Top Caregiving Skills to Look for in Candidates
1. Caregiving
Included in 36.17% of job postings
Proficient caregiving goes beyond basic tasks. It encompasses comprehensive support for a patient’s physical, emotional and medical needs. The most essential skills of a caregiver include expertise in daily living assistance, personal care and health monitoring. These skills help an individual deliver holistic care to make a significant difference in patient wellbeing.
Use terms such as “skills in daily living assistance” and “proficient in health monitoring” to find candidates who meet your requirements. Ask scenario-based interview questions for caregivers and use practical assessments to gauge these skills.
2. Communication skills
Included in 12.33% of job postings
Strong communication is key to successful caregiving. It enables caregivers to understand patient needs and fosters seamless coordination with healthcare teams.
Caregivers who excel in verbal communication and active listening contribute to better patient outcomes. To attract the right candidates, use keywords such as “exceptional verbal and written communication skills” and “proficient in active listening” in job postings. Evaluate communication skills through interview questions.
3. English proficiency
Included in 11.27% of job postings
English language proficiency is important for clear and accurate communication. Those with strong verbal and written English skills are well-equipped to handle documentation and patient communication.
Add keywords such as “fluent in verbal and written English” and “strong English communication skills” to job descriptions. Verify language proficiency through spoken and written tests to make sure potential employees can accurately convey critical information.
4. Care plans
Included in 8.87% of job postings
Caregivers skilled in care plan development and individualized care ensure that patients’ needs are understood and met by all members of the care team.
Emphasize this skill in job descriptions for roles that involve creating and following detailed care instructions. In job descriptions, include phrases such as “expert in care plan development” and “proficient in individualized care” to align with suitable applicants. Evaluate their care plan skills through reviews of past work and practical assessments of care plan creation and adherence.
5. Senior care
Included in 7.00% of job postings
Specialized skills in senior care are important for addressing the needs of older patients. Use phrases such as “geriatric care,” “mobility assistance” and “cognitive support” to provide compassionate care for seniors.
In interviews, consider using role-playing exercises that assess communication and problem-solving skills for common senior care scenarios.
6. Home health
Included in 6.15% of job postings
Understanding home health services equips caregivers to manage medications and administer treatments in patients’ homes. Emphasize these skills in job postings for home health aides, private duty nurses and live-in caregivers.
Individuals skilled in “home health services” and “in-home care” are adept at creating a safe and comfortable environment for patients. Use the STAR interview questions format and ask candidates to take a skill test to ensure they are knowledgeable about maintaining a safe home environment.
7. Time management
Included in 5.65% of job postings
Time management enables employees to balance multiple caregiving tasks and provide timely patient care. A well-organized and efficient caregiver can manage multiple patients’ needs and respond to emergencies effectively.
Include time management skills in job descriptions using terms such as “task prioritization,” “scheduling” and “timely patient care.” Conduct reference checks and use real-time observation to evaluate time management skills for caregivers.
8. Assisted living
Included in 3.49% of job postings
Experience in assisted living facilities is valuable for caregivers working in similar care environments. Highlight assisted living experience in job descriptions for caregivers in assisted living facilities, memory care units and group homes.
Professionals with skills in “assisted living services” and “facility protocols” understand how to provide care in these settings. In interviews, use scenario-based interview questions that test knowledge of assisted living protocols and resident care best practices.
9. Customer service
Included in 3.21% of job postings
A service-oriented approach can indicate professional and compassionate care interactions. Prioritize customer service skills in job descriptions across all caregiving roles, as they’re fundamental for building rapport with patients.
Applicants skilled in “patient relations” and “customer care” enhance the caregiving experience. Ask behavioral interview questions that explore how candidates demonstrate empathy, active listening and a service-oriented approach in their interactions.
10. Memory care
Included in 2.05% of job postings
Memory care skills are essential for supporting patients with cognitive impairment. To source professionals with expertise in memory care, add phrases such as “strong foundation in dementia care” and “knowledge of behavioral management techniques.”
