the perfect one.
Why choose the UK?
The UK has one of the most progressive health and social care systems in the world, making it a great place to practice social work. We know this because we have placed many overseas social workers who have gone on to have exceptionally rewarding careers.
With attractive rates of pay, plenty of opportunity for professional development, and a wide range of roles and locations to choose from, there has never been a better time to relocate to the UK.
Kickstart your UK social work career
Simply upload your CV and our we’ll start the process of matching you to your perfect social work role.
Find out what our international community think
We’ve received many reviews from our international social work community – people who are just like you. People who have received pastoral care from our team and relocated their families to enjoy a new life in the UK; complete with a fulfilling and exciting social work career.
I want to thank you for the unwavering support I received throughout my journey to finding a social work job here in the UK. As an overseas candidate, working with you has been an exciting experience. When I first sent my CV to Sanctuary International, I received a prompt response. The interview experience was made easier as my consultant ensured I fully understood the process, and even did interview prep with me leading up to it. Throughout the relocation stage, I was supported with payment of UK Naric, my visa, flights, transport from the airport, accommodation, food and clothing. Moving to the UK was a big decision, but with the help of Sanctuary International it was a dream come true.
Patience
Senior Practitioner
Sanctuary International have been excellent throughout my recruitment process; their hard work and brilliant communication skills have kept me at ease the whole time. They really did help me secure my dream role as a Social Worker in the UK. My family and I are so grateful for all they’ve done. Not only did they greet us as we arrived into the UK, but they secured us a flat and went above and beyond (even helping us get the essentials we needed for our new home). We were blown away by how humble, supportive and helpful the International team have been. We are forever grateful for the work they’ve done. Thank you.
Ennie
Social Worker
It’s with great enthusiasm that I’m writing to recommend the service of Sanctuary International. My consultant was able to secure me an interview in a London borough, which I was successful in. Getting a job in the UK is one of the very first stages of the process to relocate to the UK; there are lots of other issues that need attention. This process, without any guidance, would’ve been very stressful, however it was made so much easier by my consultant who was always responsive to my enquiries.
Tawanda
Social Worker
It’s an absolute pleasure working with you. You’re very engaging, dependable and quick to help. As an international candidate, I’ve been consistently impressed since the first day you contacted me for a UK social work role. You are very reachable, easy to work with and are always willing to take time to discuss my concerns. Your team are friendly, intelligent, hardworking and professional. May the efficiency you showed me help other international candidates find their dream role and also receive the same top-notch support.
Clara
Social Worker
Our international social work blog
Highly engaging, our blog is home to a rich source of social work careers advice. So, if you’re looking to relocate to the UK, you’ll find some useful information.
6 reasons to work in the UK
Thinking of working in the UK? You’re not alone. One in six NHS staff in England report a nationality other than British. If you're looking to enhance your health or social work career, the UK is a fantastic choice. Here are just a few reasons why: 1. Job opportunitiesThe UK has a high demand for social workers and healthcare staff, which means there are plenty of job openings for those with the right qualifications and experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after 4 years. 2. You'll be well taken care ofSocial workers and healthcare staff in the UK are compensated well for their work. Salaries are competitive, and you'll benefit from paid annual leave, maternity pay, sick pay, and pension contributions, ensuring a good standard of living during your time here. You’ll also receive paid annual leave, giving you plenty of time to explore what the UK has to offer: Experience fun for all the family at attractions such as LEGOLAND and Chessington World of Adventures Explore the past at National Trust locations, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge Visit Europe – it’s easy and affordable, and you can be in Paris or Barcelona within a couple of hours! 3.Continuous learning and developmentUK employers, particularly the NHS, are known for its high-quality training and development opportunities. This includes ongoing professional development programmes, as well as the opportunity to study for additional qualifications. This means you can always stay up to date with the latest developments and advancements in your field and can further enhance your skills and knowledge as a professional. 4. A diverse and multicultural environmentThe UK is a diverse society, and you'll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from all kinds of backgrounds. This can be an incredibly enriching experience and allow you to develop a broad understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Additionally, it can help you to understand the unique needs and requirements of different patient groups and further support your professional development. 5. Cutting-edge healthcareThe NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides free healthcare to all residents in the UK, regardless of their income or immigration status. Candidates that we relocate with sponsorship are entitled to full NHS services. You can receive comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and treatments. This includes everything from preventative care and general health check-ups to specialist care and advanced treatments. 6. Quality of lifeThe UK offers a great quality of life, with a rich culture, history, and diverse geography. From the mountains of Scotland to the beaches of Cornwall, there's a lot to explore. And with great public transport, it's easy to get around. In short, the UK is a fantastic place to work in health or social work. With competitive pay, great training and development opportunities, and a diverse culture, it's an ideal place to take your career to the next level. No matter whether you’ve only just started to think about moving to the UK, or are further along in the process but haven’t found the right job, register with Sanctuary International today to find out how we can help.
