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Previous experience is no guarantee of success. I've screened a number of candidates who look to move companies when they should leave the care industry. The main reasons were that the industry doesn't meet their requirements (e.g. flex working pattern) or, they were not suited to the work (although in some cases a move from residential to community support work can resolve the need for flex work). For entry level positions it's more about the individual character, ability and interest of the individual provided it is backed by decent induction and training. For experienced hires (and provided they can't promote from within} then there could be valid reasons for asking for previous experience. As long as we understand why the criteria is set and explored the possibility of flexing the spec then we've done what we can. We also need to be mindful that care work is still perceived as unattractive, easy to get into and unskilled. It's not a job for everyone and we need to balance the needs for quantity and quality.
📈 Care recruitment and retention expert | 30% + more hires 🚀 | Saving care companies time AND money ☺️ Work with me 📧 Stephen@thecaresocialnetwork.co.uk
I’m sick and tired of hearing and reading about care companies who are only calling people for an interview if they have previous professional care experience. This mentality is so ignorant it’s unbelievable. The fact that 100% of care staff started working in care with no care experience ends the argument straight away. If you and you’re team have this outlook, I’m telling you, in the nicest way possible, you will fail as a care business and you will destroy the care industry. Start treating people with no care experience better, please. Thank you. #carerecruitment #retention #values
Absolutely agreed. I always employ the right personality and those who have the will to make a difference and have a good understanding of key values in care sector. Simon Sinek says: employ attitude not skill. He is right. We can always train staff. We need the right attitude.
Hospice@Home Service Manager | Operations Management, Business Case Preparation
3mo100% agree, I’d rather hire 10 inexperienced carers with the unteachable traits such as passion, drive, empathy and compassion that a career needs than an experienced, with bad habits who does the job as the hrs suit. Experience doesn’t always result in quality, while experience should be acknowledged it shouldn’t be the main reason to recruit. Carers are absolutely vital, and I will forever sing their praises. So often they are stigmatised as uneducated, poorly skilled workers. I would love for those who think that to spend a day in the life of a career, seeing the value they have and actually see what they face. If anything we need to show off the care industry for the rewarding beauty it can be and make training, development and progression a must to attract more new comers to ensure we can keep growing sustainable services.