Not having experience in a certain field of work can sometimes put people off from applying for that sector, however that is not always the case, especially in the world of social care.
Transferable skills such as being a good listener, having compassion and being able to work in a team are equally as important as having care experience.
“Having compassion, a good listener and love for care” are key fundamentals when looking for people wanting to start career in care, says Kirstie Thorsteinsson, administration manager at MHA Moorland House.
Ms Thorsteinsson, who has been working at MHA Moorland House for 22 years, has revealed what they look for in an individual when they come for an interview, especially those who have no experience of working in a care home setting.
Have an interest and willingness to learn
She said: “Here at MHA, we thrive on giving people a chance, and where we know it might not work for everyone, it’s giving those that show an interest and willingness to learn, an opportunity to work out for themselves, whether or not working in care is for them.”
MHA Moorland House provides residential care for 48 residents.
Ms Thorsteinsson says people demonstrating the values of working in social care and those of MHA, will always be picked, regardless of experience.
Job seekers need to have values of compassion and care
She added: “When we are in the process of recruiting, we always ask our candidates to provide examples of where they have displayed compassion and care.
“These examples can be personal situations or at their former places of work, which doesn’t have to be in a care home.
“Having compassion, being a good listener and a love and understanding of care is very important to us.
“We want our candidates and prospective employees to have a knowledge of MHA and our values, as well as having done some research into what the role entails.
“It does help when you have experience of working in a care home or as a carer, but that doesn’t mean you will get the job, or you will be the ideal person for our home.”
She added: “On some occasions, having someone who has no experience works in your favour, it allows you to train them up to the standards we need, and they develop the values and ethos of how we work, without having any previous misconceptions or ideas.
“In my time here at MHA Moorland House, I have seen countless examples of colleagues who started off with no experience, and have developed and progressed into senior roles, something which we are quite big on here.”
