New year job hunt: five steps to find the right care or nursing role

January is one of the busiest times in recruitment, especially in care and nursing, as many people decide it’s time for a change. That means more opportunity – but also more competition.

If you’re thinking about a move this year, these five practical steps can help you stand out and choose a role that’s right for you, not just right now, but long term.

Changing jobs is a big decision, especially in care and healthcare roles where the right environment makes all the difference.

Before applying, take a moment to reflect:

• Are you looking for better progression?
• Do you want more support, training, or stability?
• Are you ready for a new challenge or specialism?
• Do you want to feel more valued in your role?

Understanding your “why” helps you avoid jumping from one role that doesn’t fit… into another that doesn’t either.

If progression is important to you, it’s worth exploring employers that invest in learning and development and offer clear career pathways.

If you’re looking for a fresh challenge, hearing from people who’ve already made the move into social care can be really helpful – many never expected to stay, but found a career they genuinely love.

Some of the most rewarding careers start where people least expect them.

If your view of social care comes mainly from headlines or stereotypes, it’s worth looking again. Care is diverse, skilled and full of opportunity.

For example:

• Care homes aren’t just for older people – we support adults aged 18+ living with a range of complex needs.
• Care roles aren’t only about personal care – they’re about promoting independence, supporting wellbeing, and helping people live meaningful lives.
• Nursing roles in care settings often offer greater continuity of care, stronger relationships with residents, and more autonomy.

And it’s not just frontline care and nursing roles. Care providers also rely on:

• support teams (catering, housekeeping, maintenance)
• management roles
• central support services.

Each plays a vital part in delivering high-quality care.

If you’ve never considered a career in care before, exploring real stories on social media can give you a more honest picture of what the work is really like.

The strongest candidates are those who understand who they’re applying to work for.

Before applying, take time to research:

• the organisation’s mission, vision, and values
• the type of people they support
• the team or service you’d be working in.

In care and nursing, values matter – skills can be taught, but fun, integrity, and teamwork are essential.

At Exemplar Health Care, our values are at the heart of every role – from care and nursing colleagues to ancillary teams and central support services.

If you’re invited to interview, a great tip is to:

• read through the job description
• prepare one or two real examples that show how you live them in your work.

This can help you feel more confident and make a strong impression.

Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to show the amazing work you do day to day.

Many roles are promoted on platforms like LinkedIn, so having an up-to-date profile can help recruiters find you more easily.

Simple updates can make a big difference.

• Clearly list your current role, experience, and qualifications.
• Highlight any specialist skills or training.
• Keep your profile professional and aligned with the roles you’re applying for.

Think of your online profile as the ‘proof’ backing up your CV – it should tell the same story, clearly and confidently.

A new role isn’t just about the here and now – it’s about where it could take you.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I want to be in 2, 5, or 10 years?
• Do I want to progress into senior, specialist, or management roles?
• Do I want ongoing training and development?

Choosing the right employer can open doors you might not even be thinking about yet.

As a growing organisation, Exemplar Health Care offers a wide range of opportunities for all roles.