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Understanding UK Tax
There are four types of taxes you will need to pay when living and working in the UK. These are VAT, Income Tax, National Insurance and Council Tax. Let’s jump in! How do UK taxes work?The tax rate in the UK is set and collected by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This organisation is responsible for calculating the tax rate and collecting taxes. HMRC is also responsible for providing funds for UK public services such as child benefits, housing benefits, and income support. Income TaxThis is payable on any money you earn above your personal allowance (a threshold set by the UK government). The UK uses a progressive tax system - this means that you pay a higher tax rate the more income you make. Any income above your personal allowance is taxed at 20%, and the next portion is taxed at a higher rate, and so on. As you earn more income, the tax rate becomes progressively higher. To find out how much your personal allowance will be, please visit HMRC’s website.The amount of tax you pay can be reduced by tax relief if you qualify. Your employer will deduct your tax payments directly from your wages through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). However, you may need to submit a tax return to HMRC if you collect rent on an overseas property. Again, HMRC will be able to help you. National InsuranceNational Insurance contributions (NICs) are also deducted from your wage through PAYE by your employer and are used to fund pensions, Jobseekers’ Allowance, maternity/paternity benefits, bereavement support and the NHS. The NIC is set up similarly to the income tax, where three income brackets determine how much you must pay monthly. You will not need to pay National Insurance if either of the following apply: You have a Portable Document A1, E101 or E102 that proves you pay National Insurance in another European Economic Area (EEA) country. You have a certificate from a country with a bilateral social security agreement with the UK. Council TaxThis is payable directly to your local council, which funds local services such as waste collection and road management. It is payable whether you own or rent your home. You will need to pay your council tax each month directly, usually by direct debit, although there are cash options too. Your bill will tell you how much to pay, how it has been calculated and when the payment deadlines are. Council tax bills are usually based on two adults sharing a property, and the price you pay will depend on your property’s tax band. If you live alone or are a single parent with a child, you will receive a 25% reduction. More information about council tax valuation bands can be found online.Value Added Tax (VAT)As you settle in the UK, you may notice the letters VAT – this stands for Value Added Tax and is a tax payment on goods and services. VAT is usually charged at 20%, although some goods and services may be as low as 5% or even 0%. Typically, VAT is included in the price that you see within shops.VAT Rate% of VATWhat it applies toStandard Rate20%Majority of goods and services.Reduced Rate5%Some goods and services like child car seats or home energy like heating.Zero Rate0%Some goods and services like children's clothing and most food.Goods deemed essential such as food and children’s clothing are exempt from these taxes to keep prices as affordable as possible. Other services that are still necessary but not as essential or more broadly affect the population, like heating, are subject to the reduced rate. Key things to rememberThe UK tax rate is set by an organisation called HMRC, which is responsible for collecting taxes to fund public services. The four main takes in the UK are income tax, National Insurance, Council Tax, and value-added tax. The UK uses a progressive tax system, meaning you will pay a higher tax rate as your income rises. The UK uses a PAYE system that automatically deducts income tax and national insurance from your monthly wage. Start your journey todayWhether you’ve only just started to think about moving to the UK or simply haven’t found the right job yet, register with Sanctuary to find out how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you!
