There are many reasons why you may have chosen to leave your job and take on something new and exciting. Whatever your circumstances, you'll need a CV that shows all the wonderful skills and experience you can bring to a new career.
Meet Paul, he's in the process of changing careers
Paul took up a befriending role during the pandemic while still working as a quality control technician — and he really enjoyed it. It made him want to explore learning opportunities in social care, leading to the completion of an evening course in HNC Social Services.
Then, Paul took on a few weekend shifts as a social care assistant for a local employer. When faced with redundancy from his technician job, Paul saw it as an opportunity to pursue something new. He's using this CV to apply for jobs as a sheltered housing warden and will adapt it to apply for other social care jobs.
Paul's example
Take a look at Paul's CV and use our tips to get into that new career you've had your eye on.
View CV in full
1
Paul Foster
Phone07482950193
Emailpaulfoster@email.co.uk
Address10 Hillington Road Glasgow, G21 2AA
2
As a provider of non-judgmental social care services for older people in the community, I'm an advocate for independent living and ageing in a positive way. I'm observant, assertive and tactful, with the ability to calmly react quickly in emergencies. I am SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registered and a Member of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
3
Skills
Excellent listening and spoken communication skills
Well-developed written communication skills for report writing
Honest, reliable, committed and flexible to meet client needs
Friendly, helpful, patient and tolerant
Interest in and empathy with older people
Respectful of confidentiality
Strong leadership qualities, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Willingness to keep up to date with legislation and standards
4
Achievements
10/21
Befriender of the Month for Golden Bond
5
Work experience
11/21 to Present
Social Care Assistant at Silver Home Care, Bearsden
Helping people with personal care and assisting with physical tasks. Giving emotional support, listening to concerns and discussing worries. Assisting with household tasks such as shopping, laundry, cooking and cleaning. Dealing with financial tasks, such as paying bills and claiming benefits. Reporting any changes in health or behaviour among the people I care for. Drawing up and reviewing care plans for my clients.
09/21 to 11/21
Befriender at Golden Bond, Livingston
Volunteering as a Befriender once per week, working with an older person in my area to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Acting as a companion, often sharing a chat or going for a walk, to build confidence and link the person to social activities. Referring and making them aware of other organisations which can support their health and wellbeing. Completing monthly visit sheets and giving feedback to the project co-ordinator.
12/08 to 10/21
Quality Control Technician at McSwine's Factory, Livingston
Setting up and managing quality control systems. Leading quality projects, including data reviews and audits. Dealing with customer complaints and passing the information on to suppliers. Collecting data and writing reports on findings to be passed on to managers. Checking that production methods meet relevant legislation. Keeping accurate results of checks and tests carried out.
6
Education and training
09/23 to Present
HNC Social Services at City of Glasgow College
Social care practice; psychology; sociology; health, wellbeing and safeguarding; understanding and supporting behaviour; mental health in a care setting; grief and loss.
09/21 to 11/21
In house training at Golden Bond, Livingston
Active listening; barriers to social isolation; boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding.
04/08 to 10/08
REHIS Introduction to Food Hygiene Certificate
7
Additional information
Travel to work: Car owner/driver who can reliably commute within the Central Belt.
Spare time activities: I am a swimming coach for West Amateur Swim Club, having earned the UKCC Level 1 Coaching qualification. I prepare and deliver training sessions which support swimmers to reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.
Paul Foster
Phone number07482950193
Emailpaulfoster@email.co.uk
Address10 Hillington Road Glasgow, G21 2AA
Personal details
Your personal information is key as it's how an employer will get in touch with you. Give them a few ways to contact you, like a phone number, email address or LinkedIn account.
Personal summary
As a provider of non-judgmental social care services for older people in the community, I'm an advocate for independent living and ageing in a positive way. I'm observant, assertive and tactful, with the ability to calmly react quickly in emergencies. I am SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registered and a Member of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
Personal summary
This is your chance to give a little background about yourself. As you're changing careers, you could mention when and why you decided to, summarise what steps you took to learn new skills and what you're looking for now. Remember - keep it brief! Employers can read your CV for full details.
Skills
Excellent listening and spoken communication skills
Well-developed written communication skills for report writing
Honest, reliable, committed and flexible to meet client needs
Friendly, helpful, patient and tolerant
Interest in and empathy with older people
Respectful of confidentiality
Strong leadership qualities, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Willingness to keep up to date with legislation and standards
Skills
Be guided by the job description. Use this section to show why your skills make you the best person for the role.
Sell your skills using positive adjectives and active language. You could even give specific examples from your previous roles to highlight how you've used each skill in context.
Have you ever been recognised for great work? This is the place to mention it!
Whether you earned an award in education, as part of your job or through a hobby — employers want to know about your achievements and any recognition you've received.
During your interview, you may be asked to give more information. So, prepare to elaborate on why you were so wonderful.
