As a caregiver, you do the important work of meeting the personal, emotional, and health care needs of your clients. Your caregiver resume should demonstrate this ability and prove to hiring managers you can act as a trusted advocate. This guide will teach you how to write an effective resume highlighting your capacity to care for the recovering, elderly, and disabled.
Key Takeaways
Emphasize specializations: Caregivers can encompass a lot of different jobs from home health aide to day care assistant to pet care. Make sure your resume emphasizes which populations you have experience with, and if you’ve provided any specialized care such as for special needs people or dementia care.
Detail quantifiable achievements: Providing care is mostly about compassion and service to others, but if there is a way to quantify your past job performance, go for it. For instance, how many people did you care for, did you receive high patient satisfaction ratings, or how many people did you help train?
Use keywords for ATS: Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are sometimes used to screen resumes by searching for keywords and phrases related to the job posting. Look over job descriptions carefully and try to add some of the keywords mentioned where appropriate.
How To Write a Caregiver Resume Example
When writing your resume, use a professional template to ensure you cover all the major aspects of your health care career. A strong caregiver resume will include these sections:
Contact information
Profile
Key skills
Professional experience
Education and certifications
Below is a step-by-step guide for putting together a resume, along with caregiver resume examples.
1. Share your contact information
At the top of the page, provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Check your contact information for errors before submitting your caregiver resume to make sure potential clients and hiring managers can reach you for an interview.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your caregiver qualifications
Introduce yourself and draw in the reader with a brief, compelling resume profile. In a few sentences, mention your job title, years of experience, and a few strengths or specializations. Prove that you’re qualified to work in their home or facility setting by highlighting those qualities the hiring manager is looking for, and include a few keywords from the job ad.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Extensive academic background in nursing and gerontology, coupled with practical experience in senior caregiving, offering specialized and highly skilled caregiving services. Proven strengths include developing and executing individualized care plans, managing teams, ensuring high-quality patient care, and acting as a primary liaison between healthcare teams and families. Additional qualifications include certification in senior first aid and CPR, proficiency with care management software, specialty care training, as well as certifications from reputed healthcare institutions such as the State Nursing Board and American Caregiver Association.
Entry-Level Profile Example
An enthusiastic and dedicated professional with academic backgrounds in nursing and psychology combined with certifications in patient care. Experience in providing personal assistance, preparing meals, performing basic healthcare services, and working closely with healthcare providers. Demonstrated success in childcare and pet care, coupled with excellent communication skills, further highlights dedication to providing exemplary care, whether in healthcare settings or residential environments.
3. Showcase your caregiver experience
When describing your work history, list what you did in each role, but think of them as more than just tasks. Describe the daily activities you managed, how you cared for clients, and the emotional support you provided. Show the depth of your role and how you made a difference in the lives of your clients. Where possible, use numbers to give value to your accomplishments.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Caregiver, Sunrise Senior Living, New Haven, CT | June 2017 – Present
Developed and executed comprehensive care plans for over 50 seniors, making necessary adjustments based on assessment of patients’ condition and needs
Supervised a team of 5 other caregivers, managing their scheduling, training them in caregiving best practices, and ensuring optimal care for all patients served by the team
Served as primary liaison between patients, families, and healthcare teams, attending over 150 medical appointments to communicate health updates and educating families for better support
Junior Caregiver, Learning Care Group, Fairfield, CT | June 2014 – May 2017
Provided advanced care to over 30 elderly patients, including those with dementia or physical disabilities
Became certified in senior first aid and CPR, providing emergency health interventions when needed
Gained extensive experience with care management software, improving patient record redundancy and efficiency by 35%
Actively participated in specialty care training programs
Assisting in the daily care and supervision of children ranging from newborns to five years of age
Developing and implementing educational activities that contribute to a child’s physical, emotional, and social growth
Successfully applying for and receiving a grant that allowed for the purchase of new, developmentally appropriate toys and learning materials for the facility
Pet Care Specialist, PetSmart, Baltimore, MD | August 2020 – February 2021
Actively participated in the daily care of diverse pets including dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, and fish
Effectively communicated and educated customers on basic pet care and nutritional needs
Recognized for going above and beyond in job duties by achieving a 10% increase in overall pet adoption rates within first six months of employment
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Numbers provide a tangible way for employers to see your impact as a caregiver. So, think about moments in previous roles that you could measure with numerical values. How many clients did you care for? Did you improve a process by a certain percentage? Demonstrate the positive, quantifiable difference made in the lives of your clients.
