Time pressured families looking to hire caregivers often go on first impressions and gut responses when assessing candidates for care jobs. Profiles riddled with misspelled words and bad grammar usually lead to instant disqualification – a lack of attention to detail can speak volumes about you as a caregiver. On the flip side, grabbing the attention of an employer by highlighting the right experiences can lead to you ideal job.
Because first impressions count in the application process your Care.com profile is critical to getting the job. With that in mind, we have put together the following 7 signs your profile needs a professional makeover:
1. Failing to Proofread
Even if you’re not the best wordsmith, make every word count. Tripping over misspelled words or incomplete sentences (no LOLs or other text abbreviations!) is a turnoff. You may be the most loving and fun caregiver, but if your profile is written haphazardly, families will think twice about trusting you with their loved ones. Have someone else check it for you to make sure you didn’t miss anything — and please limit those cute emoticons.
2. Inappropriate Photos
Last summer’s beach picture probably looks cute, but an employer wants to see someone who is well-groomed and dressed appropriately. You do not have to wear a suit, but have a friend snap a couple headshots of you wearing a simple shirt with minimal jewelry, toned-down makeup and tidy hair. And it’s usually best to have a photo of just you. Don’t make someone guess who you are in the picture.
3. Addressing the Children & Not the Parents
Understand who your audience is – you’re selling your skills and your reliability to the parents, not the kids. Think of your profile as your brand and use it to market yourself by telling employers how you are the best person to help them solve their problems or challenges.
4. Forgetting Your Personality
Tell how you like to spend time with kids and show them the world. Your profile is a great place to include any volunteering work you did. Even include if you’re the neighbourly-type who others ask to check on their house or leave a spare key with. Those are your character traits and this is what people should know about you. Need help describing yourself? Ask a friend. Monitor your tone and use positive adjectives when describing yourself and your work to be upbeat and positive.
5. Not Presenting Yourself as a Professional
Don’t be shy! Make your resume professional and interesting. Include your education, relevant classes and any awards and honors from school. Anything that boosts your image and showcases your capabilities is essential. Don’t wait to explain important points during an interview or you may never get the chance. Remember: people call based on what you tell them, not what you might tell them.
6. Not Listing Hobbies as Skills
Are you the go-to storyteller at your library? Do you love to paint or make jewelry in your spare time? Show off your hobbies as excellent job skills. Parents want to know you’re well-rounded and can keep their kids entertained with fun and educational activities. But stay neutral and on-target – letting everyone know what your religion is and how much of a die-hard Star Trek fan you are is an instant turn off for some potential employers.
7. Not Reconnecting with Your References
Nothing is more awkward than having a potential employer call one of your references before you do. The call may be awkward, your reference may be annoyed and you will look bad. (The last thing you want them saying is “Jane, who?”). Call your references ahead of time to touch base and let them know you’re planning on using their name to get a new job.
Even if it’s hard to do, take the time, follow these tips and you might find the family of your dreams to work for.
Your Next Steps
- Which skills should I include on my babysitting resume
- Is your profile picture hurting your job search?
- 12 ways to get families to respond to you on Care.com