How to write the perfect Aged Care CV (template included)

In the compassionate and meaningful field of aged care, your aged care CV is more than a summary of qualifications — it’s a testament to your dedication and skills in providing support to the vulnerable elderly members of our communities.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the aged care sector, a well-crafted CV can be the key to a fulfilling career as an aged care worker. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled tips to support you in creating an aged care resume that will stand out for all the right reasons and get the job you’re after.

Understanding the Aged Care sector

Before diving into the specifics of your CV, it’s essential to understand what your prospective employers in the aged care sector are looking for.

The aged care sector needs individuals who are not only qualified but also empathetic, patient, and resilient. Your CV should reflect these qualities alongside highlighting your professional experience, skills and, of course, your qualifications

Personal details

First things first — you’ll want to start with your personal details. These need to be prominently positioned at the top and should include your full name, contact information, and any relevant social media profiles, like LinkedIn. Ensure your details are up-to-date and accurate.

Professional summary

This is the part where you get the opportunity to pitch yourself and capture the attention of the person reading your job application and reviewing your CV. Write a brief summary that highlights your passion for aged care, your key skills, and your professional goals.

When writing this section, tailor the information to reflect the job description for the position you’re applying for. It’s also important to reflect the ethos of the aged care sector, focusing on empathy, care, and the desire to make a meaningful impact.

Education and training

Next up, you need to list your educational qualifications, emphasising any aged care-specific training you’ve received, such as a Certificate III in Individual Support.

Highlight any practical placements or hands-on experience gained during your studies. This demonstrates your ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Professional experience

Your professional experience should detail just that — your work history. While this will ideally focus on roles relevant to aged care, if you’re new to the sector it can be worth adding all your previous employment for the last approximately 10 to 15 years. You might be surprised how many adaptable skills you have that can be transferable to aged care.

For each position, include:

• Your job title
• Employer’s business name
• Dates of your employment
• A brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.

Dot points are fine and can help to keep things neat and clear. Try using action verbs, and even quantify your achievements where possible. For example, “Provided compassionate end-of-life care to 20+ residents, ensuring their comfort and dignity.”

Relevant skills

As well as your qualifications and responsibilities, you have a range of skills and areas of interest that support your ability to successfully work in aged care.

Identify and list the skills you possess that are most relevant to aged care. These might include communication skills, empathy, patience, and more. Also, include any technical skills that could be beneficial for the role you’re applying for. For example, you might have specific proficiency in care management software.

Volunteer experience

For many, volunteer positions can be a great source of experience that can demonstrate your commitment to caring for others.

Whether you have played a role with a local community centre, or volunteered through church activities, include these experiences in your CV. They can be particularly valuable if you’re new to the aged care sector.

Professional memberships and certifications

This section Include any memberships in professional organizations related to health care or aged care, as well as any additional certifications you hold, like first aid or CPR training.

References

Listing your references on your aged care CV isn’t essential, but it does make it easier for your prospective employer to streamline the recruitment process. Choose individuals who can vouch for your skills and character, preferably from the aged care sector. Your Selmar trainer is a good place to start!

If you choose not to list your references on the resume, make sure you have them ready to go for when the person recruiting you requests them.

Tailoring your aged care CV

Remember, each job application should be tailored to the specific role and organisation.

This doesn’t mean re-writing it every time you apply for a job, it does mean taking the time to research the employer to understand their values and the specifics of the role you’re applying for. This will help you emphasise the most relevant aspects of your experience and skills.

Final touches

Before sending off your aged care CV, give it a final look over to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. (And check our list of things not to include!)

This means making sure it is neatly formatted, free of errors, and easy to read. Use a professional font and layout. A well-presented CV reflects your professionalism and attention to detail — key qualities in aged care.

 

Your CV can be the key to your aged care career

When preparing your CV for the aged care sector, you are creating a document that reflects your passion for aged care and your ability to make a difference in the lives of elderly individuals.

To help you get started, download our free sample aged care CV template for the aged care sector and use this article to guide you through completing it for yourself.

Don’t forget, the Selmar team is right behind you and here to support you to succeed in an aged care career — reach out for assistance as you need it.

Next up, get ready to prepare for your job interview — including what you should avoid!

 

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