Support workers play a vital role in helping individuals lead fulfilling lives by offering emotional, physical, and practical support. Whether assisting with daily tasks, providing personal care, or being compassionate, your skills are crucial to improving lives. But how can you create a CV that effectively highlights your experience and shows why you’re the perfect fit for a support worker role?

In this guide, we’ll provide everything you need to create a standout support worker CV, including:

  • Sample support worker CV
  • Support worker CV templates
  • How to structure your CV to highlight your skills and experience
  • Tips for showcasing your expertise in care, communication, and problem-solving
  • Dos and don’ts to make sure your CV stands out
  • Answers to common support worker CV questions

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    Support worker CV sample

    Experienced Support Worker CV Example

    Mandy Rice
    London 
    07912 345 678
    mandy.rice@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Caring and compassionate support worker with over four years of experience assisting individuals with physical, mental, and emotional needs. Skilled in building strong relationships and providing person-centred care. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for clients while ensuring their safety and well-being. Passionate about helping others live independently and with dignity.

    WORK HISTORY

    January 2023 – February 2025
    Life Care – London
    Support worker  

    • Prepared nutritious meals that met the special dietary needs of clients.
    • Provided companionship during outings, contributing to an active social life for clients.
    • Completed housekeeping tasks, resulting in a clean, safe home environment.
    • Contributed feedback on patient progress, leading to adjustments in personalised care plans.
    • Increased comfort levels with personal care duties such as bathing and dressing.

    January 2021 – December 2022
    Aster Health – London
    Support care worker 

    • Responded rapidly during emergencies, ensuring timely medical intervention.
    • Provided comprehensive care to patients by ensuring their physical and emotional needs were met.
    • Improved hygiene standards by assisting clients with personal grooming needs like bathing and dressing up.
    • Assured proper nutrition by preparing meals as per the dietary requirements of each individual client.

    SKILLS

    • Empathy for clients
    • Dealing with vulnerable clients
    • Infection control knowledge
    • Client assessment capabilities
    • Risk assessment application
    • Behaviour modification techniques
    • Nutrition planning competency

    Education

    2020
    Manchester University | England
    Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

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    Support worker CV templates

    Our CV templates are tailored for the UK job market, helping you showcase your support worker experience, skills, and achievements. Browse our range of templates to find the one that best suits your background and lets you highlight your expertise, ensuring you stand out to potential employers.

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    Choosing the right CV format for support workers

    Selecting the right CV format is essential to showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications in the best possible light. A well-organised CV makes a strong first impression and helps you stand out from the competition. There are a few CV formats commonly used by support workers, each designed to highlight different strengths and career stages.

    Chronological CV

    A chronological CV is perfect for support workers with a consistent and steady work history. This format highlights your most recent roles, making it easy for hiring managers to see your career progression, areas of expertise, and achievements. It’s particularly effective when you have a clear, progressive career path in support work.

    Key benefits include:

    • Clear career progression: Demonstrates how you’ve grown in your support work career, showing employers your increasing responsibility and achievements.
    • Familiar structure: Lists your experience in reverse chronological order, which hiring managers are familiar with and can quickly navigate.
    • Easy to follow: Allows employers to easily see your experience and qualifications, making it a top choice for those with a strong career trajectory in support work.

    Skills-based CV

    A skills-based CV focuses on your capabilities, strengths, and core skills rather than just your work history. This format works particularly well if you’re transitioning into support work from another field or have gaps in your experience. It’s also a great way to highlight transferable skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

    Key benefits include:

    • Emphasises core skills: Showcases your expertise in areas like patient care, communication, and multitasking, along with specific certifications or training (e.g., first aid or safeguarding).
    • Flexible: Ideal if you have diverse work experience or are looking to highlight skills from different sectors that are relevant to support work.
    • Great for career changers: Perfect for those new to the field or changing careers, allowing you to emphasise your skills over direct experience.

