Spring is here, the sun is out, and many people are stepping out of the house into the world of a new career. If you want a career with great stability, long-term growth, and a supportive community, consider working at The Kensington Sierra Madre.
Have a gap in your resumé that you’re unsure of? That’s no problem—we still want to work with you! Now more than ever, we’re looking for compassionate individuals ready to make a difference in the lives of seniors.
Whether you’re restarting your career, switching industries, or just stepping back into the workforce, we’re here to say: resumé gaps are okay, and there’s a place for you at The Kensington Sierra Madre.
Senior living resumés: Finding meaning in the care you give
Working in senior living isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we’re proud to hire people with a heart for service and a passion for helping others.
We’re looking for Care Partners (also known as Caregivers or CNAs) to support our residents in assisted living and memory care.
So, what do these roles look like?
- In assisted living, caregivers help residents with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, dining, and staying socially engaged.
- In memory care, Care Partners support seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, requiring more attentiveness and patience. This highly rewarding role is for those who feel a deep connection to the elderly or have personal experience with memory loss in their own families.
Both roles require compassion, communication skills, teamwork, and a genuine desire to improve someone’s day. While experience and certification are helpful, candidates’ commitment to kindness and willingness to learn are what set them apart.
Resumé and interview best practices for senior living careers
Whether you’re applying for your first caregiver role or re-entering the workforce after time away, it helps to polish up your resumé.
The following are best practices for writing senior living resumés and standing out in interviews.
1. Embrace the resumé gap
Let’s talk about resumé gaps. Life happens. Maybe you took time off to care for a loved one, raise children, pursue education, or simply regroup.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we see life experience as a strength, not a weakness.
What’s important is how you present that time. In your resumé or cover letter, briefly explain the gap and what you learned from it.
For example: “Took time off from 2020–2022 to care for a family member. Developed strong caregiving skills and a deeper appreciation for elder care, which inspired my career shift into healthcare.“
Remember: You don’t have to justify your whole life story. Just show that you’re ready and motivated now.
2. Highlight soft skills
In senior living, soft skills are just as important as certifications.
Here are a few applicant qualities we love to see at The Kensington Sierra Madre:
- Empathy and patience: Especially in memory care
- Teamwork: You’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive staff
- Communication: Both listening and speaking clearly
- Time management: Staying organized during busy shifts
- Reliability: Our residents depend on you every day
Be sure to weave these into your resumé, cover letter, or interview answers. Use examples when possible. (“At my last job, I helped calm a confused resident by listening and offering reassurance.”)
Read next: Top 9 Ways to Prep for Your Next Interview at The Kensington Sierra Madre
How to prepare for a group interview
Most Care Partner interviews at The Kensington Sierra Madre are group interviews, especially for our assisted living and memory care positions. This can feel intimidating, but it’s a great opportunity to show who you are in a more relaxed setting.
Here’s what to expect in a group interview—and how to shine:
- Be yourself: We want to see your personality and interactions with others.
- Listen actively: Don’t feel pressured to talk constantly. Good listening is a tremendous asset.
- Support others: If a fellow candidate shares something meaningful, nod or smile. Kindness counts.
- Be ready to participate in simple role-plays or scenarios: These are designed to demonstrate your empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork, not to trip you up.
If you’ve never done a group interview, think of it as a small workshop rather than a high-stakes test. We’re just looking to see how you’d fit into our community.
Tips to nail your interview at The Kensington Sierra Madre
Let’s get you ready to impress. Whether it’s your first job interview or your fiftieth, here’s how to stand out.
Research the community
Before your interview, spend 10–15 minutes exploring:
- The Kensington Sierra Madre website: Read about our values and mission
- Our Instagram page: See our latest events and community posts
- Resident and family reviews: Hear directly from those who live and work here
Dress for comfort and confidence
You don’t need a business suit; aim for clean, professional, and comfortable. Think slacks or khakis, a blouse or polo shirt, and shoes you can wear.
You’re applying for a job that keeps you on your feet—dress accordingly!
Bring your documents
- Updated resumé (even if you already submitted it)
- Certifications (CNA, CPR, etc.), if you have them
- References, if available
And don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We can work with you.
We’re hiring in senior living—and we’re hiring fast
There’s a nationwide shortage of senior living healthcare workers, and the need is growing every day.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we’re actively hiring:
- Care Partner/ Certified Nursing Assistant – Memory Care
- Care Partner/ Certified Nursing Assistant – Assisted Living
- Housekeeping & Laundry
- Concierge
- LVNs
We’re proud to offer a paycheck and a career path. With paid training, job benefits, and advancement opportunities, we’ll help you grow as far as you want.
Our perks include complimentary meals, a supportive team culture, and being part of a place that truly values loving care for residents and staff alike.
Must read: Want to Join The Kensington Sierra Madre Team? Follow Our Step-By-Step Guide
Start your next chapter in healthcare today at The Kensington Sierra Madre
The Kensington Sierra Madre is an upscale assisted living and memory care community located in beautiful, sunny California. But what makes us special isn’t the location—it’s our people!
Our team is our family. If you have a heart for seniors, a kind spirit, and the drive to make a difference, we’d love to meet you.
Don’t let a resumé gap hold you back. Don’t overthink the interview. Just take the first step.
Visit The Kensington Sierra Madre careers page and apply today.