SESSION 7- Lesson: Resume Writing, Job Interview Skills, Professional

Branding & Building a Professional Portfolio in the Social Work Profession

in the Philippines
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand how to write a professional resume tailored for the social work
field.
2. Develop effective job interview skills for social work positions.
3. Understand the importance of professional branding and how to create a
strong social work identity.
4. Learn how to build a professional portfolio that showcases their skills and
experience in social work.

Introduction:
The job market for social workers in the Philippines is competitive. Whether you're
entering the field as a fresh graduate or looking to change specializations, it’s
crucial to have a strong resume, interview skills, and professional portfolio that
highlight your skills, qualifications, and experiences. In this lesson, we’ll discuss how
to effectively build these essential tools for your career in social work.

1. Resume Writing for Social Work

A resume is your first impression to a potential employer. For social workers, it is
crucial that your resume reflects not only your educational background and work
experience but also your skills, passion, and commitment to the field.
Key Components of a Social Work Resume:
1. Contact Information:
o Full name
o Address (optional)
o Phone number
o Professional email address
o LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
2. Professional Summary or Objective:
o A brief statement that highlights your career goals and the value you
bring to the social work profession. Example:
“Compassionate and dedicated social worker with a focus on child
welfare. Experienced in providing counseling, conducting needs
assessments, and advocating for community health and well-being.
 Seeking to apply my skills in a clinical or community social work
setting.”
3. Education:
o List your degree(s), school name, and graduation year.
o Include any relevant certifications or training (e.g., Master of Social
Work, Certified Social Worker).
4. Work Experience:
o List your relevant jobs in reverse chronological order.
o For each job, include the job title, employer name, and dates of
employment.
o Focus on your achievements and responsibilities. Use action verbs
(e.g., "Assessed," "Coordinated," "Provided support").
Example:
o Social Worker Intern
Philippine General Hospital – 2023-2024
 Provided individual and group counseling services to patients
with chronic illnesses.
 Assisted with discharge planning and coordinated with
healthcare providers.
 Conducted psycho-social assessments to identify patient needs.
5. Skills:
o Highlight specific skills relevant to social work, such as:
 Case management
 Counseling and therapy
 Crisis intervention
 Research and data analysis
 Cultural competence
 Advocacy
6. Certifications and Training:
o If applicable, list certifications like Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or
specialized training in areas like child welfare, clinical practice, or
community work.
7. Professional Associations:
o Membership in organizations like the Philippine Association of Social
Workers (PASWI) can be an asset to include.
 8. Volunteer Experience:
o If you have relevant volunteer work, especially in social services,
include it to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

2. Job Interview Skills for Social Workers

Interviews for social work positions can be both rewarding and challenging. The goal
is to showcase your passion for helping others, your expertise, and your
interpersonal skills. Here’s how to succeed in a social work interview:
Preparation Before the Interview:
 Research the Organization: Understand the mission, values, and programs
of the organization you're applying to (e.g., government agencies, hospitals,
NGOs). This will help you tailor your answers.
 Understand the Job Requirements: Review the job description thoroughly
and align your skills with the position.
 Prepare Your Responses: Expect to answer questions related to social
work theory and practice, ethical dilemmas, and your past experiences. Some
common interview questions may include:
o “Why did you choose social work as a profession?”
o “Tell us about a time when you faced a challenging situation in your
work. How did you handle it?”
o “How do you handle working with clients from diverse backgrounds?”
Interview Tips:
 Practice Active Listening: Make sure you listen carefully to the
interviewer’s questions. Pause and reflect before responding.
 Be Specific: Use real-life examples to demonstrate how you’ve handled
social work scenarios in the past (use the STAR method—Situation, Task,
Action, Result).
 Demonstrate Empathy and Compassion: Employers are looking for social
workers who can build rapport with clients and show genuine concern for
their well-being.
 Ask Questions: Show your interest in the role by asking thoughtful
questions about the organization’s approach to social work or professional
development opportunities.
Appearance and Presentation:
 Dress professionally, but also in a way that reflects the setting you’re
applying to (government agency vs. NGO).
 Maintain a positive and calm demeanor, even when discussing difficult topics.
3. Professional Branding for Social Workers
Professional branding is all about presenting a consistent, authentic image of
yourself as a social worker. It helps build your reputation and attract potential
employers or clients.
Key Elements of Professional Branding:
 Personal Values and Mission Statement: Understand and articulate your
core values and what drives you as a social worker. You can incorporate these
values into your resume, interview responses, and professional online
profiles.
 Online Presence (LinkedIn, Portfolio Websites): Having a professional
online presence can help you network and gain credibility. Keep your LinkedIn
profile updated, listing your education, experience, certifications, and skills.
 Consistent Messaging: Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal website
(if applicable) should all present the same professional message. Make sure
your online content reflects your commitment to social work.

4. Building a Professional Portfolio for Social Work

A professional portfolio is a powerful tool for showcasing your abilities,
accomplishments, and professional growth. It’s especially useful for social workers,
as it demonstrates not only your qualifications but also your practical experience.
Key Components of a Social Work Portfolio:
1. Resume or CV: Include your updated resume as part of your portfolio.
2. Professional Certifications: Include scanned copies or certificates of any
relevant qualifications, such as Certified Social Worker (CSW).
3. Case Studies or Reports (With Client Permission): If possible, include
anonymized case studies that demonstrate your work with clients. This could
include assessments, treatment plans, or reports you’ve created.
4. Letters of Recommendation or References: Positive testimonials from
supervisors, colleagues, or clients can strengthen your portfolio.
5. Performance Reviews and Awards: Any formal recognition of your work or
contributions in the field.
6. Training and Continuing Education: Highlight workshops, seminars, or
conferences you’ve attended that are relevant to social work.
7. Research Projects (If Applicable): Include any research or publications,
especially if you’re aiming for an academic or research-based social work
career.
8.
How to Present Your Portfolio:
 Physical Portfolio: A binder or folder with printed documents.
 Digital Portfolio: A website or PDF version of your portfolio is increasingly
popular and can be shared with potential employers easily.

Conclusion
Building a strong professional profile in social work requires an effective resume,
interview preparation, personal branding, and a comprehensive portfolio. These
elements work together to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate your
readiness for the challenges of social work in the Philippines. Whether you’re just
starting out or looking to move up in your career, investing time in crafting these
tools will increase your chances of success.