You can assess memory care knowledge through role-playing exercises that simulate scenarios requiring behavioral management interventions.
11. Dementia care
Included in 1.95% of job postings
Providing specialized care for dementia patients goes beyond basic assistance. It requires an understanding of cognitive decline and the ability to implement support strategies. Caregivers skilled in dementia care, cognitive stimulation and behavioral management can offer tailored support that improves patients’ wellbeing and quality of life.
Use terms such as “experienced in dementia care” and “proficient in cognitive stimulation” in job descriptions to find suitable candidates. Checking a candidate’s references and any specific certifications can give you a better idea of their skills and experience in dementia care.
12. Cooking
Included in 1.87% of job postings
Caregivers proficient in meal preparation, nutritional planning and safe food handling contribute to patients’ recovery and overall wellbeing.
Consider including keywords like “skilled in meal preparation” and “proficient in nutritional planning” in job descriptions. Assess cooking skills through a trial shift and by asking about past meal plans created for patients with dietary requirements.
13. Home care
Included in 1.86% of job postings
Delivering comprehensive care within a patient’s home environment often requires expertise in various aspects of home care. Caregivers who excel in these areas can facilitate a comfortable and secure living space for patients.
This skill is necessary for roles focused on home-based care. Use terms such as “skills in-home health services” and “proficient in home safety” in job postings. In interviews, use practical home care assessments, ask scenario-based questions and review references from past employers to analyze performance.
14. First aid
Included in 1.74% of job postings
Responding promptly in medical emergencies is a critical skill for caregivers. Those trained in basic first aid, emergency response procedures and CPR can provide immediate care during emergencies.
Highlight first aid skills in job descriptions with keywords such as “certified in first aid” and “proficient in emergency response.” Verify these skills by checking on first aid certifications and practical emergency response drills in group interviews.
15. Resident’s rights
Included in 1.61% of job postings
Caregivers with knowledge of resident advocacy, legal rights and ethical care practices can help promote a respectful and empowering caregiving environment. Highlight this skill for roles in residential care facilities.
Use phrases such as “knowledgeable in resident advocacy” and “proficient in ethical care practices” in job descriptions to find suitable candidates. Assess these skills through interviews that explore a candidate’s understanding and application of residents’ rights in caregiving situations.
16. Medication administration
Included in 1.57% of job postings
Safeguarding patient health requires meticulous medication administration. Medication management, dose calculation and medication administration procedures are essential skills for any caregiving role involving medication dispensing.
Include keywords such as “proficient in medication management” and “skilled in dose calculation” in job postings. Verify that candidates have the appropriate medication administration certification and ask interview questions to analyze how comfortable applicants are administering medication.
17. Organizational skills
Included in 1.43% of job postings
Caregivers who excel in task prioritization can create and adhere to schedules and maintain accurate records. Prioritize hiring for organizational skills for roles with demanding schedules and varied responsibilities.
Attract organized candidates with keywords such as “proficient in task prioritization” and “skilled in schedule management” within job descriptions. You can evaluate organizational skills through exercises that assess a candidate’s ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
18. Writing skills
Included in 1.27% of job postings
Caregivers skilled in documentation, report writing and clear communication produce accurate and comprehensive care records that inform smart care decisions.
Use phrases such as “proficient in report writing” and “skilled in documentation” to find caregivers who meet your requirements. Measure writing skills by asking applicants to put together a short sample report.
19. Bilingual
Included in 1.15% of job postings
Fluency in multiple languages can be a valuable asset in caregiving, fostering fluent communication with a wide range of patients. Bilingual employees can connect with patients from different cultural backgrounds, leading to more culturally sensitive care. If you serve a multicultural community, this can boost the patient experience.
Attract bilingual candidates with keywords such as “bilingual [language] speaker” and “fluent in [language].” Evaluate their abilities through language proficiency tests or practical communication exercises.
