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32 Tips to Getting That Perfect PSW Job

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32 Tips to get hired as a PSW

You’ve completed your PSW program and now started looking for a job.

So, where’s the job?

Welcome to schooling, 2.0.

It’s time to get that perfect PSW job that you’ve worked so hard for over the past year.

Even though PSW jobs are abundant just about anywhere you go, they can be very hard to get.

As a Personal Support Worker, you are going to be working with an extremely vulnerable sector of society. Every facility or private care client is going to want the best and nothing but the best from their potential candidates.

In order to avoid frustration, here are 32 tips to help you get that perfect PSW job!

SO YOU’VE GRADUATED

 

THE PERFECT RESUME

No, I’m not talking “Meh, this is good enough”. 

I’m talking you better be at the top of your game.

You want to show the potential employers that you are the best the world has to offer.

After all your resume is the key marketing document designed to get you an interview. You should ensure this piece of document is absolutely impeccable.

If you have any questions about your PSW resume or want an honest opinion on where your resume stands, check out Pursuit Desk Career Solution.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COVER LETTER
This is not something you want to copy & paste from another source, believe me, employers can spot this a mile away & it makes you look lazy.

A personalized cover letter should summarize your resume in your own voice. 

A resume isn’t personalized, it’s the bullet point and cold.

A cover letter should be warm, user-friendly yet strongly worded to tell your employer why you deserve this job.

Use short sentences, remember, you’re not writing a story.

Customize each letter specifically for each employer. Mention the facilities name and why you want to work there. Sucking up has its advantages.

You can check out this article for a sample PSW cover letter and if you’d like to get some help, check out Pursuit Desk Career Solutions.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION
You got the interview, congratulations!

Are you nervous?

You should be if you aren’t prepared!

The best way to keep anxiety and nervousness at bay is to be thoroughly prepared.

Know yourself, know your work, know the organization and you’ll sail through.

This article will help you do that.

It will give you a taste of the kind of questions you can expect during a PSW job interview.  

REFERENCES
Employers are fickle,  so even though your resume, cover letter, and interview are fabulous, they’re going to want to make sure.

When choosing references, remember to pick individuals that pertain to your job.

Asking your friends probably isn’t a good idea, nor would be asking your grandmother though I’m sure she’s lovely.

Your volunteer coordinator, clinical teacher, and your preceptor at your co-op are all appropriate references.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
What’s even better than a phone call?

A letter of recommendation.

Get a letter of recommendation from your clinical teacher, former supervisor and anyone else you have made connections with.

This not only tells your future employer what these co-workers think of you, but it shows them that you made the extra effort to actually get the letter in the first place.

Employers like PSWs who take the extra time to make something count.

HAVE A PORTFOLIO
Want to look super professional at your interview?

Walk in with a portfolio and you’ll blow their mind.

This shows professionalism, this shows organization.

Make sure to include all important documents: Cover letter, resume, certificates, immunization records, your police check, PSW diploma and letters of recommendation.

In fact, make copies of everything to leave with the employer after the interview.

APPLY EARLY AND IN PERSON
Once all of the above has been checked off, it’s time to start putting the pedal to the metal and applying.

Do not rely solely on the internet, as easy as that is to do in this day and age.

Make the effort and drop off resumes in person.

Dress the part of a professional and walk in with the confidence of a PSW who knows what they want.

And don’t be afraid to approach facilities that aren’t hiring, you never know who’s hands your resume is going to get into.

This is a great way to make connections and network as well.

And one last thing:

who’s to say you have to wait until you’re done school to apply?

Start looking up potential employers as soon as you can and make lists of everyone you want to send your resume to.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm!

I NEED MORE THAN A RESUME

 

VOLUNTEER
Working without pay?

You have no idea how amazing this looks on a resume.

Especially when it’s for organizations related to your field.

Not only are you getting invaluable experience, but this speaks volumes to an employer about you. 

Volunteering is also a good way to a potential job. It gets your foot in the door and gives you connections.

Once you’ve volunteered at a facility, your chances are extremely high for getting hired.

You know the people. The residents. Most importantly they’ve seen in person your work capabilities.

It’s a win-win!

PSW CONNECTIONS
Develop connections with PSWs already working in the field.

A good place to do this is in your co-op or when volunteering at a facility.

Learn the art of schmoozing.

Ask questions.

Remember, these people have already been hired for the job you want, they probably have loads of tips to help you out.

They may even have leads for you or be able to recommend you for a job.

Networking is a great way to get hired.

You can check out this and this article to learn how you can network as a Personal Support Worker.

CONTACTS GET YOU THE JOB
I’m not just talking your connections from school and volunteer.

I’m talking the whole world!

Seriously.

Spread the word that you’re looking for a job. Friends. Friends of friends. Family.

