CV Writing

When writing your curriculum vitae (CV), you need to think about how you can show an employer that you are the right person for the job.

Transferable Skills

Not having relevant work experience is not a barrier to finding a job in social care. Most employers are looking for potential – individuals with the values, qualities, and transferable skills which will fit into the culture of the organisation. Transferable skills include the ability to communicate effectively, to work as part of a team, organisation and timekeeping just to mention a few.

It is, therefore, really important that you include these in your CV.

CV Writing

You should include the following in your CV:

• Your name and contact details
• Your education history including any qualifications you have
• Your work history
• Your transferable skills
• A personal statement that sets out why you want to work in social care and why you think you are the right person for the job
• The names and contact details of two people who will act as referees. Remember to check with them before sharing their details with anyone else.

Top Tips for a CV

1. Be honest, open, and transparent. Employers greatly value honesty as it also shows integrity. For example, if you don’t have experience working in the care sector, it’s best to say so and then explain why you are interested in a role in social care. Then your potential employer will know what to expect and the type and level of training you would need if you are offered the job.
2. Be yourself: your personal statement should reflect who you are. There is no right or wrong answer, but it will help an employer decide whether the job is the right fit for you and that you will be happy and successful in that role if it’s offered to you.
3. Start your CV with a clear statement that captures either your relevant experience, if you have any, or interest specific to the job you are applying for.
4. Let a potential employer know what values you have.
5. List your previous work experience which may include volunteer work, work placement you undertook, or anything like achieving an award. Include as many relevant duties you carried out as possible as there are many skills on view in the duties and an employer will be able to see how these skills could match what they are looking for – how your skills are transferable.
6. State how the skills you do have could be relevant to the job you are interested in. Highlight your transferable skills.
7. Let the employer know what you would bring to an organisation beyond just work-related skills. Tell them about any hidden talents or hobbies you have and things you like to do outside work (for example playing a musical instrument).
8. Check your spelling and grammar before sending it.
9. Upgrade and take the test at the end of this course to get your digital credential from City & Guilds and include it on your CV.