‘We look beyond the CV’: What we want to see in a potential candidate

Gemma Prince, Recruitment Co-ordinator, shares the attributes and transferable skills she looks for in a potential candidate. 

"We look beyond the CV. Our focus at Lifeways is the attitude and values of potential candidates. We have many colleagues who have come from other industries, such as retail or hospitality. They had no previous experience in care but they did have transferable skills and attributes.  

For me, when securing a successful candidate, one key attribute I look for is enthusiasm. They should be enthusiastic to experience as much as possible by showing a keen willingness to learn, both in the workplace and during induction training. 

I find having an inquisitive nature is also a positive skill to see in candidates. I like to hear the candidate ask questions during the interview and for them to show a real interest in the role. Questions I like to hear can include anything from the responsibilities of the role to the uniform and rotas.  

They also need to be enthusiastic toward those we support and other colleagues within their team and the wider organisation. They are here to help Lifeways provide the best possible care and a love of the job will be a big help towards making the job as enjoyable and successful as possible.  

Most prominently, they should be caring. It takes a special type of person to do what we do but if you are compassionate, you can go far within Lifeways and within this sector.  

I believe that most other things, such as personal care can be trained but naturally, but enthusiasm, curiosity, and compassion cannot be learned".  

If you believe you have the right attributes to be a Support Worker, head over to our careers page for more information. Or, if you'd like to find out more about the role of a support worker, read our blog.