Do
“Gained extensive experience with care management software, improving patient record redundancy and efficiency by 35%”
Don’t
“Worked with care management software”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Although the demand for home health and personal care aides is projected to increase at a much faster than average rate, competition will be tough for the best jobs. Just like you tailor your approach to each client, you must adjust your resume for each job application.
Pay attention to the specific words and phrases used in the job listing. For example, if they talk about “client support,” use that phrase in your resume. This strategy shows that you’ve put thought into your application and that you understand what this specific role entails.
What if you don’t have experience?
You may be new to the field, but your resume can still prove you have what it takes to be a great caregiver. Instead of detailing a long work history, focus on your relevant education and training. List pertinent degrees, coursework, and workshops to demonstrate that you have a foundation of knowledge to draw on.
Think of the skills you’ve gained from other areas of your life relevant to caregiving. Volunteering at a nursing home, caring for a family member, and working in customer service are all experiences that teach critical skills like compassion, patience, and effective communication.
4. Outline your education and caregiver-related certifications
Whether it’s a high school diploma or a college degree, list your highest level of education. In addition to your academic background, include any relevant certifications and licenses. If you’re a CNA, hiring managers should know. Are you certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, first aid, or other specializations? List those on your resume as well.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Associate of Science in Nursing
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD | May 2020
Home Health Aide Certification (HHA) – National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2021
5. List key caregiver skills and proficiencies
In caregiving, every client is unique, and so is every job. To show hiring managers you have the specific caregiver skills they’re looking for, create a list of abilities that align with those required of the job. For example, if they need someone with experience in Alzheimer’s support, be sure to mention skills you have related to caring for dementia clients.
Some examples of caregiver keywords include:
Key Skills and Proficiencies
Alzheimer’s and dementia care
Basic life support (BLS)
Emotional intelligence
Medication administration
Mobility assistance
Nutritional planning and preparation
Vitals monitoring
Resume writer’s tip: Use specific action verbs
Using action verbs in your resume helps to bring your daily caregiving activities to life. Instead of just saying you were responsible for a task, these dynamic words illustrate your work in action. So, start each bullet point in your professional experience section with a verb to show how you interacted with and cared for your clients. Use the words below to liven up your caregiver resume:
Action Verbs
Administered
Assisted
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Encouraged
Guided
Implemented
Monitored
Nurtured
Organized
Provided
Recorded
Supported
Trained
Transported
How To Pick the Best Caregiver Resume Template
When selecting your caregiver resume template, the emphasis should be on your qualifications and accomplishments rather than aesthetics or design elements. In other words, opting for a clean, simple template that is easy to scan and ATS-friendly is the best approach.
Caregiver Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
left
Entry Level
Midlevel
Senior Level
right
Your Name (123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
An enthusiastic and dedicated professional with academic backgrounds in nursing and psychology combined with certifications in patient care. Experience in providing personal assistance, preparing meals, performing basic healthcare services, and working closely with healthcare providers. Demonstrated success in childcare and pet care, coupled with excellent communication skills, further highlights dedication to providing exemplary care, whether in healthcare settings or residential environments.
Assisting in the daily care and supervision of children ranging from newborns to five years of age
Developing and implementing educational activities that contribute to a child’s physical, emotional, and social growth
Successfully applying for and receiving a grant that allowed for the purchase of new, developmentally appropriate toys and learning materials for the facility
Pet Care Specialist, PetSmart, Baltimore, MD | August 2020 – February 2021
Actively participated in the daily care of diverse pets including dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, and fish
Effectively communicated and educated customers on basic pet care and nutritional needs
Recognized for going above and beyond in job duties by achieving a 10% increase in overall pet adoption rates within first six months of employment
Education
Associate of Science in Nursing
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD | May 2020
Diploma in Health Care Assistance
Penn Foster Career School, Scranton, PA | April 2018
Certifications
Certified Personal Care Aide (CPCA) – National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2022
Home Health Aide Certification (HHA) – National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2021
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – State Nursing Board, 2019
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A skilled caregiver with a background in nursing and health and human services, possessing registration in nursing demonstrating proficiency in patient care and medication administration. Experienced in working with varied clientele from children to pets, showcasing adaptability and commitment to welfare. Gifted in providing mental and emotional support, as shown through numerous successful roles that required strong communication skills, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and innovative care methods.
