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How to Ace an Aged Care Job Interview
Kristen Michaelides
You’ve finished your aged care course, and you’re ready to jump into the workforce. But just like any other job, you have to go through an interview process.
Since this is an aged care interview, there’ll be specific questions that relate directly to your course. Here are some interview tips that can show potential employers that you’re the right person for their aged care facility.
1. Make a good first impression
Even though you’re going for a more specialised interview, general job interview tips still apply here. Factors such as firm eye contact, good posture, and open body language are all necessary if you want to ace that interview.
Before you even get to your interview, ensure that you look presentable. You should wear clean and practical clothes, such as a simple plain t-shirt and pants. You’ll usually have to wear these types of clothes at an aged care job anyway.
The day before your interview set the alarm, so you get to the interview ten minutes early. This will show your potential employer how serious you are about the job. It’s also a good time for you to prepare yourself for the interview mentally.
And of course, always remain courteous, especially in this career path. You’ll want to show your interviewer that you can build strong bonds with your patients.
How to Start a Career in Aged Care
Always wanted to help people in your career? The aged care industry is growing incredibly fast, and needs caring people like you.
2. Prepare for general interview questions
Usually, your interviewer is going to start with some more general questions that don’t necessarily pertain to aged care. For example, your interviewer will most likely say, “Tell me about yourself”, and you might wonder, “What exactly do I say to that?”.
Think about where your interests lie, and if you can, relate it to aged care. You don’t want to overdo though. You want to give just enough information to provide some insight into who you are, like hobbies and education – but not to take up too much of their time.
You should plan your responses and practice in front of a mirror. Even better, ask someone you trust for their opinion. While you’re at it, you should also think of questions you want to ask your interviewer. They usually leave time at the end of your interview for you to ask questions, which is the perfect opportunity to express your interest in the position.
Here are some other common interview questions asked in aged care job interviews:
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- In your opinion, what qualities are essential for this role?
- Describe a situation where you showed teamwork
- What distinguishes you from other potential employees?
- How do you work under stress?
- Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
- Describe a situation where you displayed your leadership skills
Many of these questions aim to see whether or not you have the general qualities suitable for the role. Many hiring managers in the aged care field are looking for people who are team players, with excellent time management and organisational skills. They also seek candidates who show a strong sense of empathy.
3. Prepare for specialised interview questions
These are examples of more specific questions to aged care:
- What got you interested in aged care in the first place?
- How would you go about telling your patient how to lead a healthy lifestyle?
- Are you able to explain the principles of handling?
- What did you do for work experience? How would you describe it?
- Can you explain the principles of infection control?
- What would you say are your primary responsibilities to your patients?
- If a client is getting hostile, what would you do?
- How would you ensure that your patient is getting quality personal care?
4. Follow up after your interview
Just like with any other interview, you should contact your recruiter a couple of days after. You don’t need to write a lot, just a short little e-mail thanking them for their time and when you’ll hear back from them again.
Don’t get too disheartened if you don’t get the job right away. Many people have to go through multiple interviews to finally land a job. See it as a way to gain experience in an interview setting.
At the same time, don’t think you won’t get it, especially if this is your first time applying for a job after your coursework. One of the best things you can bring to your interview is a positive attitude.
So, in saying that, good luck.
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The aged care industry can be demanding and challenging, but the abundance of rewards make it such a gratifying career.
Explore the seven things you should know about a career in aged care.
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