First things first, get your CV right.

A curriculum vitae (CV) can be used when:

• Respond to ads that claim to submit full details or request a CV (it’s worth having more than one version if you’re applying for more than one type of job, to emphasize your different skills)
• By making speculative approaches to care agencies that are not currently advertising
• When a care agency or nursing home does not have an application form.

Not all employers accept CVs, but if you need to produce one, you may find the following tips helpful.

1. Use good quality A4 paper (preferably white or cream).

2. Limit your CV to 2 pages.

3. Keep the same format at all times.

4. It is optional to mention marital status, date of birth or nationality in a CV. Consider including a recent passport-style head and shoulders photo

5. Highlight important information on the first page; this could be in a section headed by skills or personal profile.

6.

Submit your employment history in reverse order, beginning with your

Current or most recent job. As you go back in time you can be shorter

in the job description.

7. When describing your duties, use positive action words like accomplished, organized, accomplished, managed, participated, etc.

8.

Do not leave any void, even if you have been without work for a long time.

market, you may have done community work or gained skills through

interests or doing home.

9. Do not fold the finished document.

10. Save a copy and modify it for each application as needed.

Remember: never send photo copies of your passport, driver’s license or provide bank account information, as identity fraud is very common, only do it in person at an interview.

For telephone interviews

• Keep your CV in front of you to reference
• Do your research at work and take brief notes before the designated time for the call
• Have all medical and household questions about the client and family ready.
• Know your travel routes/arrangements
• Ask how long previous caregivers have been employed.

Finally, when you get your job, make sure you

1. privately employed [http://independent-care.com/Employing-a-Carer.html] and have an employment contract
2. Or, you register as a freelancer [http://independent-care.com/Self-employed-checklist.html]