Your CV is your first impression—it’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for healthcare. Whether you’re applying for a senior support worker role, a care assistant position, or stepping into leadership, a well-structured CV can set you apart.
At S.N.G. Healthcare, our expert recruiters know what makes a healthcare CV shine. We’ve gathered insights from our team—including Ashie Ossai, Belle Doswell, Sharissa Gannaway, Laura Middleditch, Rebecca Bowring-Kingman, and Ebele Ossai—to help you craft a compelling CV that highlights your strengths and lands you your next role.
1. Keep It Professional and Easy to Read
“Your CV should be clear, structured, and easy to skim. Recruiters spend just a few seconds scanning each one, so make sure key information stands out. Don’t try and be too fancy here.” – Ebele Ossai
A professional format with well-defined sections makes all the difference. Use clear headings (Summary, Work Experience, Skills, Education) and bullet points to highlight responsibilities and achievements concisely. Avoid long paragraphs and keep the font professional and legible.
2. Craft a Strong Personal Summary
“This is your chance to introduce yourself. Highlight your experience, key skills, and passion for healthcare in a few compelling sentences.” – Belle Doswell
Your summary should reflect who you are as a professional. If you’re experienced in residential care, mention it. Passionate about person-centred care? Say so. Keep it short but impactful, emphasising what makes you a great candidate.
3. Focus on Relevant Experience with Clear Impact
“Recruiters and hiring managers want to see how you’ve made a difference. Use action words and be specific about your contributions in previous roles.” – Sharissa Gannaway
Instead of listing duties, showcase your impact. For example:
- Person-Centred Care: Provided emotional and practical support to children and adults with diverse needs, ensuring their well-being.
- Collaborative Care: Worked with social workers and healthcare teams to develop personalised support plans.
- Leadership & Compliance: Mentored junior staff and maintained compliance with safeguarding policies.
Demonstrating career progression—like moving from Care Assistant to Senior Support Worker—shows ambition and dedication.
4. Highlight Your Key Skills
“A well-structured skills section helps employers quickly see your strengths. Include both technical and soft skills relevant to healthcare.” – Rebecca Bowring-Kingman
Key skills in the healthcare sector should include:
- Safeguarding and compliance knowledge
- Administering medication and writing care plans
- De-escalation techniques for challenging situations
- Risk assessment and incident reporting
- Person-centred care approach
- Excellent communication and mentoring abilities
This section should be short and punchy to ensure it’s easy to scan.
5. Showcase Additional Certifications and Training
“Certifications set you apart, especially in healthcare roles where professional qualifications matter.” – Ashie Ossai
Include relevant certifications such as:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Level 5 Leadership and Management (if applicable)
If you are the middle of a course or have signed up to one and you know when you’ll be starting, add this too with a little note saying “in progress” or “starting in XXX”. These show ongoing professional development, which employers value.
6. Don’t Forget Languages and Volunteering Experience
“Additional languages and volunteer work can be big advantages, particularly in diverse care settings.” – Laura Middleditch
If you speak multiple languages, highlight them! For example, fluency in English and Malay can be beneficial in multilingual care environments.
Likewise, volunteer work—such as supporting homeless communities or mental health initiatives—shows dedication to social care beyond paid roles.
7. Keep It Concise but Comprehensive
Your CV should be no longer than two pages. Focus on what’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for and avoid unnecessary details. Hiring managers are busy—make their job easier by providing clear, concise, and relevant information.
Final Thoughts
A great healthcare CV is more than just a list of jobs; it tells your professional story and highlights the value you bring. By keeping it structured, focusing on impact, and showcasing relevant skills and training, you can make a strong impression on potential employers.
Need help with your job search? The team at S.N.G. Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for temporary or permanent roles in Southampton, Portsmouth or Manchester (and all surrounding areas), we connect dedicated healthcare professionals with opportunities that match their expertise and passion.
Looking for your next healthcare role? Get in touch with us today!