That lovely old lady across the street. You never know who’s listening.

STAFFING AGENCIES
Do not rule this out when on the hunt for a job.

A PSW with little experience and new to the field really can’t afford to say no, can they?

So take what you can get. 

Agencies are a great way to get experience.

An agency will send you to LTC facilities, private homes, and retirement.

I’ll admit the pay isn’t the best you can get, but the experience more than makes up for it.

And remember to read the fine print.

Some agencies will have you sign a contract stating that you cannot work for any facility directly that they have sent you to, only after a certain amount of time has elapsed can you do so.

Here are more details on how you can work start out by working with an agency.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION
You’re never done learning.

Always be willing to go above and beyond your certificate.

Most employers will even pay for continuing education.

This also tells your employer that you are dedicated to becoming the best of the best in your profession.

When it comes to continuing education and learning, PSWs have many options:

LinkedIn
Welcome to the networking site for professionals.

This is a wonderful way to get yourself out there on the internet, in a professional manner. 

This professional social network allows you to build a professional biography about you and your career.

Use keywords such as “personal support worker”,“long-term care”,“PSW” etc to get the word out there.

PSWs looking for work can connect with other PSWs and professionals in the field.

Here’s a great post explaining how you can use LinkedIn as a Personal Support Worker. 

COLLEGE CAREER SERVICES
Your college or place of learning has a multitude of resources that you to take advantage of.

Your teachers and advisors want you to succeed as much as you do, so take advantage!

These services may include helping you with your cover letter and résumé.

They may even have connections in the field you are looking to work in.

MAINTAIN CONNECTIONS
With everyone you meet.

You may not like them and I’m certainly not suggesting you become best friends with these people.

But a lot of the time, people come across jobs through who they know.

So you know that annoying girl in your class that now has a wicked job but you don’t?

Talk to her.

Stay in touch with classmates and teachers.

These people know the field and may be able to offer tips or arrange a meet and greet with other potential employers.

NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS
I know what your thinking. This is a too old school for you.

We live in 2018, the age of the world wide web!

No one’s reading newspapers!

Ah, but you’d be wrong.

With everyone looking online for jobs, hardcopy postings go unnoticed, meaning you’d have a better chance of getting that job if you applied for it!

I’ve seen advertisements for PSW positions every now and again.

Don’t discontinue this option just because it’s “old”.

JOB ALERTS
Here’s an easy way to getting that job – let the job come to you!

Many companies allow you to sign up via their website and when a job posting becomes available, it get’s emailed to you right away!

Often times, when I’ve come across job postings online the application due date, has long since passed.

So utilize the “Job Alert” feature if you see one. 

JOB FAIRS
Attend these.

Job fairs are a “gold-mine” for honing your résumé and interview skills as often you’ll be interviewed right on the spot.

Bring your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio.

A ton of employers attend these gatherings looking for that perfect candidate.

And even if you don’t come out with a job right away, don’t panic!

Keep up with your connections.

These events even offer to look at and critique your resume for free!

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Did you know that Personal Support Workers aren’t registered?

This means that your profession is not regulated by the Government of Ontario.

So in theory, anyone can become a PSW and anyone can teach it.

The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA), is one such organization that is actively working for the betterment of PSWs in Ontario. 

TIP TOP SHAPE

 

FIRST AID AND CPR
In my 5 years as a PSW, I never ever thought that I would have to use my First Aid & CPR skills.

Actually, I focused really hard on hoping that I never would.

But I did.

And I was glad that I was prepared and up to date in my knowledge on this life-saving skill.

Every PSW course teaches first aid & CPR, but most validations only last for a year.

In most facilities, it is required that you update every year or every two years.

Keep on this and make sure your certifications are up to date and relevant.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
If your employer doesn’t ask for this, not only would I be surprised but I’d be extremely concerned as well.

Remember, you are working with an extremely vulnerable sector of society, so not only do you want to protect yourself, but you want to protect your clients, employers and anyone else you may come in contact with as well.

As of right now, the Ontario Government has not made it mandatory to get immunized from the flu and other diseases.

Do yourself a favor with some common sense – get vaccinated!

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
The paperwork just doesn’t stop, does it?

This little piece of paper is extremely important and vital for your job applications.

For more information on how to obtain one, you can check out Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) website and Backcheck.

A LITTLE EXTRA NEVER HURTS

 

IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS
Job fairs, maintaining your connections, etc. 

Sitting at home and just sending out e-mails won’t cut it anymore.

As previously mentioned, you have to get out there and get yourself known!

A great way to do this is through this site www.meetup.com which allows you connect with like-minded individuals who are also looking at the same things you are!

BE PHYSICALLY FIT
I’m not saying you need to bulk up and be a muscle man, but you better believe that this job consists of some fairly difficult physical activity.

