Employment Toolkit

You have a lot to offer, and it’s important to understand that how people perceive you in the Health, Social Care, or Nursing job sectors depends on how you present yourself. Your CV should always be honest and accurate, yet it should also reflect a positive outlook. Think about what you’ve achieved and learned while working in different organisations. Share how you’ve made a difference in the lives of the people you’ve cared for and supported, and the positive outcomes this has had on them and their loved ones. Keep it simple, genuine, and upbeat.

This holds significant importance, particularly in the Health, Social Care, and Nursing domains. Showing your work history and duration is crucial. It’s vital to present yourself attractively, as a CV with numerous gaps might raise questions for employers, potentially casting doubt on your candidacy. If you’ve experienced unemployment, maternity leave, travel, or any other such situation, it’s essential to explicitly mention it.

You might be familiar with the idea that a strong CV should ideally be no longer than two pages. While this guideline is commonly mentioned, it’s important not to compromise on important information just to adhere to this “rule.” Typically, employers spend around 35 seconds reviewing a single CV. Therefore, ensure that your key skills and experiences, which would make you appealing to an employer, are prominently presented right from the start. 

Crafting a concise, one-page summary is an excellent approach to showcase your strengths and demonstrate your suitability for the position. It provides an opportunity to delve slightly deeper into your reasons for applying and serves as an additional platform to promote yourself effectively for the role.

It’s advisable to consistently maintain an updated CV, regardless of your job search status. Whenever a notable event transpired in your career journey, make a record of it to avoid overlooking potentially significant details down the line. This could encompass supplementary training courses, ongoing professional development (CPD), or even updates related to legislative changes you’ve been trained in. 

Employers often receive a substantial volume of applications in response to their job postings. Providing them with a reason to disregard your application due to preventable mistakes will not work in your favour. It’s crucial to proofread your CV, employ a spell checker, and seek input from someone who can review it and offer feedback. 

Some people think that CVs often involve a little creative stretching of the truth, but that’s not universally true. Being truthful from the beginning is the only way to make progress. You should be prepared to back up your claims during interviews and once you’ve started the job. Exaggerating your skills and experience could lead to problems (Refer to point 1 on how to effectively market yourself). 

While numbers might not seem the most exciting, they can effectively breathe life into your claims and accomplishments. If your contributions have led to quantifiable results, don’t hesitate to highlight them. 

Dedicate a moment to enhancing the visual appeal of your CV. Incorporate bullet points, steer clear of lengthy text blocks, and aim for concise, impactful sentences 

In essence, ensure that your essential skills are readily visible and connected to the keywords found in the job description. Customising your CV for specific positions, particularly if they use distinct terminology, can greatly enhance its relevance.