Applying for a job

As a carer your time management, organisational, communication, negotiation, problem solving and decision making skills may appeal to an employer when you apply for a job.  You can demonstrate them all as part of the job application process.

You are likely to be asked for one or more of the following: 

  • A CV
  • A covering letter
  • An application form

On all of these you must write about the skills you have. Think about the skills you have gained through your education, your leisure time, any paid work you have done and your caring role. 

Selling the skills you've developed as a carer

The skills you have learnt as a carer will be valuable to an employer and can help you stand out. These might include: 

  • Time management 
  • Organisation
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Form filling

Take time to think through your life experiences and how they fit in with the job description of the job you want to apply for.  Give examples of how you have demonstrated these skills while you were supporting the person you cared for. For example, you could say: 

“I have had caring responsibilities for the past four years.”

Or you could say:

“I have had caring responsibilities in my family for the past four years. During this time; I have managed the family budget, ensuring all bills were paid and other commitments met; I have liaised with many senior health professionals to ensure the service they provided was suitable; and I have actively multi-tasked to complete my studies and still support my family.”

Always look at the job description and personal specification to find out the skills the employer is looking for. You should try to talk about as many of these as you can when completing your application to show you are suited to the role. 

Perfecting your applications is not easy and there is a lot of competition for jobs.  It can take some time before you get an interview. If you are not successful with your application, stay positive. The time you spent on the application will help you when you apply for other jobs in future.