20. CPR
Included in 1.07% of job postings
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, knowledge equips caregivers to respond in cardiac emergencies. Those trained in CPR, emergency response procedures and life-saving techniques can provide critical intervention during heart-related incidents. It’s a practical skill that’s useful in any caregiving role.
Include terms such as “certified in CPR” and “proficient in emergency response” in job descriptions. You can verify a candidate’s skills by checking if they have a CPR certification.
21. Vital signs monitoring
Included in 0.89% of job postings
Caregivers skilled at measuring blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate can step in and make interventions when needed.
If you require staff to perform regular health assessments, emphasize this skill in job descriptions. Keywords such as “proficient in measuring vital signs” and “skilled in health monitoring” will align with the right candidates’ resumes. Check references and qualifications to confirm this skill.
22. Activities of daily living (ADLs)
Included in 0.88% of job postings
Assisting with ADLs is a core element of supporting patients’ daily needs in most caregiving environments. Employees experienced in personal hygiene assistance, mobility support and feeding assistance contribute to enhancing patients’ quality of life.
Find applicants with the necessary experience by adding requirements such as “experienced in assisting with ADLs” and “proficient in personal hygiene assistance” to job descriptions. Use practical caregiving scenarios and role-playing exercises that simulate real-life situations to assess candidates’ skills.
23. Alzheimer’s care
Included in 0.84% of job postings
Specialists in Alzheimer’s care possess patience, empathy and knowledge of advanced behavioral management strategies. Caregivers with expertise in this area can significantly improve the wellbeing of patients, especially those with mental or cognitive impairments.
Using phrases such as “experienced in Alzheimer’s care” and “proficient in cognitive stimulation” in job descriptions will attract professionals with this skill set. Behavioral interview questions and role-playing scenarios are straightforward ways to analyze this skill.
24. Hospitality
Included in 0.83% of job postings
Exceptional hospitality skills elevate the caregiving experience by creating a warm and supportive environment. Caregivers skilled in customer service, patient relations and providing comfort significantly enhance patient satisfaction. Hospitality skills are applicable to all roles where caregivers interact with patients.
Include terms such as “skilled in customer service” and “proficient in patient relations” in job postings to attract suitable candidates. Assess hospitality acumen through interactive role-playing scenarios and on-the-job evaluation.
25. Training and development
Included in 0.83% of job postings
Training and development skills facilitate the education of new staff and foster continuous improvement. Highlight this skill for roles involving caregiver leadership and HR.
Keywords such as “experienced in staff training” and “proficient in curriculum development” should be included in job descriptions. Measure proficiency through role-playing sessions and evaluating training materials created by candidates in previous roles.
Other Top Caregiving Skills in Demand
Here are an additional 25 caregiving skills that are common in caregiving job postings on Indeed:
26. Hoyer lift: Included in 0.81% of job postings
27. Computer skills: Included in 0.79% of job postings
28. Patient monitoring: Included in 0.77% of job postings
29. Nursing: Included in 0.74% of job postings
30. Childcare: Included in 0.72% of job postings
31. Spanish: Included in 0.68% of job postings
32. Management: Included in 0.61% of job postings
33. Patient care: Included in 0.54% of job postings
34. Computer literacy: Included in 0.47% of job postings
35. Meal preparation: Included in 0.47% of job postings
36. Dayforce: Included in 0.39% of job postings
37. Ceridian: Included in 0.39% of job postings
38. Documentation review: Included in 0.36% of job postings
39. Hospice care: Included in 0.36% of job postings
40. Microsoft Office: Included in 0.35% of job postings
41. Cleaning: Included in 0.34% of job postings
42. Teaching: Included in 0.34% of job postings
43. Nutrition: Included in 0.33% of job postings
44. Direct support: Included in 0.31% of job postings
45. Heavy lifting: Included in 0.29% of job postings
46. Experience with children: Included in 0.27% of job postings
47. Microsoft Excel: Included in 0.26% of job postings
48. Maven: Included in 0.24% of job postings
49. Supervising experience: Included in 0.20% of job postings
50. Fair housing regulations: Included in 0.20% of job postings
¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023