Key Skills
Basic life support (BLS)
Personal care assistance
Medical assistance
Medication administration
Mental and emotional support
Professional Experience
Certified Nurse Assistant, VCA Animal Hospitals, Long Island, NY | August 2016 – Present
Administering medications and vaccinations according to prescribed schedules and ensuring effective treatments for animals
Providing day-to-day medical care and performing wellness checks for diverse animal populations
Skillfully coordinated with veterinary doctors to develop and implement comprehensive animal care plans, leading to a 95% improvement in wellness results
Certified Nurse Assistant, Bright Horizons, New York, NY | July 2015 – July 2016
Assisted in administering care to young children, including providing on-time medication under the supervision of a registered nurse
Adopted creative care-giving methodologies on meal plans and activities which led to an enhanced happiness index by 80% among the children
Conducted periodic health awareness sessions for parents, improving their knowledge about child health issues by 60%
Education
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services Hofstra University, Long Island, NY | December 2016
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program American Red Cross, New York, NY | June 2014
Certifications
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), State Nursing Boards, 2014
Home Health Aide Certification (HHA), National Association for Home Care and Hospice, 2014
Certified Personal Care Aide (CPCA), National Certification Board for Home Care, 2014
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
Extensive academic background in nursing and gerontology, coupled with practical experience in senior caregiving, offering specialized and highly skilled caregiving services. Proven strengths include developing and executing individualized care plans, managing teams, ensuring high-quality patient care, and acting as a primary liaison between healthcare teams and families. Additional qualifications include certification in senior first aid and CPR, proficiency with care management software, specialty care training, as well as certifications from reputed healthcare institutions such as the State Nursing Board and American Caregiver Association.
Key Skills
Advanced patient care skills
Advocacy and liaison
Care management software proficiency
Care plan development and execution
Dementia care
Supervisory role
Professional Experience
Senior Caregiver, Sunrise Senior Living, New Haven, CT | June 2017 – Present
Developed and executed comprehensive care plans for over 50 seniors, making necessary adjustments based on assessment of patients’ condition and needs
Supervised a team of 5 other caregivers, managing their scheduling, training them in caregiving best practices, and ensuring optimal care for all patients served by the team
Served as primary liaison between patients, families, and healthcare teams, attending over 150 medical appointments to communicate health updates and educating families for better support
Junior Caregiver, Learning Care Group, Fairfield, CT | June 2014 – May 2017
Provided advanced care to over 30 elderly patients, including those with dementia or physical disabilities
Became certified in senior first aid and CPR, providing emergency health interventions when needed
Gained extensive experience with care management software, improving patient record redundancy and efficiency by 35%
Actively participated in specialty care training programs
Education
Master’s in Gerontology University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT | 2017
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT | May 2014
Certifications
Certified Personal Care Assistant (CPCA), American Caregiver Association, 2016
Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2015
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), State Nursing Board, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions: Caregiver Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a caregiver job description?
The job outlook for caregivers is expected to grow much faster than the average occupation through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even with lots of job openings available, tailoring your resume for each job can help you target more competitive offers. Look closely at job postings to see what the employers are seeking, and think about which of your skills align best. Then, swap in or emphasize those matching skills on your resume so that it aligns with the specific needs of each hiring manager.
What is the best caregiver resume format?
As with the majority of careers, choosing a chronological resume is usually best for caregivers. As the most common format, recruiters will know what to look for and how to scan your resume to determine if you are a strong candidate match.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Including a cover letter with your resume gives you another opportunity to make a strong impression with the recruiter. Speak directly to the recruiter by writing a cover letter that highlights your accomplishments and expresses your interest in the position.
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
Written by professional resume writers and loved by hiring managers
ResumeTemplates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.