Work experience
11/21 to Present
Social Care Assistant at Silver Home Care, Bearsden
Helping people with personal care and assisting with physical tasks. Giving emotional support, listening to concerns and discussing worries. Assisting with household tasks such as shopping, laundry, cooking and cleaning. Dealing with financial tasks, such as paying bills and claiming benefits. Reporting any changes in health or behaviour among the people I care for. Drawing up and reviewing care plans for my clients.
09/21 to 11/21
Befriender at Golden Bond, Livingston
Volunteering as a Befriender once per week, working with an older person in my area to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Acting as a companion, often sharing a chat or going for a walk, to build confidence and link the person to social activities. Referring and making them aware of other organisations which can support their health and wellbeing. Completing monthly visit sheets and giving feedback to the project co-ordinator.
12/08 to 10/21
Quality Control Technician at McSwine's Factory, Livingston
Setting up and managing quality control systems. Leading quality projects, including data reviews and audits. Dealing with customer complaints and passing the information on to suppliers. Collecting data and writing reports on findings to be passed on to managers. Checking that production methods meet relevant legislation. Keeping accurate results of checks and tests carried out.
Work experience
As you're not new to the world of work, you'll have lots of experience to chat about. Although, it's a good idea to keep this section relevant to the role you're applying for.
You can still mention things that aren't directly related to the job, but you should prioritise roles that are.
Employers want to see both paid and unpaid (volunteering) roles, who you worked for and for how long. Give a short overview of your duties to highlight your responsibilities too.
Education and training
09/23 to Present
HNC Social Services at City of Glasgow College
Social care practice; psychology; sociology; health, wellbeing and safeguarding; understanding and supporting behaviour; mental health in a care setting; grief and loss.
09/21 to 11/21
In house training at Golden Bond, Livingston
Active listening; barriers to social isolation; boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding.
04/08 to 10/08
REHIS Introduction to Food Hygiene Certificate
Education and training
If the job description asks for specific qualifications or certificates, mention these first. Show them you meet the basic criteria.
You may not have been in education for a long time but you've likely done training throughout your career. Highlight your most recent, relevant qualifications and completed courses.
Additional information
Travel to work: Car owner/driver who can reliably commute within the Central Belt.Spare time activities: I am a swimming coach for West Amateur Swim Club, having earned the UKCC Level 1 Coaching qualification. I prepare and deliver training sessions which support swimmers to reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.
Additional information
When reading your application, an employer wants to get a full picture of you as a person. So, they may be interested in some information about your other interests.
Do you volunteer somewhere? Are you a keen photographer in your spare time? Do you play a sport? All this extra information highlights even more of your skills and experiences, and you may be asked to elaborate in person.
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Cv Example
Paul Foster
Phone number07482950193
Emailpaulfoster@email.co.uk
Address10 Hillington Road Glasgow, G21 2AA
As a provider of non-judgmental social care services for older people in the community, I'm an advocate for independent living and ageing in a positive way. I'm observant, assertive and tactful, with the ability to calmly react quickly in emergencies. I am SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registered and a Member of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
Skills
Excellent listening and spoken communication skills
Well-developed written communication skills for report writing
Honest, reliable, committed and flexible to meet client needs
Friendly, helpful, patient and tolerant
Interest in and empathy with older people
Respectful of confidentiality
Strong leadership qualities, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Willingness to keep up to date with legislation and standards
Achievements
10/21
Befriender of the Month for Golden Bond
Work experience
11/21 to Present
Social Care Assistant at Silver Home Care, Bearsden
Helping people with personal care and assisting with physical tasks. Giving emotional support, listening to concerns and discussing worries. Assisting with household tasks such as shopping, laundry, cooking and cleaning. Dealing with financial tasks, such as paying bills and claiming benefits. Reporting any changes in health or behaviour among the people I care for. Drawing up and reviewing care plans for my clients.
09/21 to 11/21
Befriender at Golden Bond, Livingston
Volunteering as a Befriender once per week, working with an older person in my area to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Acting as a companion, often sharing a chat or going for a walk, to build confidence and link the person to social activities. Referring and making them aware of other organisations which can support their health and wellbeing. Completing monthly visit sheets and giving feedback to the project co-ordinator.
12/08 to 10/21
Quality Control Technician at McSwine's Factory, Livingston
Setting up and managing quality control systems. Leading quality projects, including data reviews and audits. Dealing with customer complaints and passing the information on to suppliers. Collecting data and writing reports on findings to be passed on to managers. Checking that production methods meet relevant legislation. Keeping accurate results of checks and tests carried out.
Education and training
09/23 to Present
HNC Social Services at City of Glasgow College
Social care practice; psychology; sociology; health, wellbeing and safeguarding; understanding and supporting behaviour; mental health in a care setting; grief and loss.
09/21 to 11/21
In house training at Golden Bond, Livingston
Active listening; barriers to social isolation; boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding.
04/08 to 10/08
REHIS Introduction to Food Hygiene Certificate
Additional information
Travel to work: Car owner/driver who can reliably commute within the Central Belt.
Spare time activities: I am a swimming coach for West Amateur Swim Club, having earned the UKCC Level 1 Coaching qualification. I prepare and deliver training sessions which support swimmers to reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.
