10 Tips to Becoming a 10/10 Candidate

Are you looking for that perfect new Social Work opportunity for the New Year? Here's a few tips on how to be a top recommended candidate:

Keep your CV clear, clean & current

Include month / year to month / year for all employment - it's what the LA wants. Cover all breaks in your employment history as clients will ask i.e maternity / sabbatical / travel / parenting etc. Up-to-date roles, correct dates, responsibilities in bullet points — no clutter.

Highlight your key achievements

Not just what you did, but the impact you made.
E.g. “Reduced backlog by 30%” or “Improved outcomes for 12 families.”

Be ready with your compliance

Having DBS on the update service, references to hand or referee details, and ID documents ready speeds everything up massively.

Know your availability

Have a clear start date and preferred working pattern — it shows you’re serious.

Be flexible on locations & teams

Candidates who can consider a wider remit get placed faster and seen more favourably.

Keep lines of communication open

Quick replies = higher chance of being submitted and booked for interviews. Don't ghost your recruiter!

Be specific about your wish list

Tell your recruiter what you want (and don’t want).
The clearer you are, the faster we match you.

Show enthusiasm & reliability

Managers LOVE candidates who sound positive, committed and professional. DO NOT be negative about your last role, or any other.

Prep before every interview

Even 10 minutes revisiting the job brief + recent legislation makes a big difference. Most agency roles are informal chats, but preparation is key regardless!

Build a good relationship with your recruiter

Trust, honesty, and communication = priority submissions to the best roles.

Get in touch with the team today for a friendly introduction chat!

📞 02922 400519

Drop your CV ➡️ https://www.hooprecruitment.co.uk/social/upload-cv/