How to Create a Stand-Out Resume as a Support Worker

When applying for a job as a Youth and/or Disability Support Worker, submitting a striking application that grabs a recruiter's attention should be your aim. But how is this achievable if you have limited experience applying for Support Worker jobs? Next in Health are here to facilitate the next step in your career – which starts with an exceptional resume. This blog will give you some of the best ways to attract the right employer and find a job you absolutely love. 

1. Show Them Who You Are

It's important to find an employer that shares your values and welcomes you into a workplace that makes you happy and content. Support from the organisation you work for is super important as work can come with its challenges. That's why it's important to create a resume that will show who you are as a person and what you represent.

●    Highlight your passion and ability to build a clients' self-esteem, self-confidence and encourage them to live life to the fullest. According to TIME, including keywords from the original job posting is also a good idea.

●    Emphasise your strengths to inspire your clients/residents/patients to be as active and independent as they possibly can within the confines of their physical or emotional capabilities.

●    Show a strong understanding of the role by highlighting the amazing work you diligently undertake on a day-to-day basis including;

â–       helping with meal preparation

â–       household chores

â–       administering medication

â–       managing finances

â–       accessing community facilities

â–       going shopping

â–       meeting friends

â–       visiting the doctors

â–       finding a job

â–       providing general emotional support

â–       understanding of National Disability Insurance Services (NDIS)

2. Create a Visually Appealing Resume

• A resume is a visual document. This means having a layout that is organised, symmetrical, and allows "resting places” for the eyes with good use of white space, and is not overly text-heavy or styled.
• Create your resume on Canva and use creative flair to show off your skills and personality. There are professional templates available within this free online website in which you can simply edit as you please.
• Consider a Video Resume. Times have changed when only a written resume was accepted during job applications. Next in Health encourages you to get creative and think outside the box to depict your true personality. Here are three pointers to creating a video resume in the healthcare industry;

1. Write a script before you hit record (but it's recommended you do not read directly from the script)

• Think of all the reasons why a facility will want you on their team. What makes you stand out from other candidates? Are you really good at communicating and working with others or do you hold a special qualification? Give some examples and make sure to articulate your strengths.

2. Show that you are a good cultural fit.

• Having the qualifications to do your job is one thing, but it is equally important to show you are able to fit into the team at a healthcare organisation. This is where you can show off your 'Soft Skills' such as effective communication skills, teamwork & dependability.

3. Keep it short.

• Healthcare employers are screening many resumes so you don't want them to skip you, so keep it short and sweet. The video interview won't replace your written resume, but it may help you stand out amongst the crowd.

4. Look into the lens and record in a quiet place

• When recording, you don't need a fancy camera. Using your mobile phone works well but just ensure you are looking into the lens and not at yourself. Furthermore, according to com, make sure you are in a quiet place as excessive background noise can be distracting.

Best of luck with your video interview. Next in Health will always be happy to help and provide tips to make your resume stand out.

3. Formatting of a Written Resume

"When it comes to formatting, you can be as conservative or edgy as feels right to you, always keeping in mind that your resume is a marketing document created for the reader,” says Campbell Duke (Open Colleges).

• Give Yourself A Great Title
• Along with your name, you should always give yourself a professional title that describes what you do, such as "Youth and Disability Support Worker.” This title is the first thing that will catch the reader's eye, so make sure it clearly conveys what you have to offer.
• Incorporate a professional summary of 2-3 sentences at the top of your resume, under your contact details and title. Highlight past achievements, your values and what is important to you.
• 2-3 pages in length which include two professional references
• Choose easy to read fonts such as Arial and Calibri in size 11 or 12.
• Avoid shrinking the text too small in order to fit on fewer pages
• Include hyperlinks to your online profiles, websites or work
• If you want to showcase work that is relevant to the job, such as writing samples, websites you have created or other projects that demonstrate your expertise, it's a good idea to have everything easily accessible in one place, such as your LinkedIn profile, a personal blog or website.

Support Worker Jobs currently being hired for

To get the cogs turning, here are some of the roles Next in Health are hiring for in the Disability & Community space;

• Disability Support Workers
• Community Care Workers
• Youth Workers
• Home Care Workers
• Support Coordinators
• Rostering Coordinators
• Program Managers
• Service Delivery Managers
• Executive Search

Ready for the next step in your career? Let us connect you with your perfect job as a motivated, compassionate, and emphatic Support Worker. Please register with Next in Health so we can find you the right opportunities. We're looking forward to speaking with you and helping you take the next step in your career, register here.