Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Advice for Job-Seeking Caregivers

Individuals seeking employment as caregivers are in a great position; the demand for caregivers is at an all-time high. According to the Pew Research Center, an average of 10,000 Baby Boomers in the United States turns 65 years old every day.

The need for caregivers will only continue to increase as Baby Boomers enter retirement. Government studies estimate 7 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 will need long term care at some point. 

It’s important that, as a caregiver, you understand how to give off a good impression throughout your job search in order to succeed at landing a job in this high demand market.

Creating a resume may sound obvious, but many people applying to be a caregiver skip this step entirely. Bringing along a professional resume that lists your previous employment and any related experience will help tremendously. 

Even if you have no prior professional care giving experience, you should list other jobs you have had to prove you are a dependable employee. Include any community volunteer or charity work you participate in, as well.

When you are searching for interviews, use social media to your benefit. There are tons of job listing sites for caregiver jobs NYC and many websites specifically designated for potential caregivers. 

Make detailed profiles and scour the online listings to find agencies and opportunities that match your needs. Do some research in advance to be sure you understand the average pay for caregivers in your area, both at agencies and when working independently, in order to decide your best route.




Always arrive early to an interview, dressed in clean, simple clothing that you would wear on the job. Being reliable is a vital part of being a caregiver and showing up a few minutes early never hurts. 

Ask questions and prove that you have done some research on the company, its mission, and how it is run. Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and solve problems, which are two huge parts of being a successful caregiver.

Don’t be afraid to be friendly and laugh when talking with a potential employer. People want to know that you are not rigid and serious and will be able to connect with others, especially the person for whom you provide care. 

Be warm and show that you have a sense of humor. Explain why you became a caregiver and display your passion for the profession.

A Scan Foundation report estimates that 27 million people in the United States will need long term care by the year 2050, and the need for caregivers will continue to increase as Boomers retire en masse over the next few decades.

Connecting and engaging with your potential employers can make all the difference in finding a caregiver job that fits what you are looking for. 

Take time to think about why you chose the path of caregiving, be genuine and honest in your interviews, and you may find the job search process just a bit easier!

About the Author: Barbara Davis is a big fan of all things N'awlins. When she is not exploring the culturally rich nooks and crannies of The Big Easy she enjoys working on her freelance writing career, frequently writing on such topics as retirement, Baby Boomers, and health care.

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