Highlight your relevant education and certifications

Many entry-level case manager jobs require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. If you have a relevant degree, make sure to highlight it prominently on your resume. You can also include relevant coursework, internships, or projects.

Additionally, some positions may require specific certifications, such as a social work license or a case management certification. If you have these certifications, include them in a separate 'Certifications' section.

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), University of Washington, 2022
• Relevant coursework: Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Community Organizing
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM), 2023

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   Emphasize your experience with diverse populations

As a case manager, you'll work with diverse clients from various backgrounds. Employers value candidates who have experience working with different populations.

On your resume, highlight any experience you have working with diverse groups, such as:

• Interned at a refugee resettlement agency, assisting clients from 12+ countries
• Volunteered at a homeless shelter, serving 50+ clients per shift
• Worked as a peer counselor for LGBTQ+ youth, providing support to 20+ clients

If you don't have direct experience, you can also mention relevant coursework, projects, or training.

   Showcase your communication and interpersonal skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for case managers. You'll need to build rapport with clients, collaborate with colleagues, and advocate for your clients' needs.

To showcase these skills on your resume, use action verbs and specific examples:

• Collaborated with a team of 5 case managers to develop individualized service plans for 30+ clients
• Conducted intake assessments with 10+ new clients per week, gathering information and identifying needs
• Presented case updates at weekly staff meetings, communicating client progress and challenges

Avoid generic statements that don't provide specific examples, like:

• Good communication skills
• Works well with others

   Include relevant volunteer or internship experience

If you don't have paid experience as a case manager, that's okay! Many entry-level candidates gain valuable experience through internships or volunteer work.

Include these experiences on your resume, highlighting your responsibilities and accomplishments. For example:

Volunteer Case Manager, XYZ Nonprofit, May 2022 - Present

- Manage a caseload of 10-15 clients, conducting assessments and developing service plans
- Connect clients with community resources, such as housing assistance and job training programs
- Collaborated with a team of volunteers to organize a resource fair, serving 100+ community members

Treat your volunteer and internship experience just like paid work, using action verbs and measurable achievements.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Every case manager job is different, with unique requirements and responsibilities. To stand out as a candidate, tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for.

Start by carefully reading the job description, noting the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Then, use those same keywords and phrases throughout your resume.

For example, if the job description emphasizes 'crisis intervention skills,' make sure to include that phrase in your resume:

• Trained in crisis intervention techniques, using active listening and de-escalation to support clients in crisis

Tailoring your resume shows the employer that you're a good fit for their specific needs, increasing your chances of getting an interview.

   Use metrics to quantify your achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and responsibilities. This helps employers understand the scope and impact of your work.

For example, instead of saying:

• Managed a caseload of clients

Say:

• Managed a caseload of 25-30 clients, ensuring timely and accurate documentation for 100% of cases

Other examples of using metrics:

• Assisted with grant writing, securing $50,000 in funding for a new housing program
• Conducted 20+ community outreach presentations, increasing program enrollment by 30%

Using metrics makes your resume more impactful and memorable to hiring managers.