What employers look for first
Kindness, reliability and respect for people come first. If you have cared for a family member, volunteered or worked with the public, say so - it counts.
Checks before you start
Care jobs usually need a criminal record check, which the employer arranges: an enhanced check from the Disclosure and Barring Service in England and Wales, membership of the PVG scheme in Scotland, or an AccessNI check in Northern Ireland. Employers will also ask for references and check your right to work.
Induction and training
New care workers in England usually complete the Care Certificate, a set of standards covering the basics of the job, often alongside shadow shifts with an experienced colleague. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland many social care workers must also register with the care workforce regulator (SSSC, Social Care Wales, NISCC).
Applying
- You apply on the employer's own website, so they decide what to ask for - including whether they want a CV
- If the employer you apply to uses BeCareers screening, a short screening conversation lets you say why you want to work in care
- If you're disabled or have a health condition, you can ask for adjustments at any stage
Questions people ask
Do I need experience to work in care?
Not always. Some care jobs don't ask for previous experience, and new care workers in England usually complete the Care Certificate as part of their induction.
What checks will I need for a care job?
Usually a criminal record check arranged by the employer: an enhanced DBS check in England and Wales, PVG scheme membership in Scotland, or an AccessNI check in Northern Ireland. Employers also ask for references and check your right to work.
Sources
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Find care jobs