Filming on your phone or laptop is a great option. Keep your video between 1 - 2 minutes.

Video is an easy way of finding out about someone quickly. It also provides a prospective client with an opportunity to share your video with family as well as giving them ideas about what else they would like to know about you when you meet online. Clients want to hear your voice, especially if a family member as sight problems or indeed hearing problems.

In addition, a video will help to save you time, so you do not have to make lots of initial introductions and reply to the same questions! You can answer them in your video!

WHEN + WHERE should I film the video? 

Film your video in daylight hours,  in a quiet place, with good lighting against a plain, light-coloured wall.

PRO tip: Having a clean and tidy background without shadow or clutter produces a  clean, crisp video and looks more professional. 

Take a photo in this position BEFORE you start your VIDEO so it matches your PROFILE PHOTO

• Stand with your back against a wall and if you can, prop your camera and notes in front of your face, 1 m or an arm's length away. 

• The camera needs to take in your face and shoulders.  A close-up of your face, is not desirable.   

• If you cannot prop up your camera, hold your camera at eye level and keep it as steady as you can or get someone else to video you.   

• Do NOT use any filters.  

• Try not to look down or up at the lens - make sure you are looking straight ahead into the lens. 

• Don’t rush - Speak at a regular speed

PRO tip: Prepare a list of bullet points you want to include and position them behind the camera before you start.

WHAT to Say

• Introduce yourself by providing your FIRST name and the TOWN / CITY you are based.

  e.g ‘‘Hi My Name is Sarah and I live in Colchester with my family’’

• Mention WHERE you are looking for work - it’s good to leave this as open-ended as possible.

  e.g ‘‘ I am willing to travel for the right client, so I am looking for work throughout the UK as I am happy to offer hourly care locally or to live-in with a client, depending on the position’’ or ‘‘ I am looking for positions within the North of England’’

• If you have care experience, explain how long you have worked in the care sector and a short history of different settings/roles you may have experienced. Some people are looking for great company in the form of Companions who may not have any care experience - so if you do not have experience don’t be put off!

  e.g ‘‘ I have worked in care for around 15 years in total. I began working in care homes where I…’’ You may be a companion carer, so you could say something like ‘‘ I have undertaken many caring roles for family and friends. I have not worked in official care settings but have experience caring for my mum/nan/neighbour/friend… where they needed help with…..’’

• Tell them the types of clients you have previously worked with.

  e.g “Since I have been working as a Self Employed Home Carer I have worked with a variety of clients that required …. giving me lot’s of experience with……’’ 

• Talk about what roles you think you are suited to and what roles you are looking for.

  e.g ‘‘I have a lot of experience in…XXXXX and think I can offer a high standard of care for conditions such as XXXX’’ 

• Outline hobbies, interests, or passions such as the sport you watch, the places you visit, the TV you like, or perhaps a hobby such as painting, knitting, or gardening.

  e.g ‘‘ I am an avid gardener and love to help my clients look after their garden’’ or ‘‘I love animals and pets….’’ or ‘‘ I history and taking clients on day trips…’’

• WHY do you like working as a carer and what makes you a good carer? 

  e.g ‘‘ I work as a carer because…’’

  ‘‘I feel proud/happy/fulfilled in my job because …’’ or

  ‘‘Caring is a profession I love because…’’ or

  ‘‘I am good at caring for people with … because…’’

• WHAT NOT to say:

  DO NOT mention availability - this will change, so you can update this directly on the portal. 

  DO NOT emphasise experience you don’t have. eg ‘‘I can’t do XX’’ Be positive about what you CAN offer

  DO NOT Exaggerate your experiences, qualifications, or interests.

  DO NOT make promises or commitments such as ‘‘ I always…’’