Interview Tips for the Working Caregiver

Caregivers are one of the most skilled and talented people in the industry (Heartwood Assisted living is always looking for the best caregivers in San Antonio). Apart from being hardworking, they are also organized and dedicated when it comes to taking care of their loved ones. These skills have been honed through the years and are considered assets to any company since they can be transferred in the workplace. 

The tricky part comes when you have to convince a potential employer that these skills matter and would be a valuable addition to the workplace, hence, the hiring of a caregiver.

The key is making a first impression that lasts. Start with your resume, and then supported by your appeal and charisma during the interview process. Resumes are often always overlooked, which results in misspelled words and bad grammar. Some people, though, get away with these by doing great during interviews, and vice versa – good on paper, but wrong in expressing themselves live. Make sure that the impression you leave is sufficient enough for a callback!

So with this being said, here are a few tips you can go over to up your game and ace the hiring process. One step towards getting that dream job!

1. Read Your Resume.

Resumes with lots of errors and typos say a lot about a person. It can be assumed that this person has little attention to detail or pride in their output. Employers should hire caregivers since they have an eye for detail and are proud of this, as well as keeping your loved ones safe and sound.

2. Apply for the Job that Fits.

if you’re looking at a full-time opportunity but cannot commit to the hours, don’t proceed. If the job you’re looking at requires knowledge and experience that you still don’t have, don’t proceed. Caregivers who work do not have the time nor the energy to waste, so skip the listings that you don’t see fit. The right one will eventually come along.

3. Be the Early Bird.

Cliche as it may sound, but this saying still stands true today. It is best to arrive a little earlier than your appointment (10 to 15 minutes before), it shows that you value time and employers appreciate this. As a working caregiver, if you can’t commit to going early, make sure that you are on time. If ever there are emergencies and you won’t be able to make it, make sure to inform your potential employers properly as a sign of professionalism.

4. Speak the Truth.

Honesty is the best policy. This goes for everything we do, from our words to our actions. Never lie on your resume, it will eventually bite you in the ass, sooner rather than later. If there’s a gap year from being a caregiver to a loved one, then so be it. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, but if it does come up, state your case.

5. Share Milestones.

Do add any extracurricular milestones you’ve achieved throughout your life’s work. Include classes you took, seminars and training attended, as well as volunteer work and other awards and recognition. Caregivers are known for their leadership skills and take pride in forwarding their initiatives.

6. Leave the Feeling of Entitlement at the Door.

It is understandable to ask for flexible work schedules, but airing out past sentiments during an interview and boasting about fighting off previous employers for legal rights to days off is just a big no-no. Leave your past behind and start fresh.

7. Stay Positive.

Caregivers are multitaskers and problem-solvers. They have maximized this skill since they have to do it on a daily basis. But even the sunniest of people have dark thoughts too, especially caregivers. It is challenging and difficult as it is, and the environment is a big factor in that. Employers and employees must have good and open working relationships for it to work and last. If something or someone is bothering you, or you’re feeling too much pressure, or have too much on your plate, let someone know. Don’t keep it to yourself. If someone asks for help, lend a hand if you can, but don’t forget that you can say no too.

Hopefully, knowing these tips will help land you a job you love, as a caregiver. Claim it! And good luck with your search.