    Both formats offer unique benefits depending on your background and career goals. Choose the one that best highlights your strengths and aligns with the role you’re applying for.

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    How to write an effective support worker CV

    Writing a CV that truly captures your abilities and experience as a support worker starts with understanding what to include and how to structure it effectively. We will break down the essential sections you’ll need to make your CV stand out and highlight your unique qualifications as a support worker.

    First, add your contact details

    Start your CV by placing your contact details at the top. This should include your full name, location, phone number, and email address. It’s essential to double-check for any typos or mistakes, ensuring that recruiters can easily contact you without any issues.

    Example of a contact section

    Mandy Rice
    London 
    07912 345 678
    mandy.rice@example.co.uk

    Writing your support worker personal statement

    Your personal statement is a key part of your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your experience, skills, and what drives you to work in the support sector. It should be brief, giving employers a clear picture of your passion and qualifications. This section is where you make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

    For a support worker, focus on your dedication to helping others, your empathy, and your ability to provide practical care while maintaining a compassionate, understanding approach. Emphasise any experience you have working with specific groups, whether it’s the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or vulnerable people in need of care. 

    Example of a support worker personal statement:

    Caring and compassionate support worker with over 3 years of experience in providing high-quality care to individuals with physical disabilities and mental health challenges. Known for my ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families. Skilled in personal care, medication administration, and supporting clients with daily tasks while respecting their dignity. 

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    Highlight your relevant experience

    The work experience section is where you can showcase your support worker abilities. It’s not just about listing your duties but showing how your contributions have made a difference. This section gives employers insight into your practical skills, compassion, and commitment to helping others.

    Rather than simply noting tasks, emphasise your positive impact in previous roles. Whether you’ve provided personal care, supported clients with daily tasks, or advocated for their needs, show how you’ve helped improve the quality of life for those under your care. Highlight specific accomplishments, such as helping clients achieve greater independence or creating more efficient care plans. Be sure to mention skills like communication, patience, and empathy that are crucial in this line of work.

    Example of CV work experience:

    Support Worker
    Sunnydale Care Services – London
    March 2021 – Present

    • Delivered high-quality care to 10+ elderly clients, providing daily support with personal care, mobility, and medication administration.
    • Assisted in creating tailored care plans that increased client independence by 25%, ensuring their specific needs were met with dignity and respect.
    • Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team, including healthcare professionals and family members, to ensure holistic care for each client.
    • Provided emotional support and companionship, building strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families.

    Support Worker
    Helping Hands Care – Manchester
    May 2018 – February 2021

    • Supported individuals with physical and learning disabilities, helping them with daily living activities such as eating, dressing, and personal hygiene.
    • Successfully implemented new care strategies that resulted in a 15% increase in client satisfaction, as measured by regular feedback and surveys.
    • Worked closely with social workers and healthcare professionals to assess and meet clients’ needs, ensuring their well-being.
    • Trained new staff on best practices for supporting clients with challenging behaviours, improving team efficiency and care quality.

    Key Skills to feature on your support worker CV

    The skills section of your support worker CV is your chance to highlight the practical abilities and personal qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the role. 

    In this section, you’ll want to showcase both your hands-on expertise and your interpersonal strengths. Support work requires a unique blend of technical and soft skills, so be sure to highlight your experience with direct care, as well as your ability to build meaningful relationships with clients and their families. Tailoring your skills to the job you’re applying for will help you stand out and show employers that you’re a perfect fit.

    General skills for a support worker CV

    • Compassionate and patient care
    • Excellent communication and active listening
    • Time management and multitasking
    • Emotional intelligence and empathy
    • Crisis management and conflict resolution
    • Flexibility and adaptability in diverse environments
    • Teamwork and collaboration with healthcare professionals

    Specific support worker skills

    • Personal care assistance (dressing, bathing, feeding)
    • Medication management and health monitoring
    • Developing and implementing care plans
    • Supporting individuals with physical and mental disabilities
    • Assisting with mobility and daily living activities
    • Managing challenging behaviours and providing emotional support
    • Facilitating activities to promote social interaction and well-being

    Outlining Education on a Support Worker CV

    For support workers in the UK, having a relevant educational background is essential to meet the professional standards required for the role. While specific qualifications can vary depending on the setting, a relevant degree or qualification in health and social care, psychology, or social work is often required to work as a support worker. These qualifications not only demonstrate your knowledge and skills but also ensure you are equipped to provide the best care to individuals.

