A well-crafted resume is more than just a document - it is your first impression, your personal story, and your opportunity to show why you are the right person for a meaningful role in the care sector. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, presenting your skills and passion clearly can open doors.

With increasing demand for compassionate, skilled support workers across Victoria, it is crucial to build a resume that truly reflects who you are and what you bring to the role. Here is how to ensure your resume makes an impact in the Disability and Aged Care industries.

Resume Checklist

• • Professional in layout and formatting
• • Concise and easy to read
• • Tailored to the role you're applying for

1. Open with a Strong Personal Summary

Start with a clear, confident summary that reflects your experience, training, and motivation to work in care. Include both professional skills and personal attributes—many employers appreciate knowing about your interests, such as cooking, gardening, or storytelling, as these often translate into shared activities with clients.

2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Before applying, read the job ad carefully and use its language. Highlight relevant responsibilities and tasks such as personal care, manual handling, or peg feeding.
💡 Tip: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. Use keywords in your resume to demonstrate your skills.

3. Highlight Certifications and Required Training

In the care sector, qualifications and compliance matter. Include the following if you have them:

• • Cert III or IV in Individual Support / Aged Care / Disability
• • First Aid & CPR
• • NDIS Worker Orientation Module
• • Manual Handling Training
• • Medication Assistance Certificate
• • Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• • NDIS Worker Screening Check
• • Driver's License + Own Vehicle (if applicable)
• • Comprehensive Car Insurance
• • Safe Waste Management & Personal Hygiene Training
• • Australian Work Rights

4. Emphasize Practical Experience

Employers want to see what you have done, Include volunteer roles, placements, or community work. Be specific and use bullet points. Share your valuable experience relevant to the open position.

5. Showcase the Soft Skills That Make You Great

Support work is people-focused role, and it is always about providing care for people. Highlight soft skills that show you can build trust, communicate effectively, and adapt to client needs. These include:

• • Empathy & Patience
• • Cultural Awareness
• • Communication Skills
• • Adaptability
• • Teamwork
• • Problem Solving

Don't be shy about showing your personality—this is what sets truly outstanding carers apart.

6. Keep Your Resume Clean and Easy to Read

• • Clear headings (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills)
• • Bullet points over paragraphs
• • Consistent fonts and spacing
• • A clean, professional format

🚫 Avoid clutter, graphics, or overly complex designs—especially for online applications.

7. Include a Compliance Checklist

Help recruiters quickly confirm your readiness to work by adding a checklist at the end of your resume:

• ✅ Cert III/IV in Support
• ✅ First Aid + CPR
• ✅ NDIS Worker Orientation
• ✅ Manual Handling
• ✅ WWCC + Screening Check
• ✅ Driver's License (if needed)
• ✅ Insurance (if required)
• ✅ Right to Work in Australia

This saves time and shows you're ready to begin work without delay.

8. Add Professional References

Include two professional referees or simply write: References available upon request. Just be sure to notify your referees beforehand so they're prepared to speak about your work.

Final Thoughts

A great resume in the care sector is more than a list of jobs—it's a reflection of your compassion, commitment, and professionalism. Keep it clear, genuine, and tailored to the people you want to support.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At EthicalHire, we connect caring support workers with NDIS providers and families across Australia.
✅ Publish your resume for free
✅ Browse open roles
✅ Get help preparing your application
👉 Visit www.ethicalhire.com.au to get started today.