Not only are you on your feet for the majority of your 8-hour shift, but you will be aiding in the care of residents who are a lot bigger than you.

Not only that but if said resident can’t weight bare or help you to turn over, you’ll be logrolling them yourself.

I can guarantee that in every facility you will encounter this at some point.

Be prepared.

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
While at your placement, make it known that you want a job.

That you would love the opportunity to work there with their wonderful staff and residents that you have already gotten to know.

Keep your eyes peeled for any job openings and apply right away.

After all, you already have the experience, why wouldn’t they hire you?

EXPRESS GRATITUDE
Send thank you notes to the staff that helped you on your clinical placement.

A little letter to your teacher and to everyone who has helped you along your journey.

Many people ask for help but few take the time to really appreciate it and say thank you.

BE REALISTIC
Even after going through all the above-mentioned tips, don’t be surprised if a job doesn’t come to you right away.

Finding a job in any field is difficult even at the best of times.

Persistence is key and following these tips diligently will get you there.

PSWHQ Annual Giveaway 2017

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Winners of the 2017 Giveaway

 

We had an incredible number of entries to our first annual giveaway that was open until December 17, 2017.

There were a lot of wonderful comments about how everyone would use their winnings if they won.

Winners were drawn through a random draw at 07:30 AM on December 18, 2017.

I’m happy to finally announce the winners …

Winner with the highest number of referrals:

NamePrizeNumber of Referrals
Alexandra$509

7 winners of the giveaway:

Name Prize
Stephanie$100
Juliet$50
Donna$50
Nagy$25
Veronica$25
Crystal de Jong$25
Jill Larue$25

Congratulations to all of you!

And, thank you for all the others who took the time out to participate.

We’ll be back with another “giveaway” next year, that will hopefully be bigger and better!

Note to the winners

Each winner will receive a gift card via mail.

If your name is on the list of winners, you’ll receive an email (on the address you used to enter the giveaway) soon.

Please follow the instructions in the email in order to claim your prize.

Once again, congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all the others who participated.

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Personal Support Worker HQ (PSWHQ) have been around for just over four years now.

We had tremendous success with more than 1.5 million visits and have become the #1 resource for Personal Support Workers in Ontario.

To thank all our readers for their trust and in the spirit of this holiday season, we have decided to give away $350 to 8 lucky winners.

The contest entries are open until midnight of December 17, 2017.

You’re allowed only one entry.

However, the cool thing about this giveaway is that you can increase your chances of winning by referring your friends and colleagues.

Yes, that’s right.

Each referral will earn you an extra entry into the contest.

The contest will be drawn in 1 to 3 days after it closes on December 17.

Each winner will be notified via email (the one you used to enter the give away), and the prizes will be sent to you in a registered mail via Canada Post.

We aim to get the gift cards to you before Christmas.

The contest is for Ontario residents only.

Winners will be asked to provide a mailing address. Outside of Ontario mailing addresses are not acceptable.

You can read here for detailed Terms and Conditions about this giveaway.

YOUR PLANS

Before you enter using the form below, we want to hear how you would use your winnings this year.

Leave a comment below – we love reading about your plans.

THE PRIZES

This year we’re giving away a total of $300 in Visa gift cards.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • 1stPrize – $100 cash
  • 2ndPrize – $50 cash
  • 3rdPrize – $50 cash
  • 4thPrize – $25 cash
  • 5thPrize – $25 cash
  • 6th Prize – $25 cash
  • 7th Prize – $25 cash

Bonus prize: $50 cash (For one lucky winner with most referrals. You can refer as many people as you want by sharing the Giveaway).

Total Prize Value: $350

ENTER HERE

Entering is easy, just click on the blue “Enter to Win” button below.

Once you click, a pop – up will display where you can enter your name and email address.

If you do not see the pop-up, your browser may be blocking the pop-up. In this case, disable the pop-up blocker, refresh this page and click on the entry button again.

You can use the email address to access the form.

We respect your privacy.

Your email address will never be shared with a third party.

By providing an email, you’ll also be signed up for PSWHQ newsletter where we send out great tips and information related to the PSW industry.

Click on the blue button below to enter.

GIVEAWAY RULES

  1. Using multiple email addresses to enter is strictly prohibited and will disqualify you from the giveaway.
  2. You must remain signed up by email at least until after the prizes are awarded to be eligible to win.
  3. The giveaway period is from November 27th, 2017 to 11:59 pm on December 17th, 2017 EST.
  4. Giveaway is open to all residents of Ontario only who are over the age of 16.
  5. Winners will be drawn at random starting with the first prize on down to the last prize until all prizes have been awarded. If a winner cannot be reached, refuses their prize, or is ineligible or disqualified for some other reason, then that prize will be drawn again at the time this is discovered.
  6. Winners will be notified within 3 days of the giveaway ending and will eventually be announced on this site.
  7. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received.
  8. Skill testing question required. Winners will be required to answer a skill-testing question before the prize is awarded to them.

