If you are searching for a job as a caregiver or personal assistant, then these caregiving interview tips will be a big help! It is important that you’re not thinking of caregiving interviews as a regular interview. You’re more than likely have to be dealing with family or close friends of a person who needs assistance so it’s more personal than a regular 9 to 5 job.
To get better prepared, it will help to know these tips beforehand, whether the interview is phone-only or in-person.
If an employer or family likes your application/profile, a phone interview is usually scheduled before an in-person one. Look at their online profile, if there is one. Phone interview checklist:
You should be prepared to discuss or explain those listed items in your phone interview. Give as much information as you can!
When the in-person (or video chat) interview finally comes, it will more likely be more casual than your average interview. You should still dress professionally, but comfortably, as the in-person interviews may take place in the client’s home or a public place.
Arriving early shows employers that you are serious about the role. You should also plan to spend more time than you had scheduled for the interview. Have the family’s contact information handy so you aren’t lost if the interview takes place in a home. Bring your portfolio which may include the following:
Introduce yourself to the family, be friendly, and let the conversation ease into the interviewing process. Try to determine if your personality will mesh with the family, too, by getting to know each other before getting deep in the interview.
These are some sample questions that families or caregiving companies may ask during your interview. Be prepared to answer them and practice speaking or explaining them. This list may not include every possible question but it covers a broad amount of employers’ interview topics. You can always ask for clarifications and followups in the interviewing process. We’ve included handy infographics featuring each section of questions to either save or print for easy rehearsal!
A list of your own questions can help you be better prepared for the role. The more details you get of the job, the better you can determine if it is good fit for you. A very important tip is to have your top questions printed or handy so you can check them off as you go.
When the interview is finished, don’t wait around for too long to hear back from the employer. Send a small thank you email, thanking them for their time, instead. Include any extra details if the employer asked in the message, too. Keep the email short but courteous with a line like “I look forward to hearing from you”.
Then, keep applying to other positions you believe you are a good fit. Having multiple interviews will help develop your skills. If you aren’t hired, it’s not the end of the world. It just means the situation wasn’t the best fit.
If you are hired, be sure to get a contract of all your responsibilities, schedule, and pay. And don’t forget, America Homecare is hiring!
Our Syracuse office is located at 5710 Commons Park Drive East Syracuse NY, 13057.
Give us a call or leave a message at 315-937-1888.
Email is syracuse (at) americahomecare.org
Stay safe and remember to wear your mask!
America Homecare Inc has been a leader in providing CDPAP to Western New York. We are one of the highest paying and top-rated CDPAP FI Providers in New York State. Because of our success in Western New York, we are able to expand and create a new office in Syracuse!
Don’t forget that we are hiring for our Syracuse office. These positions include caregivers, companions, and recruiters. You can apply via our form on the Apply Today page.