How to prepare for an Aged Care interview.
One of the most nerve-wracking things about going to an interview is not knowing what to expect. You don't know what type of questions they're going to ask or whether you'll be asked to return.
It doesn't matter if you're at the beginning of your working life and only just started looking for aged care jobs or have vast experience in aged services - you're probably going to feel those pre-interview jitters. However, preparing yourself beforehand is an excellent tool for interview success.
Dress Code
Starting with the basics: what to wear for an aged care job interview. A suit isn't necessary, but you will need to dress smartly, practically and in something that is safe for the area you are working in. We recommend not wearing high heels.
If you are successful in getting the job, you will be expected to have short and tidy nails, without polish, and have your hair tied up (if it's long), so why not show just how prepared you are for the role by showing up to your interview with these boxes ticked?
Don't Be Late
One of the first impressions you'll make before you've even met the interviewer is your timing. Showing up late doesn't look good, so try to be a minimum of ten minutes early; that way you have time to prepare yourself mentally, relax and have something to drink.
Questions You Might Be Asked When Interviewing for an Aged Care Position
The interviewer is likely to ask clinical and profession-based questions about procedures and giving aged care support. Some of the questions that may require a more prepared answer could include:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the experience you have within this residential facility?
You don't need to give your life story here, but a little personal background won't do any harm, especially if it's related to the job you're applying for.
The aim is to shape how your career/experience brought you to this interview. What work have you previously undertaken and why do you want to work in aged care, specifically in this aged care facility? Do you have a degree or any unique experiences you can discuss?
What characteristics do you think are needed for those who work in elderly care?
Examples may include being polite, caring, respectful, supportive, patient or flexible.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Here, you can expand on some of the characteristics you've mentioned above. When it comes to speaking about your weaknesses, it's okay to admit that you have them - everybody does, but, remember to explain how you challenge yourself to improve in those areas.
Can you give any examples of when you have demonstrated teamwork?
This one is pretty self-explanatory but, again, try to think of a situation within the workplace.
Can you tell us about a stressful situation you've handled in a positive way?
A stressful situation might be with a colleague, patient, patient's family or perhaps when you've been short staffed. The most important factor is that you end on a positive note and with how you turned the situation around.
Talk us through an emergency you've faced and how you dealt with it.
Maybe a patient has had a bad fall, your workplace has had a power cut, or someone's been severely affected by illness - what have you done?
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
This is a difficult one to answer as most people don't like to feel as if they're being boastful. Try to be original with your answer and avoid the typical 'I'm a team player' type responses. Remember to back all your points up with a brief example.
Why have you chosen to leave your previous employment?
It's good to prepare this answer beforehand because if you are leaving for negative reasons (e.g. a colleague you've clashed with or a problem with management), you can plan a more composed answer.
Final tips
Do your research on the facility and the elderly care services they offer.
Prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewer.
Refresh your mind on your CV.
Shake the hand of the person/people conducting your interview.
Keep regular eye contact throughout your interview.
Take care.
Is there something we can help you with? Feel welcome to contact us