Click here for complete contest “Terms & Conditions”.

Continuing Education Options for Personal Support Workers With ProMask Fit

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ProMask Fit has started offering many continuing education courses online. 

Courses are specifically for Personal Support Workers. 

You can click here to register or learn more. 

If you are:

  • considering completing a PSW program in Ontario, or
  • have already completed a certificate course and think that you would benefit from obtaining additional instruction,

Promaskfit can provide you with the assistance you need.

As one of the only continuing education programs of its kind for personal support workers in the province, Promaskfit endeavors to help Ontario PSWs with their career development through the delivery of instructional programming of the highest caliber.

With the objective of ensuring that recent graduates of PSW programs possess the skills and necessary education to embark on a career, Promaskfit is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in Ontario. 

As such, it has assisted hundreds of PSWs with their personal and professional career goals and can ultimately do the same thing for you.

As such, it has assisted hundreds of PSWs with their personal and professional career goals and can ultimately do the same thing for you.

PROMASK FIT AT A GLANCE

  • Has trained 400 students since 2013
  • Is accredited with the Better Business Bureau
  • Received  an “A“ rating with the Better Business Bureau
  • Offers cost-effective programs

WHAT IS PROMASK FIT?

Promaskfit utilizes integrative methods geared towards assisting healthcare professionals by using an inter-disciplinary, collaborative approach through training and workshop courses.

It essentially provides supplemental instruction for those who have graduated from a PSW certificate program in Ontario.

WHAT TYPE OF COURSES DO THEY OFFER

With several different companies operating under its umbrella, Promaskfit offers various seminars and workshops designed to assist graduates of PSW programs who would like to receive further instruction and thus add to their knowledge base.

OVERVIEW OF COURSES OFFERED

Palliative Care

The palliative care course is designed for individuals working in the capacity of a healthcare assistant, nurse`s aide, PSW or community support worker with the goal of increasing the confidence, efficiency, and competence of those providing end-of-life care.

Benefit
Providing compassionate care for dying patients comprises a significant portion of the responsibilities that PSWs are required to undertake, specifically those who work in private homes.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length of Course
7 hours

Cost
$85

Safe Medication Administration
This course provides PSW s with instruction on how to administer medications orally, sublingually, topically and through inhalation.

Benefits
Medication administration is increasingly becoming a job requirement for PSWs in the province. 

As a result, obtaining the additional knowledge necessary to administer drugs to patients can help PSWs both to increase their career skills and ensure the safety of the patients that they provide care for.

As a result, obtaining the additional instruction necessary to administer drugs to patients can help PSWs both to increase their career skills and ensure the safety of the patients that they provide care for.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length
4 hours

Cost
$85

Wound Care
This topic covers a broad spectrum with programs being divided into four separate modules.

The first module provides a foundational understanding regarding the treatment of wounds.

The second serves to equip those who take the course with assessment and management skills for patients who are suffering from leg ulcers.

The third and fourth module outlines the safe and effective treatment of pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers respectively.

Benefits
Even a small wound can become infected and can thus compromise the health of a patient in the absence of immediate and effective treatment. Consequently, having a solid understanding regarding the treatment of wounds in patients, particularly those who are bedridden, the elderly,  and individuals with diabetes is beneficial for anyone working in the healthcare profession.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length
1 hour

Cost
$50

Nonviolent Crisis Prevention
The Nonviolent Crisis Prevention course instructs learners on how to prevent and address disruptive and violent behavior in patients to avoid a crisis or incident.

Benefit
In instances where PSWs are providing care for individuals with cognitive impairments, it is important that they are equipped with the tools and knowledge base necessary to prevent a crisis from escalating.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length
12 hours

Cost
$100

Swallowing and Safe Feeding
This course provides an overview of the PSWs` role in ensuring that safe oral feeding techniques are employed when caring for clients with dysphagia .

Benefits
Having a clear understanding of how to safely feed patients, specifically those whose ability to swallow has been affected due to old age or illness, is crucial for all PSWs. Unsafe feeding practices can compromise the health of patients and even lead to death in severe cases.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length
2.5 hours

Cost
$50

Mobility and Falls Prevention
The Mobility and Falls Prevention course outlines identified risk factors and risk prevention methods that currently exist with regard to daily living.

Benefits
In assisting patients with decreased mobility, it is beneficial for PSWs to possess the knowledge necessary to be proactive in preventing falls before they occur. In doing so, patients can avoid injury and paralysis which can potentially affect their quality of life.

