Once you decide that being a senior living caregiver is the right path for you, it’s time to find the perfect position. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are ways to make it easier, faster and help you find the position you want at a senior living community that shares your mission to help others. Here’s a step-by-step process to help!
Find senior communities in your area
Rather than relying on word-of-mouth, the fastest way to find the senior living communities near you is, of course, to Google it. Either just using the “find Senior Living communities near me” method, or on Google maps, where you see a geographic picture and can find ones closest to your home.
Once you have your options, check out each online. Take video tours, download and read brochures, and be sure to check the company’s philosophy and mission statement to make sure you are on the same page.
Tips for searching online job sites
While on those websites, if they look like somewhere you would love to work, check for open positions on their “Career” page to see what’s available and what experience and accreditations are required.
Another way to find open positions near you is to use online job hunting sites. Four of the largest are:
Each has job postings as well as a variety of other helpful features like company reviews, ways to save searches, instructions for creating and posting resumes, and how to prepare for interviews.
As you read different posts be sure to check important aspects like level of experience/education required, any training provided, and type of position (full or part-time).
Also, remember that while you are searching online, potential employers are also looking for you through social media and job sites you have registered on. It’s important to keep all your information up to date and that your social media profiles reflect you in a positive light. For more about using social media to find a caregiver position, check out the mediabistro.com blog, “How to Use Social Media to Land a Job.”
Get your resume in order
When it comes to finding a job, a resume is essential. Even if you are fresh out of school, every bit of experience you have should be in your resume including former jobs, volunteer work, and internships, as well as awards, degrees, certifications, and any other positive attributes in your history. Be sure to verify dates of employment, and get correct spellings of supervisors’ names and their contact information.
If you struggle with writing, it’s worth spending a little to have a professional write it for you, as it will likely be the first impression you leave with a potential employer. To find an expert, thecnet.com article, “Best resume writing service for 2021,” is a great place to start.
If you are confident you can do it yourself, be sure to use the spelling checker, as well as run a grammar check like the one offered by grammarly.com that will catch mistakes and offer solutions. For more tips for writing a great resume, the indeed.com article, “10 Resume Writing Tips to Help You Land a Job,” can help.
Don’t forget job fairs
In addition to searching online, keep a lookout for opportunities like job fairs, expos, and open houses, both virtual and live. A good place to look for job fairs is on your state’s employment agency website. They often sponsor job fairs and will usually have them throughout the state, especially when the need for workers is high. You can find your state agency on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. Also, check local colleges and universities as they hold job fairs for people on a range of career paths.
Prepare for the interview
Whether a job interview is virtual or in-person, it’s important that you put your best foot forward. That means being clean and appropriately dressed, arriving on time and being thoughtful and respectful. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your resume.
A good way to prep for an interview is to read interview questions and prepare your answers ahead of time. Examples of interview questions can be found on most job search sites, or take a look at thebalancecareers.com blog, “Top 20 Common Job Interview Questions with Answers.” To find out more ways to be prepared and make a great impression, the linkedin.com article, “10 Job Interview Tips To Land The Career Of Your Dreams,” offers expert advice.
At Senior Star, we are always looking for dedicated and happy people to join our team. Find out more about us by contacting us today!
