‍Guest Author: Barb Nichols, Director of Recruiting, Milton Hershey School

Houseparenting is more than just a job—it’s a calling that requires heart, dedication, and a unique set of skills that may not always be reflected on a resume. So how do you effectively communicate your experiences and qualifications to make a strong impression on hiring managers?

With over 30 years of recruitment experience, including 19 years at Milton Hershey School, I’ve worked with many candidates eager to make a difference in children’s lives. Here are five tips to help you stand out in your application and demonstrate you’re the right fit for a houseparent role.

1. Highlight Your Work Experience with Youth

Any experience you have working with youth is valuable. Whether through classrooms, youth programs, or mentorship, it's important to showcase this experience clearly on your resume.

What to Include:

• The age groups you’ve worked with (elementary, middle, high school)
• The size of the groups you managed
• The demographics of the youth (e.g., lower-income, trauma backgrounds, refugee, adjudicated youth)
• The specific skills you developed (conflict resolution, advising & inspiring youth, organization, leadership)

By providing these details, you’ll help hiring managers see how your experience directly applies to the needs of children in group care settings.

2. Include Relevant Volunteer Experiences

Volunteer work with youth can be just as impactful as paid positions. If you’ve volunteered in mentoring, coaching, or youth programs, make sure to highlight this on your resume.

What to Include:

• Your role (e.g., organizing activities, mentoring, or leading groups)
• The age group or demographic you worked with
• Any collaboration with other adults (e.g., supervising volunteers)
• Volunteer experience speaks volumes about your commitment and ability to adapt in various environments, showing that you’re capable of working with children from all walks of life.

3. Craft a Personalized Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to connect your resume with your personal motivations. Hiring managers want to know why you’re passionate about houseparenting.

What to Include:

• Your personal connection to the role (e.g., parenting experience, growing up in similar circumstances)
• Stories of how you've supported youth in your community
• What you hope to accomplish as a houseparent and how your experiences prepare you for this role
• The more genuine your cover letter, the better. Hiring managers want to see not only your qualifications but also your passion for helping youth.

4. Thoroughly Review the Job Description

Before applying, carefully read the job description and understand the responsibilities and qualifications. Showing that you understand the role and are ready to take on specific challenges will help you stand out.

What to Do:

• Review key responsibilities and qualifications – If it’s listed in the posting and you have that experience or skill, we sure it’s included on your resume. 
• Think about what’s important to the employer and include that information if it applies to you.  (e.g. If the employer’s website values something like outdoor experiences, then include information about your own outdoor experience, knowledge, and skills.
• Highlight relevant training or certifications or other unique skills. (e.g., CPR, trauma-informed care, fluency in other languages)
• Understanding the job’s requirements and showing enthusiasm and readiness will set you apart from other candidates.

5. Highlight Your Successes in Positively Impacting Youth

Emphasizing your successes in helping youth is a powerful way to showcase your qualifications. Whether you’ve helped a child improve academically, overcame behavioral challenges, or provided mentorship that made a difference in the lives of youth, these successes are worth mentioning.

What to Include:

• Examples of how you’ve helped children overcome challenges and reach successes (behavioral, academic, athletic, or social).
• Measurable results (e.g., improved grades, behavior, or student accomplishments)
• Testimonials from supervisors or colleagues
• Sharing your successes helps potential employers see the tangible benefits of your skills and gives them confidence in your ability to make a positive impact.

When applying for a houseparent role, remember that your qualifications go beyond the skills on your resume. Houseparenting is about building relationships, creating a safe environment, and supporting children’s growth while maintaining a healthy balance in your own family life.

Be sure to highlight both your professional experience and your passion for helping youth. With the right approach, your application will reflect not only your qualifications but also your dedication to making a real difference in the lives of children.

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Barb Nichols, Director of Recruiting at Milton Hershey School

As the Director of Staff Recruiting at Milton Hershey School, I've spent a good part of my career dedicated to the school's mission to nurture and educate students from disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare them for lifelong success. In this role, I have a team of recruiting professionals working with me to find, attract, and hire mission-minded talent with a heart for serving and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth entrusted in our care. We truly believe in the power of holistic, life-changing education.

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