In doing so, patients can avoid injury and paralysis which can potentially affect their quality of life.

Method of Delivery
Workshop

Length
4 hours

Cost
$50

HOW TO APPLY

Workshops can be booked on Promaskfit.com`s site using the following link :

Register for a Course

Contact Information
117 Manville Rd Unit 101

Scarborough, ON

M1L 4J7

Phone: 416 302 0136

If you are a graduate of a PSW program and wish to obtain additional instruction in your chosen field, Promaskfit`s PSW courses can help you. 

Whether there are topics that were covered in your PSW certificate program that you think you would benefit from reviewing, or you simply want to learn more about a particular area of healthcare, their workshops can assist you to achieve your goal.

In doing so, you can enter the field being as secure and confident as possible in your skills, education and general knowledge base.

Private College PSW Programs: How to Choose the Right one by Asking the Right Questions

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When choosing a PSW program that will enable you to embark on your chosen career, it is important to be as informed as possible regarding the options that are available to you.

Like the saying goes, knowledge is power and asking the right questions is a critical component in the process of selecting a College.

Oftentimes, it can seem intimidating and there is a natural tendency to make the easiest and quickest choice without having a sufficient amount of information to do so. 

WHAT IS HERE FOR YOU TO LEARN

This article will assist you by providing a list of questions that you should ask the school administrators, particularly at private PSW colleges.

Private colleges offer many advantages for those who wish to obtain a certificate as a Personal Support Worker, however frequently, their advertising is intentionally misleading to the point of being detrimental to the students who enroll in them.

Therefore, by doing your due diligence, you will be able to make the best and most informed choice possible in your efforts to become a PSW in Ontario.

Here are the questions:

WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED? 

Administrative questions are the first ones you should ask while in the process of making your decision.

Having a sufficient amount of knowledge regarding the types of programs that are available will assist you in making the most informed choice possible.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS?

The course timetables featured in private versus traditional colleges can vary significantly, therefore taking it upon yourself to learn what schedules are offered by conducting a simple online search would be beneficial when making your decision. 

By doing that, you’ll know which program will be most suitable for you to pursue prior to enrolling.

FINANCES

The thought of incurring a significant amount of debt before embarking on a career can be a daunting prospect and may discourage you from applying for a program.

While private colleges have many advantages over the school district and public colleges, the fees can be prohibitively high, even for a relatively short program.

Knowing if you have the financial resources necessary for the one you’re interested in before enrolling is crucial and can ultimately prove to be the difference between succeeding and not succeeding.

Therefore, asking the school you’re considering applying to about funding and then booking an appointment at your financial institution to obtain information regarding student loans packages may be necessary at this stage.

Please bear in mind that many private career colleges are not eligible for OSAP funding. 

Image 2017-10-18 at 10.49.47 AM.png

OSAP website provides an “OSAP school search” feature to find out if a college is approved for OSAP. 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE COLLEGES

Considering both the advantages and disadvantages that exist with respect to private colleges can also be a determining factor for you when making a decision.

While deciding on the best course of action, it is best to assess the pros and cons of attending one as opposed to a public college or district school board.

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of a private college:

ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE COLLEGE PSW COURSE

  • Smaller classroom sizes which can facilitate learning
  • “Fast-track” programs that enable students to complete their programs quickly
  • Scholarship programs available
  • The emphasis being placed on teaching as opposed to research
  • Responsiveness to changes in the workforce

DISADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE COLLEGE PSW COURSE

  • High fees and tuition levels
  • Disproportionate profit-motive due to it being private a business
  • Misleading advertising
  • Low-quality equipment, supplies, and facilities provided in the interest of maximizing profits
  • (Often) poorly trained and unprofessional instructors
  • Unregistered programs and colleges that do not meet provincial standards
  • Difficulty in the transferring of credits

WHAT ARE THEIR STANDARDS?

Another question that you should ask is whether or not the school you would like to apply to adheres to provincially mandated standards.

All private colleges are required to have their courses approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) and operate under the Private Career Colleges Act which subsequently governs the majority of their policies.

ARE THEY REGISTERED?

All private colleges in Ontario must be registered and be in good standing with the superintendent of private colleges.

They are therefore required to obtain and sustain their registration with the Ontario MTCU.

However, an educational institution being registered does not completely eliminate the possibility of a registered private college offering substandard programming.

There can be inadequacies with respect to the curriculum, the instruction itself as well as the equipment, supplies and general infrastructure provided.

Service Canada offers an online tool where you can search whether a particular college is registered and the PSW program being offered is approved. 

Check here whether the college you’re interested in is registered and have programs approved by the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges. 