    If you are new to the field or don’t have extensive work experience, your education section will be a key part of your CV. Highlight any relevant degrees, certifications, or training that align with the support worker role and showcase your understanding of the needs of those you will support.

    Example of an education section:

    Bachelor of Science in Health and Social Care
     University of Manchester | England
    2018 – 2021

    Additional Training:
     Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
    City & Guilds | 2022

    Dos and don’ts for a recruitment consultant CV

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV for each job application

      Every support worker role is unique, whether you’re working in a care home, supported living, or assisting with specific needs such as mental health or disability support. Customising your CV to match the job requirements is essential. Customisation shows employers that you’re attentive to the details and ready to contribute to their specific environment.

    • DO highlight your ability to work in a team

      Support workers often work alongside other health professionals, family members, and other caregivers. It’s important to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively and be part of a team. Mention any experience working in multidisciplinary teams, and how you’ve supported your colleagues in providing the best care.

    DON’T

    • DON’T neglect your personal qualities

      Support workers are often the first line of support for vulnerable individuals, so personal qualities such as empathy, patience, and resilience are crucial. If you have these traits, make sure to highlight them in your CV. Employers want to know you are not only technically competent but also capable of offering emotional support to those in need.

    • DON’T ignore the importance of qualifications and certifications

      In the UK, many support worker roles require formal qualifications such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Make sure these qualifications are prominently featured on your CV, along with any other relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid, Safeguarding, or Mental Health Awareness). Failing to include these essential credentials may result in your CV being overlooked.

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    Your support worker CV questions answered

    How can I improve my chances of getting an interview?

    Consider including a tailored cover letter with your CV to improve your chances of securing an interview. A personalised cover letter lets you showcase your passion for the role, explain why you’re a great fit, and highlight specific skills relevant to the position. By going the extra mile with your application, you can stand out from other candidates and grab the recruiter’s attention.

    Should I use a CV template?

    Using a CV template can be a great way to ensure your CV is organised and professional. Templates help you present your qualifications, experience, and skills in a clear and easy-to-read format. Customise the template to match your experience and the role you’re applying for, and you’ll be off to a strong start.

    How can I make my CV stand out from other support worker candidates?

    To make your CV stand out, focus on what makes you unique in support work. Highlight any specialised skills, such as experience with specific types of disabilities, knowledge of therapeutic techniques, or expertise in a particular care setting. Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for, and mention any specific qualifications or certifications, like care-related training or first aid. Bullet points can also help your key achievements and strengths pop out to hiring managers.

    What soft skills are important for a support worker?

    In the support work field, soft skills are crucial in building strong relationships with clients and ensuring effective care. Here are a few essential soft skills to highlight on your CV:

    • Empathy: Show your ability to connect with clients emotionally, understand their needs and provide support.
    • Communication: Strong communication skills are vital to ensuring everyone is on the same page and receiving the best possible care, whether with clients, families, or team members.
    • Patience: Demonstrating patience is key when working with individuals who may require time and understanding to process tasks or instructions.
    • Problem-solving: Show how you’ve managed difficult situations or helped clients work through challenges. These skills are especially important when responding to unexpected events or changes in a client’s condition.
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    Start building your support worker CV

    Are you ready to showcase your work expertise and passion for making a difference? We’ve got everything you need to create a CV that will catch the eye of hiring managers. With our expert tips, templates, and examples, you can craft a professional CV highlighting your skills and qualifications. When you’re ready, simply use our CV builder to personalise your CV and download it in just a few easy steps.

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