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6 key attributes to look for in an overseas recruitment agency
Relocating to or from the UK for work is a big step, so it's important you have the right support to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an overseas recruitment agency: 1. ReputationAn agency's reputation is a good indicator of its quality and reliability. Look for an agency with a good track record of placing candidates in jobs and testimonials to prove this.Sanctuary Personnel’s International division opened its doors for business in 2018 and has successfully placed hundreds of overseas health and social work professionals from all over the globe. 2. Industry expertiseSome agencies specialise in particular industries, such as health and social care. We recommend choosing a specialist agency as they will have experience and connections within that industry. They will also be best placed to make a direct match to your skills, knowledge, experience, and future aspirations. 3. NetworkA good recruitment agency will have a vast network of contacts and connections in various industries and countries. This will give you access to a larger pool of job opportunities and increase your chances of finding a suitable role. As a truly global network, we have dedicated worldwide resourcing partners who support our recruitment and English Language Proficiency. 4. Services offeredDifferent agencies provide different services, such as interview preparation help and comprehensive visa support. Knowledge is key when it comes to compliance - as one of NHS Employers' ethical recruiters, we recruit exclusively from WHO green list countries and ensure we understand each country’s processes. 5. Pastoral careDuring the job search and application process, you may have some questions. It's vital that the agency you choose can provide you with the necessary information to start your journey in confidence. As part of our pastoral care offering, we provide candidates with comprehensive relocation support, and our relocation team ensures candidates are looked after at every step, from greeting them at the airport to helping them source household items for their new homes. We also provide a wellbeing service, creating a stress-free experience for candidates and their families. No stone is left unturned for a happy integration into UK working life. 6. Cultural knowledge and adaptabilityFinally, an agency with knowledge about the culture of the country you are moving to and can provide guidance about cultural differences and adaptability will ensure the transition process is as simple as possible. As soon as you make contact with Sanctuary Personnel’s international division, we make it our top priority to find you a role that ticks all the boxes. For more information on relocating to the UK, read our collection of blogs or speak to a member of our international team today.
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“I liked my role in South Africa, but I was seeking a new professional challenge.”
As we continue to tell the relocation stories of international social workers who’ve made the move to the UK, we chat with Adult Social Worker, Sonwabile Spayidile, who shares his inspiring journey. Having grown up in one of South Africa’s poorest provinces, where life was really tough for him and his family, he never dreamed he’d be working in adult social care in North Yorkshire. In his own words, though, “it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s where you’re travelling to that’s important,” as he talks openly about his ambitions and love for the profession. Sonwabile, could you tell us a little about yourself? “Yes, certainly. I spent almost 9 years practising as a social worker in South Africa before moving to Leeds in November 2022 to work as an Adult Social Worker for North Yorkshire County Council. At the moment, my partner, who is also qualified in social care remains in South Africa while I settle in. Hopefully, she’ll join me in the coming months. “As a person, I am always looking for professional challenge and coming to a completely different country to work in a totally different environment offers me this.” How did you find your way into social work? “To understand my journey into social care, it helps to know where I grew up and the opportunities that were available to me. I was raised in Eastern Cape Province, which is a particularly poor rural South African community. While it’s a special place to me, and somewhere I’ll always call home, there were limited opportunities. Growing up, my family was very poor. I lived with my granny for most of my childhood and when she passed on, I went to live with my aunt and uncle before moving to live with my birth mother when I started University. “From a young age, I was determined and encouraged, though, to get an education and graduate from University. “For years, I wanted to be a journalist because I was, and still am, fascinated by learning about people and telling their stories. I passed all my exams and applied to study journalism at University but my family could not afford the fees and a scholarship was not available. It was only when speaking with my English teacher that she recommended that I consider applying for a scholarship in Social Work that I researched the profession. The more I learned about social work, the more it appealed to me. I was already helping people in my community. Having grown up with very little, I was familiar with the challenges disadvantaged communities face. It was painful to see their struggle. There were people in far worse situations than what I had ever experienced, and I was keen to help. “So, in a way, I’d say that social work found me.” What roles did you hold in South Africa? “It’s a bit of a long story, but it was a real struggle even applying for a social work scholarship. At the time, I did not have the right ID Documents to complete my registration, but I pushed through and worked hard to get all the documents to be able to study social work and began my studies in February 2009, almost 14 years to the day! “As soon as a I started studying, I knew it was