First impressions really do count when it comes to time pressured families looking for carers and assessing candidates for the job. As a lack of attention to detail can speak volumes about you as a carer, profiles riddled with misspelled words and bad grammar usually lead to instant disqualification. On the other side of the coin, highlighting the right experiences and coming across as professional can grab the attention of an employer and land you your ideal job.
With that in mind, we have put together the following 7 profile mistakes you need to avoid:
1. Not Having the Right Photo
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 Contacting 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.