JOB SEARCH TRAINING

As the purpose of undertaking a course in a private college is to secure employment after one has graduated, knowing if a school offers training within the curriculum that will enable graduates to find a job is critical.

Thus, a school having courses incorporated into the program that teaches students exactly how to obtain a job with respect to interview skills, résumé writing, and exam techniques can assist those who have completed the course to be adequately prepared for their job search.

POST GRADUATION JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

Ensuring that you are aware of the level and type of support that is offered (if any) by personnel at a particular school post-graduation can often be beneficial as well.

Oftentimes, recent graduates will be disillusioned by the fact that they have no one to ask for advice or consult once they have completed a course.

Thus, knowing if the private college you are considering has staff that can and will keep in touch with graduates and offer tips, suggestions, advice and even just provide emotional support can be a determining factor when making your choice.

CLINICAL PLACEMENT

Although classroom learning and theory is a crucial component of any course or program, the practical and hands-on experience is also important.

When providing care to individuals within the specific parameters of the healthcare field, a graduate must possess all of the necessary practical skills to perform their duties effectively.

Thus, private colleges that offer substantial clinical placements within their programs are more likely to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills that they need to provide the best care possible.

GRADUATION AND EMPLOYMENT RATES

It is difficult to determine what the odds are prior to completing a course or program.

Several factors play a role in the equation, significantly affecting the outcome from one situation to the next.

Therefore, your ability to obtain a position may be higher or lower than another graduate’s of the same program due to your connections, personality, interview skills, résumé quality and several other variables.

However, a tool has recently been developed for the purposes of assessing how recent private career college graduates have fared in the workplace upon joining the workforce.

Essentially, data is utilized to develop specific measurable values in order to ascertain what the KPI (key performance indicators) are.

Developed under the auspices of the Private Career Colleges Act, the policy directive implemented by the Superintendent established five KPIs which include:

  • Graduation Rate
  • Graduate Employment Rate
  • Graduate Employment Rate in Field of Study
  • Graduate Satisfaction Rate
  • Employer Satisfaction Rate

The objective is to enable prospective students to make informed choices regarding the educational institution and programs they wish to enroll in.

As a report based on KPI results is published annually, it would be useful for anyone in the process of making his or her decision to consult it in order to make the best choice possible.

Check out the “Frequently Asked Questions” about private career colleges, as published by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

There are many ways to protect yourself from being a target of educational institutions, including private colleges if you think that you may be at risk.

The following are five steps that will help you to protect yourself from being made a victim:

ASSESSING YOURSELF

Based on your personal profile is the first and most important step you can take in order to avoid becoming a target.

Oftentimes, scammers will prey on the most vulnerable members of the community.

If you are new to Canada and are therefore not fully acclimated to the culture, laws, language, and conventions that exist, you’re more likely to fall victim to the dishonest practices of certain private college administrators.

Be mindful of that fact and develop a plan or strategy to protect yourself by having a friend accompany you when visiting schools or contact the MTCU or a private organization where someone can advise you.

CONSULT BULLETINS

Consult private career college bulletins as they provide the public with information regarding provincial offenses, Ontario Superior Court Injunctions and License Appeal Tribunal decisions pertaining to private colleges in the province.

By visiting the MTCU website, you will be fully aware of which career colleges to avoid due to legal actions that have been taken against them in the past.

VISIT THE COLLEGE

Another effective way to avoid being misled by private colleges is to conduct your own on-site investigation of a school that you’re interested in enrolling in.

Although speaking to administrators on the phone and looking through a website can be effective for research purposes, seeing it in person and meeting with administrators would provide you with a more balanced perspective.

A school may appear to be a good fit online, however, by seeing the building, equipment, supplies, instructors and administrative personnel, you will be better equipped to make a judgment based on criteria that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

TALK TO OTHERS

Speak with current students of the program at the school you wish to attend.

Their opinions, insight, and perception will often be unbiased, allowing you to get a clear view of what the course is regardless of whether it’s positive or negative.

BE INFORMED

Develop a strategy or a plan of action to employ in the event that you enroll in a school or program which featured advertising that proved to be false or misleading.

This strategy could involve finding out what the refund policy is and who to contact at the MTCU to file a complaint if necessary.

Having a contingency plan will allow you to feel more confident in your decision and protect you if you ultimately do fall victim to dishonest practices.

 

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development provide information for students wanting to enroll in private colleges.

You can click here to visit their website for further information.

CONCLUSION

In sum, Personal Support Worker courses offered through private colleges are a fantastic way to complete the program and enter the workforce.

They provide students who may not have the education and practical skills necessary with the opportunity to enter a field that has seen significant growth in Ontario over the past decade.

Through their fast-track programs, condensed curriculum structure, small classroom sizes and responsiveness to changes in the workforce, they offer an ideal alternative to those offered by traditional colleges and district school boards.