the right career for me. But I was under no illusions about how hard it would be to gain employment after qualifying. You see, social care support is in high demand in South Africa but there are very few adult social work jobs because the system is massively underfunded. “This did not dissuade me, though. I qualified in 2012 and graduated from Walter Sisulu University in 2013. “It was difficult finding my first social work job. I had a friend, though, who I’d studied with and who was working in Johannesburg, which is quite a distance from Eastern Cape. I needed to find a way into the profession, though. So I joined him in Johannesburg, where, after much perseverance, I found my first social work role in 2013 at a Family Life Centre for FAMSA, a non-profit organisation specialising in supporting families and relationship counselling. I was here for a couple of months before I got a call from the Provincial Office of Eastern Cape offering me a Generic Social Worker role in a community not far from where I was raised. “It was a good opportunity as I would be supporting similar communities to the one I had grown up in. I started the role in 2014 and that’s where I stayed until I relocated to the UK at the end of 2022.” What was working as a generic social worker in South Africa like? “I realise that adult social work in England can be challenging, but the challenges in South Africa are more intense. As social care is still an underfunded service, the caseloads are overwhelmingly high. At one time, I had a caseload of almost 300. As a General Social Worker, I supported older people, those living with HIV and AIDS, as well as helping families under considerable social distress. Safeguarding children also fell under my responsibility and so it was a big role – too big for one person. “But I loved my time practising as a social worker in South Africa. Having myself experienced some of the hardships people were facing, I found the role very fulfilling. I was helping people to help themselves even in the most difficult situations.” What has been your proudest moment to date? “That’s an easy one to answer. I was the first person in my family to graduate from University. My family was immensely proud of me. We couldn’t afford to buy a cap and gown for my graduation and so I took a temporary job in door-to-door insurance for a month so that I could save up enough money to buy my graduation outfit. That was a proud moment for me. “I am also proud of what I do for a profession. In South Africa, there are not as many male adult social workers as there are female. I see my role as being somewhat of an inspiration. It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are, it’s where you’re travelling to that’s important. For me, I am able to offer hope and support to other people, and I’ll always be proud of that.” What made you decide to move to the UK? “As much as I liked my role in South Africa, I was seeking a new professional challenge. Before I contacted Sanctuary International, I had been researching coming to the UK but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and paused my plans. “The good thing to come out from the pandemic, though, is that the world seems more connected. It became easier to reach out to others who’d made the move and I felt more confident about applying for roles.” How did you find Sanctuary? “I was already signed-up to receive job alerts with Sanctuary International when somebody else I know asked if I would be happy for them to refer me to Sanctuary’s international relocation team, and I said yes.” How did Sanctuary help you on your journey? “My experience of Sanctuary International has been great. As soon as I sent in my CV to express my interest, they sent over details about a suitable role in North Yorkshire. They were clear on what would be expected of me within the role and took the time to understand how my experience and skills would be of value to adults living in North Yorkshire. “They advised me on what documents I needed and managed to secure an interview within two weeks. “Naturally, I was nervous about the interview. Although my English is good, I was worried that they might not understand my accent. Plus, I’d never left South Africa before and so it was daunting, but they gave me lots of advice to put my mind at rest. “Although the process was quick (I was in the UK within three months), I was never put under any pressure. To obtain the right documents, I had to travel to different offices in South Africa and this was hard. Not only was it costly, it was also time consuming but Sanctuary were very understanding. “They also helped me find a great place to move into in Leeds. Again, there was never any pressure – they wanted me to have somewhere I would be happy to come home to. “Hannah, one of my Sanctuary consultants, was a great help. She introduced me to a group of people on WhatsApp who were also relocating from South Africa to North Yorkshire. While we’re working in different teams and arriving at different times, we support one another.” How have you adapted to life as a UK social worker? “It’s a big change but one that I am happy that I’ve made. I continue to receive excellent training from North Yorkshire County Council, which has made the transition easier. To thoroughly understand the safeguarding rules and regulations in the UK and the council’s processes, I’ve attended a full programme of online and face-to-face training. Now, I am putting that training into practice. “For me, the role will enable me to professionally grow as I gain experience in supporting vulnerable people in a completely different part of the world. “It’s nice to work within a team who all share the same goal, which is to be able to be there for people when they most need us. “I miss my daughter, my partner and the rest of my family, of course, but I know that they are proud of me, as I am of them.” If you'd like to start the next stage of your career in the UK, get in touch with Sanctuary International or browse our current vacancies.
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“Moving from South Africa was a big step, but I’m glad I did it.”
