Hi there. I am bitterly [:'(] disappointed as I came 2nd out of 40 candidates for a funded position as a trainee social worker, with a salary and all uni fees paid for. I know what let me down - I answered a question on confidentiality really badly (a pure attack of nerves) and I would really like some help on answering a question like that in the future. Also what are the interview panel actually looking for when they observe a group discussion and what do they want from the written exercise? I am applying for Social Work Assistant jobs now so that I can bide my time and try again next year and I understand that they ask pretty much the same questions. I would be really grateful if anyone with relevany, recent experience could help me out. Many thanks.
PS: What hurt most was that the sucessful candidate has dropped out of 2 degree courses already (not owned up to this on application form of course) and also stated that 'I don't really know what I am doing here - I don't really want it!! Its hard not to feel bitter.... Maybe it was bravado on her part, so I wish her well.
I imagine what they would be looking for about confidentiality is about respecting it but ensuring that it is clear that it would be broken within bounds if risk were involved as your professional duty of care takes priority over confidentiality issues. So while you know it is important thing to do and fundamental to building trust and/or a therapeutic relationship - if anyone were disclosed to you that would mean that someone were at risk (and that's a question of judgement I guess) you would disclose - for example, as has happened to me, when someone who is subject to domestic violence tells you not to involve the police. Even more so if children are involved.
I'm not really sure on group discussions - but I'd imagine it would be listening to other people and respecting them (i.e. not interrupting) but also contributing in some sense to the discussion.
I've had a few written exercises. I think they are partly looking for actual writing skills and partly different ways of communicating. Again, it depends on what they are actually asking - but usually it is a way of seeing that you would be able to write in a fluent and effective manner.
I am sure others will be able to contribute a lot more but I hope that helps a bit!
Thanks a lot for your help - that would have been a muchbetter answer than the one I gave!!! It sounds as if I was heading in the right direction with the written exercise and group discussion.
have u thought of self funding and appling to different unis through clearing? there is a lot of financial help out there
Unfortunately I will get zero assistance because of my husbands salary - I have 2 children and just couldn't afford to suddenly lose my salary. That's life!
Commisseration, you must be gutted.
if you seriously have evidence of misconduct / dishonesty by another candidate in the selection process, you should ensure that it is reported to the appropriate senior manager. Interview banter is just that, however and people are basically entiteld to say what they like to other candidates. So be careful.
what was the question? I would be interested to know more about the scheme and the selection process.
I'm deeply saddened there's so few of these posts available. Self-financing is totally unrealistic for many. There's some research coming out from KCL on this matter
The question won't come up again - sod's law - but let us know what it was. Forensic psychiatrist Christopher Cordess has written some good stuff on the subject of confidentiality.
If you PM me I might be able to advise further, depending on if I know your region .