However,

it is important to be fully aware of the disadvantages that exist with respect to career colleges and exercise your due diligence.

Because they are profit-driven, they are more likely to engage in practices that are both unethical and illegal in order to maximize their revenues at the cost of providing quality programming to those who trust them to do so.

As a result, many recent graduates may not possess the skills they require which could undermine their careers and prevent them from providing the level of care that the most vulnerable members of Ontario communities need.

Therefore, before enrolling in a private college PSW program, exercise your due diligence and ask the questions you feel are necessary in order to make the best decision possible – both for yourself as well as for others.

Is Becoming a Personal Support Worker Right for You?

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Taking the Personal Support Worker program at a college is one thing. 

Working as a Personal Support Worker is entirely different. 

It requires many qualities to succeed as a PSW. 

Therefore, before you start looking for a college that offers a PSW program, you must assess whether you are the right fit for it.

It is important to know if you are a match for the course as well with respect to your personality, commitment level, and individual learning style. 

Here are some of the questions that you can ask yourself and determine if you’re the right fit for a Personal Support Worker program. 

This exercise will also give you a general idea on what type of college to apply to. 

WHO AM I AS A PERSON?

Having a clear knowledge of who you are as a person with respect to your personality, temperament, attributes, flaws and general character is extremely important.

It will help you in choosing a particular course of study.

Knowing if you are patient, social, enjoy collaborating with others, a visual learner or slow to grasp new concepts will enable you to make an informed decision regarding what the best program for you would be.

For example, if you are an independent learner and generally take more time than others to grasp course material, attending a private college may not be the best option for you due to the condensed curriculum formats they typically offer.  

Hence, being aware of specific character traits you have – be it positive or negative – can allow you to create ideal conditions for learning and consequently, maximize your likelihood of succeeding in a PSW program.

WHAT IS MY OVERALL OBJECTIVE?

Your overall objective should also be considered when making your decision. 

In effect, having a clear idea of what you want to achieve by embarking on the course will increase your chances of achieving whatever goals you have set for yourself both in the long and short run.

Whether you wish to work as PSW until you retire or plan to just try it for a few years to find out if the healthcare field is right for you is crucial in this process.

Further, knowing if you wish to work in a health facility versus a private home or plan to work full-time as opposed to being a part-time worker should also be decided on prior to enrolling in a program.

In doing this, you’re more likely to choose one that is a good fit for you, your lifestyle as well as your personal career goals.

WHAT IS MY LIFESTYLE?

Conducting an informal assessment of your lifestyle prior to choosing a program would also be beneficial and could help you make the most appropriate choice within this particular context as well.

Thus, identifying specific aspects of your life that could potentially help or hinder you should enable you to make the best decision possible when selecting the type of school you wish to attend.

For example, if you live in the country, away from most educational institutions, choosing a course at a private college that offers the shortest curriculum (and thus the fastest daily commute) may be the best option.

Conversely, if you plan to work part-time or on weekends, attending a traditional college or obtaining your certificate through a district school board could be the better choice due to the less intense workload they offer compared to private colleges.

Having children should also be considered, therefore in the interest of maintaining a healthy home/workplace balance, you may determine that it would be best to choose a course that will enable you to do so effectively.

WHAT ARE MY GENERAL EXPECTATIONS?

Knowing what your general expectations are can also assist you when making your choice.

By knowing what you expect, you are obviously more likely to choose a program that’s closely aligned to what you are looking for.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Writing a list of miscellaneous questions that you may have regarding both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a particular school and/or program can also help you to identify and thus, anticipate difficulties that may arise later.

Therefore, asking yourself pertinent questions and developing an action plan geared towards addressing problems, should they arise, can help to alleviate stress and fully prepare you for the issues that you may encounter.

The following are a list of questions that you can ask yourself:

  • Do I genuinely want to attend school in order to embark on/continue in this particular career?
  • Will the financial and personal sacrifices that I will have to make be worth it?
  • Do I enjoy providing health care for those in need of it?
  • Can I see myself working in the career years from now?
  • Will obtaining a certificate actually help me in my career or is the experience I currently have sufficient?
  • Will I be able to support myself financially with respect to the course fees required?
  • Will the pay rate that I will receive offset the potential debt that I’ll incur?
  • Will this particular branch of the healthcare field continue to experience significant growth in the foreseeable future?

How to Get Your Resume Selected and Land an Interview

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Are you looking for a job as a Personal Support Worker (PSW)?

If yes, you are probably applying online and sending your resume everywhere like there is no tomorrow.

And the worst part,

you haven’t heard anything back from even a single employer.

Do you want to know why no one is interested in you (as a PSW)?

Well, most likely your resume never got to the human hands.

