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I’m curious – how did you come to find out about our company and what do you know about us?
This can be a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate initiative. Almost every company will have a website, Facebook page, Instagram account, or some sort of digital footprint. Spend a bit of time doing some online research:
While your interviewer won’t expect you to have in-depth company history, a little here can go a long way.
This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate you know how to care for those living with dementia. You could suggest providing gentle encouragement, but if the answer is still no, put off showering until the next day when you can try again. You could give them a wash, and change them into clean clothes or pyjamas, depending on what time of day it is. It’s not uncommon for those living with dementia to avoid showering.
Here are some of the most common questions that might be asked in an interview for someone looking to work in an aged care home, and we provide some brief pointers about how you could answer them.
This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate your empathetic nature. Explain you would try to remain calm and focus on reassuring the person. You could also say that after an incident where a resident became distressed, you would try to learn more about the person to try to understand what might have triggered the incident, and have personal information that might be useful in trying to calm and reassure them.
You’ve long held a dream to work in aged care. You’ve completed your training, and have been applying for jobs – for a few months now. It’s taken a little longer to find a position in the industry than you thought it would. But at last the day arrives. You receive a message to let you know your application has been successful and – finally – you have a job interview.
Teamwork is a very important aspect of working in aged care. Think of a specific example where you have been able to work collaboratively and have been able to communicate effectively with colleagues. Being able to demonstrate that you are comfortable talking to a wide range of people could also be an advantage here.
I like what I’m hearing but we’ve got a ton of great candidates. Why should we hire you?
An easy question to answer well with one caveat – don’t slam your fellow interviewee’s. On the one hand, you have an opportunity to really stand out from the pack. Alternatively, You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants. Focus on your own strengths, and if the interviewer hasn’t given you an opportunity to mention that one “slam dunk” quality about yourself, now would be the time.
Is there a wrong way to answer this question? Consider the responses below:
Notice any commonality here? All of these answers demonstrate a benefit to you. While every employer assumes that these sorts of things play in on some level, these are not the reasons they are going to hire you.
In summation, clearly illustrate what in specific has made you a good employee, and how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting the company.