In our latest series of relocation stories, we catch up with experienced adult social worker, Fisani Mahlangu, who we helped relocate from Zimbabwe and South Africa to the North Yorkshire city of Ripon. From supporting victims of modern slavery and domestic abuse to now safeguarding vulnerable adults in North Yorkshire, Fisani’s story is hugely inspiring. Fisani, could you tell us a bit about yourself? “Sure. Although I’ve spent nearly 20 years of my life living and working in South Africa, I am originally from Zimbabwe. I have been a social worker for 13 years and have three children; two grown-up daughters studying at the Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg and a teenage son who moved to Ripon with me.” Could you tell us more about your journey into social work? “My journey into social work started when I qualified as a social worker from the University of Fort Hare in South Africa in 2009. I always say that the profession chose me. Originally, when I applied to University, I wanted to study Social Sciences, but a Social Work scholarship came up instead and so I decided to take it, and I’ve never looked back. “Being a social worker is what I was born to be – it just feels so natural to help other people. “My first role was working as a social worker on behalf of a private agency in the Province of Mpumalanga, which is about a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg. Here I supported children and adults experiencing acute mental health and physical disability crises for almost two years. “My next role, which I stayed in for nine years, involved working for another private agency supporting victims of modern slavery and domestic abuse. After this, and still staying within the same line of work, I stepped into the role of Social Work Manager where I helped to set up an agency helping non-for-profit organisations to support victims of domestic abuse.” What was it like supporting victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery? “I was working in a traumatic and dangerous sector, supporting people whose lives were at high risk. I was helping women and children escape emotionally, mentally and physically abusive partners by finding shelters (safe houses) for them to heal and rebuild. “I also supported victims of modern slavery (human trafficking), which is a big problem in South Africa. So many vulnerable children and adults across the continent are coerced into moving to South Africa for a better life, only to be exploited in the worse possible way when they arrive. People are being held prisoner and forced to work all day, every day, without pay. My role was to support victims and find shelters for them to keep safe while their abusers were brought to justice. “Interrupting and breaking the cycle of violence was intense and challenging but hugely rewarding. I will always remember the people I helped.” How have your experiences shaped the social worker you are today? “Working in such risky environments and supporting people who’ve experienced unimaginable trauma has definitely shaped my practice. “My experiences have made me acutely aware of my surroundings. As well as listening carefully to what someone is telling me, I also observe what their environment is communicating. This, I believe, is really important in safeguarding adults. “Given how much inter-agency coordination was required to support domestic abuse victims, I am also great at working as part of a multi-disciplinary team where, as professionals, we rely on each other.” What was your biggest achievement in South Africa? “The thing I am most proud of is becoming a Social Work Manager and being recognised for my experience supporting domestic abuse victims. Helping set up an agency specialising in supporting other non-profits to help victims of domestic abuse was a real highlight. I also mentored other social workers, guiding them to support victims and work with other agencies and partners to find shelters quickly.” What made you decide to move to the UK? “It was a big decision to move to the UK. For nearly 20 years, South Africa had been my home, but the country is experiencing significant political and economic challenges. Plus, after being in the country for so long, I could still not obtain permanent residency as a Zimbabwean. I realised that my days working in South Africa were ending, so I started exploring alternative options, and the UK seemed like a good choice. “I knew that a move to the UK would allow me to progress my career further and give me the financial freedom to support my two daughters at University and give my son, who’s coming up to 14, more opportunities. “Of course, one of the biggest benefits of joining North Yorkshire County Council is having a new professional challenge. It’s an exciting new chapter as I adapt to a new environment.” What challenges did you face in relocating? “Before I came across Sanctuary, I applied for several social work roles at different agencies, but their communication was very patchy. Sometimes I would be put on hold and never put through to the right person, and other times I would apply for a position, and I’d never hear back. Until Sanctuary approached me, it was very frustrating.” Could you tell us more about what made your experience with Sanctuary so good? “My experience with Sanctuary has been a positive one. They kept me informed from the day of my interview to the day my son and I arrived in the UK and beyond. “They made the relocation process straightforward. They were great at informing me of what was happening, and I always knew what stage I was at in my journey. “Sanctuary genuinely cares about me as a person. There were several occasions when they went above and beyond. For example, they really helped me spend my relocation budget wisely. One day, I remember putting some things into an online shopping basket, and they kindly advised me that I’d be wasting my money on certain things and suggested less expensive items. They also went to a lot of effort in finding good accommodation for my son and I – somewhere we feel really happy living. This level of hand-holding is needed when you’re completely new to a country.” What are you enjoying most about your new role in the UK? “A big part of my role is assessing the care needs of adults and making sure that these are met. I enjoy identifying and putting in place the right support for them to live fulfilling lives. “I haven’t been in my role very long (I arrived in December 2022) but in that time, I’ve learned so much already. My employer, North Yorkshire County Council, has an excellent induction and training package for international social workers, and I have been shadowing another social care assessor to help me adapt. Now, I am putting those theories and observations into action in my care assessments, which is great. “I love being here and thank Sanctuary for helping to make it happen.” If you'd like to start the next stage of your career in the UK, get in touch with Sanctuary International or browse our current vacancies.
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How well do you know the job application process?