There are a lot of reasons why this may be happening, from poor resume formatting to a lack of a quality cover letter, but not targeting your resume by including important keywords could easily be the main culprit.

HIRING PROCESS AUTOMATED

Advances in technology have made it easier and easier for employers to automate the hiring process.

Instead of a human being sifting through PSW resumes, employers widely use keyword scanning software such as the “Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)” and the Optical Tracking Recognition (OCR) to search through the mountains of resumes they receive and disregard the ones that don’t appear to have what they’re looking for.

These softwares are used to handle job applications and manage resume data.

They are optimized to scan, rate, rank, and filter out PSW resumes that best match a particular job posting.

This is a big reason why you keep applying and never hear anything back.

No one is noticing your resume.

Candidates whose resume get selected by these softwares are the ones who are most likely to be scrutinized further and called for an interview.

HOW TO GET YOUR RESUME SELECTED

Simply put, your resume must be “keyword rich” and fully optimized every time you apply for a PSW job.

You must use PSW industry related keywords and key phrases in your resume.

In-order to give your resume the best chance of getting selected by ATS and OCR, your resume should also include keywords specific to the position you are applying for.

For example,

a resume prepared for the PSW job posting in the community will need different keywords as compared to a resume for PSW position in a Hospital.

These keywords get your resume noticed by ATS – the big drawback, of course, is that you’re always playing a guessing game as to what those relevant keywords are.

WHICH KEYWORDS TO USE

So how do you know which keywords to use?

Think of it in similar terms to how SEO is used to promote websites in search engines.

You want to include words or phrases on your website that people you want to direct to your site will search for.

The same is true with employers and the ATS they use.

Perhaps this is unfair, but it’s simply how the game is played.

You want to include keywords in your resume that employers and their automated scanning software are looking for.

To do this, you need to start making a list of keywords.

While it is still important to use action verbs when describing your skills on your resume, the keywords employers tend to look for are nouns.

You can look through other Personal Support Worker job ads to see if there are common keywords relevant to the profession you should be including.

For Personal Support Workers, there are a number of keywords you might want to include, such as:

  • Gentle Persuasive Approaches Training
  • Personal Support Worker Certification
  • High School Diploma
  • CPR Certification
  • Elderly Care
  • Care Plans

The single best place to start looking for keywords is the job ad itself.

Read it through carefully and lift important words or phrases directly from the ad.

Work those keywords into your resume while tailoring your resume for that particular Personal Support Worker job as much as possible.

As always, never lie on your resume or claim a skill you do not have.

If you find you do not have a qualification the employer is looking for, you can still apply anyway if you think the job is a good fit.

Typically, job ads are a wish list of what an employer is looking for in a candidate, and missing one or two things will not necessarily disqualify you from consideration.

WHERE TO PUT YOUR KEYWORDS

Place keywords near the start of your resume – after all, you want to get a hiring manager’s attention as soon as possible.

Resume scanning software first looks for resumes with all keywords they are looking for.

They then prioritize resumes based on keyword frequency at the start of a resume and usage throughout the document.

The skills section of your resume is probably the most obvious space to put keywords, but they should be used throughout your experience and education sections as well.

Sometimes it may not be prudent to use an objective statement on your resume.

The reason for this is simple: it tells the employer what you are looking for when they are more interested in what they are looking for.

If you wish to include a statement at all, opt for something called a personal statement. Instead of your goals, a personal statement focuses on your qualifications and experiences. Essentially, it’s who you are

Instead of your goals, a personal statement focuses on your qualifications and experiences. Essentially, it’s who you are

Essentially, it’s who you are as a professional, condensed into one or two sentences.

This is also a great place to implement keywords because your personal statement is near the top of your resume and you’re summarizing all your qualifications into one or two sentences.

Put some keywords in it!

WHICH KEYWORDS TO AVOID

There are also some words you should avoid using on your resume for a number of reasons.

Buzzwords can seem popular but don’t have much meaning or substance, which won’t help get your resume noticed.

Here are a handful of terms you should probably leave off your resume instead of more specific accomplishments:

  • References Available Upon Request
  • Highly Qualified
  • Detail Oriented
  • Hard Worker
  • Team Player
  • Go-getter

Of course, job ads with “generic” keywords mean that sometimes “generic” keywords should be used in your resume. 

If you must include them, tie them into more specific, relevant experience.

THE COVER LETTER

And finally, don’t forget your cover letter!

A resume is essentially a page advertising you as an employee, but the cover letter is where you can add some personality to your application and make your case for why you’re the best Personal Support Worker for the job.

Use your list of critical keywords in your cover letter as well to create a specific, targeted job application.

If there were keywords you couldn’t use on your resume, here’s where you should use them to explain why you don’t have them or how you plan to obtain them.

 

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