Why Your CV Matters More Than You Think

Your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. In the competitive care sector, where compassion and attention to detail are paramount, a poorly written CV can cost you the opportunity to even interview for a role you'd be perfect for.

After reviewing thousands of care worker applications, I've identified the five most common mistakes – and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Being Too Generic

The Problem

Many applicants use the same CV for every job application. A generic CV that could apply to any care role doesn't tell employers why you're right for their specific position.

The Solution

Tailor your CV for each application. Read the job description carefully and mirror the language used. If they mention "dementia care experience," use those exact words (if you have it). If they emphasise "flexibility," highlight your adaptable working style.

Pro tip: Create a master CV with all your experience, then create tailored versions for different types of roles.

Mistake #2: Focusing on Duties, Not Achievements

The Problem

Many care CVs read like a job description: "Assisted clients with personal care. Administered medication. Completed paperwork."

This tells employers what you did, but not how well you did it.

The Solution

Quantify your achievements where possible:

❌ "Provided care to elderly clients"

✅ "Provided compassionate, person-centred care to 8 clients with varying needs, receiving consistently positive feedback from families"

❌ "Helped with medication"

✅ "Administered medication to 15+ clients daily with 100% accuracy, maintaining detailed MAR charts"

Mistake #3: Ignoring Transferable Skills

The Problem

Career changers often undersell themselves because they lack direct care experience. They focus on what they don't have rather than what they do bring.

The Solution

Highlight transferable skills from other roles:

• Retail/Hospitality: Customer service, dealing with difficult situations, patience, communication
• Parenting: Time management, multi-tasking, compassion, nurturing
• Teaching: Communication, patience, supporting vulnerable individuals, safeguarding awareness
• Healthcare: Medical terminology, health and safety, infection control

Mistake #4: Poor Formatting and Presentation

The Problem

Care recruiters often review 50+ CVs for a single position. If yours is difficult to read, uses tiny fonts, or runs to 5+ pages, it won't get the attention it deserves.

The Solution

Follow these formatting rules:

• Length: 2 pages maximum (1 page for entry-level)
• Font: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (11-12pt)
• Structure: Clear sections with headers (Personal Statement, Experience, Skills, Qualifications)
• White space: Don't cram everything together – make it scannable
• File format: Save as PDF to preserve formatting

Mistake #5: Missing Essential Information

The Problem

Some CVs lack crucial details that care employers need to see, making it impossible to assess suitability.

The Solution

Always include:

• ✅ Full contact details (phone and email)
• ✅ Driving licence status (essential for many home care roles)
• ✅ Availability (full-time, part-time, specific days)
• ✅ Right to work in the UK
• ✅ DBS status (if you have an existing check)
• ✅ Any specialist training or certifications

Bonus Tips for Care CVs

Include a Personal Statement

A 3-4 line personal statement at the top of your CV should summarise:

• Your experience level
• Your key strengths
• What type of role you're seeking
• Why you're passionate about care

Mention Soft Skills

In care, personality matters. Include evidence of:

• Empathy and compassion
• Patience and resilience
• Reliability and punctuality
• Communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

References

Have two professional references ready. Ideally, include a previous care employer or someone who can speak to your character and reliability.

Ready to Improve Your CV?

Upload your CV to Hello Carer and let our matching technology connect you with employers looking for someone with your specific skills and experience.