When you’re in the middle of it, the job application process can seem a little overwhelming and there are quite a few steps between you seeing a job you love and being offered the position. Before you even apply, you may have a few questions.What should I include in my application? How long should my CV be? Will I need a covering letter? How many interviews should I expect to participate in—and will testing be involved? How will the employer assess my application? And finally, how do I know if I am likely to receive a job offer?Knowing how the process works can help to ease the nerves. So, we’ve put together a quick guide that tells you everything you need to know about the job application process.Get your CV readyAll employers ask for a CV as part of your job application, so it’s essential that it’s well-organised and polished.At Sanctuary, we carefully review every CV that is sent to us, but not all recruiters or employers have the time. According to research, recruiters spend up to 7 seconds looking at a CV, which means they’re quickly scanning to see if you’re a good fit for a role.In order to pass the ‘7-second test’, you need to make sure that your CV is concise and clearly laid out so that an employer can pick out your key skills and experience quickly. Remember, some recruiters will sift through roughly 250 CVs for every job they advertise, so you want to be sure that yours matches the job description as closely as possible.In an age where personal branding is more important than ever, you may be tempted to add a photo of yourself to your CV. But this can be more harmful than you think; on average, there’s an 88% job rejection rate if you include a self-portrait. Plus, the inclusion of a photograph can sometimes alter the template of your CV when opened by the employer.Read more about what your CV should include.Write a cover letterWhen applying for a role directly, you will usually have to send in a covering letter each time you apply for a job as 53% of employers prefer candidates who have cover letters with their CVs. This can differ if you’re applying for a locum position through Sanctuary as these rarely require a covering letter. For permanent positions, your consultant will provide the employer with a detailed summary of your capabilities. It's still helpful to have a good covering letter ready, though.Your cover letter should be roughly three paragraphs long and include examples from your past experience to demonstrate why you are qualified for the role. Even if it's optional, including a cover letter is the best way to pitch your case for an interview.However, keep in mind that, on average, it takes just one or two errors for your application to be rejected. You must check to make sure that you’ve referred to practice models correctly, that your dates match up and you have no spelling or grammar mistakes. Once you’ve checked it, check it again (and then get a friend to look over it once more, just in case!)Apply for jobsYou can apply for jobs online, via email, or even in person. No matter what position you are applying for, be sure to follow the recruiter's specific directions for filling out the application.At Sanctuary, we’ve made the application process really easy. You can either apply for a job you’ve seen on our website or through a job board (e.g. Indeed). Once we have a copy of your CV and contact details, and have identified you as a strong candidate, we’ll put you forward for interview. Meanwhile, we also look for similar roles that we think you’ll be interested in, which can take a lot of the weight out of the application process.It is worth being mindful of is your online presence during this process, as some employers may have a look at your social media profile as part of their selection process. Of those that do, almost 4 in 5 say they rejected an applicant based on something they discovered online.Screening your applicationSince 250 CVs are typically submitted for each job position, with the first applications coming in on average just 200 seconds after the job is posted, employers often use applicant tracking software to recruit, screen, hire, track, and manage applicants for employment. Therefore, your application will likely be screened to determine if you are a match for the job. The software will match the information in the job applications submitted with the position requirements, so be sure to include the full titles of your job roles and qualifications rather than acronyms.ScreeningScreening can take many different forms. When applying for a frontline health or social care job, your professional registration, experience and references should sufficiently demonstrate your capabilities. Beyond this, identity and compliance checks will be carried out by the employer or recruiter to confirm your qualifications/registration and check for any criminal convictions.For non-clinical roles though, you may be expected to take a pre-employment test. These can include talent assessment tests, cognitive and personality tests, and background checks. Some tests are conducted as part of the job application process, and others will take place further along in the hiring process, after the interview and before a job offer.Interview processOn average, employers interview up to 6 candidates for each role, although this largely depends how they are choosing to recruit. If Sanctuary is recruiting exclusively for a position, you may be one of three people who have been put forward.If you have been selected for an interview, the employer can already see you being a good fit. During the interview, you will be invited to talk to the line manager, hiring manager, or employer – and sometimes all three.No matter how much interview experience you have, it’s good to be as prepared as possible. Do your research on the organisation and have a read through our interview guide, which is packed full of helpful tips. We have also prepared information on the STAR interview technique and a phone interview guide. Job offersEmployers will usually let you know within 24-48 hours, and often sooner, whether you’ve got the job. It’s a great moment when you receive the call you’ve been waiting for. All that’s left is for you to accept the position, agree a start date, review and sign your contract and hand your notice in to your current employer and prepare for your first day.Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test…Find more careers advice here.
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Start your journey today
To start the process of finding a UK role, please get in touch with our international team.
Alternatively, you can browse our international social work jobs.
