Regardless of the industry you work in, you should always have an up-to-date copy of your resume. It is best to revise your resume even if you aren’t actively looking for a new job, as you never know when the perfect opportunity might present itself. You may work on a new project that broadens your skillset, and it is best to write these down these experiences as they happen so you don’t have to scramble to create a new version from scratch.
For those who work in the caregiving industry, there are certain aspects of your resume that potential employers may care about more than others. If you want to stand apart from the crowd and land your dream job, keep the following tips in mind.
Highlight Your References
Caregiving is all about people, which means that references from past employers who will sing your praises are essential. If possible, you should include a couple recent references that can speak to different areas of your professional background and capabilities. But more than someone who just adores you, it’s important to include someone who can speak in-depth about your real-life experience and qualifications.
Before you include any individual’s contact information on your resume, make sure that the person knows that they may be contacted. If possible, it would be good for you to give him or her an idea of what the particular position entails, so they can better speak to your applicable experience.
Give a Sense of Your Personality
This tip really goes along with the previous one: caregiving is about people. A potential employer doesn’t just want to hire someone who has the right educational or corporate background, they want to hire an individual that they will like and trust. It’s important (to all parties involved) that your personalities are compatible and that there is a mutual respect.
At the top of your resume, consider including a brief personal statement that tells potential employers why this industry is important to you, or what you are looking for in a new position. This will make you more relatable as a candidate and can help someone feel connected to you before you even come in for an interview.
Include Any Relevant Certifications
Are you trained in CPR? Have you taken a class that has prepared you to effectively work with someone who has dementia or another ailment? There are dozens of classes available for caregivers—many of which can be taken online. And while these certifications may not be an absolute requirement for many positions you may be applying for, they can only help you stand apart from other applicants.
If there are courses or extracurricular qualifications that you’d like to include, make sure that they have not expired and that you also include the issue date and certification number, if applicable.
Always Ask for Help
One mistake that many people make when it comes to their resume is not asking someone else to take a look. In terms of spelling, grammar and formatting, your resume should be polished. Consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread your resume. If you are having problems writing about your personal and professional background, consider looking at examples online. There are tons of free resources available, and you should make use of them all!