It’s scary entering the healthcare profession with little or no experience, but we must start somewhere. Without the industry experience, you are still able to create an amazing CV based on transferable skills, training, and enthusiasm. That is how you create an amazing healthcare CV.
1. Start with a Great Personal Statement
Your statement is something that you feel you do best. Keep it brief and use professional motivation, ambition, and promise.
✅ Example
“Caring and committed person with NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care. Good communication and organizational abilities, eager to begin a healthcare career and make a contribution to the organization.”
2. Highlight Transferable Skills
You will have gained some transferable skills somewhere, if not in a healthcare environment. Highlight skills like:
• Communication – Team or customer-facing.
• Organization – To plan schedules and tasks appropriately.
• Empathy and Patience – Supporting people in challenging situations.
• Problem-solving – Developing creative solutions in challenging situations.
✅ Example
“Handled customer complaints in a high street shop, enhanced customer satisfaction by 20% through communication and problem-solving.”
3. Add Relevant Education and Training
Add any care training or qualifications. Mention your NVQ Level 2, first aid qualification, or care courses.
✅ Example
NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care – XYZ College – Completed 2023
• Enhance patient care, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Hands-on experience in handling medical records and patient care.
4. Include Volunteer or Internship Experience
Volunteer work at a hospital, care center, or community center is an excellent experience. Describe how this experience has benefited you in preparing for a healthcare career.
✅ Example:
Volunteer – Local Care Home
• Assisted with daily living activities and meal delivery.
• Developed communication and time management skills.
5. Frame Your Work Experience to Highlight Skills
If you do have work experience, explain how previous work has brought you to the healthcare career. Keep it brief in bullet points.
✅ Example:
Customer Service Assistant – XYZ Retail (2021–2023)
• Handled customers’ complaints and issues, improving customer satisfaction by 15%.
• Handled over 50 customers a day during critical times.
• Assisted in achieving sales targets through teamwork.
6. Apply Keywords of the Job Advertisement
Certain recruiters make use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for screening out CVs. Utilize keywords of the job advertisement, i.e.:
• Patient care
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Record management
• Teamwork
✅ Example:
“Problem-solving and communication skills well developed through experience in dealing with customer relations in high-pressure situations. Training in confidentiality and record management attained.”
7. Keep It Clean and Professional
A neat CV looks more professional and is simpler to read.
• Print in a neat font (e.g., Arial or Calibri).
• Keep it to one or two pages.
• Use headings and bullet points.
✅ Example:
❌ Font changes and paragraphs.
✅ Plain font, bolded headings, and bullet points.
8. Good Cover Letter
Having a customized cover letter can differentiate your application. Describe why you would like to work in healthcare and why you are the most qualified for the position based on your abilities.
✅ Example:
“I am excited about acquiring experience in the health care industry and being able to apply my customer care skills to bring a positive difference to patients. The course has developed me with professional skill, empathy, and compassion to cope with demanding situations.”
Final Thoughts
Even if you have no experience, a great CV highlighting your transferable skills, training, and commitment will do. Present it in a brief, professional, and job-specific format. With proper planning, you will have more chances to achieve your first healthcare career.