Who can help me with my interview at a care home?

Question

Ok, i applied for the job and have now been accepted for an interview.I applied for night care and care support assistant.

I'm really nervous about the interview they know i have no experience in the job, an am no good at being put on the spot.

Does anyone have any tips for the interview and can you tell me what sort of questions they will ask me.

o I'm nervous lol

thanks xx

Answer 1

I hire direct care staff at mental health facility.  These are some common mistakes that I see in interviews:

1. When asked what potential applicants need to work on, they reply that they don't need to work on anything.  Anyone that has every answered this has never gotten a job from me, as it is not realistic.  If this question arises, as it may, say things such as "I am a perfectionist", or "I take on too much and sometimes don't ask for help".  These are good answers as it shows that you are a hard worker.

2.  NEVER, EVER WEAR JEANS TO AN INTERVIEW!!!!

3.  Not talking about the importance of teamwork enough.  In any type of direct care setting, it is important to stress the importance of team work, and let them know that you are a team player.  This should be the first strength that you list if they ask what your strengths are.  

4.  They may ask what you can bring to the team.  It is important to show them that you have a positive attitude and that you are compassionate.  If any of the residents interact with you while waiting for the interview, remember that you are probably being watched by a staff member that will report this to the supervisor.  I have had people come in for an interview and completely ignore the residents that live there.  You application goes in the trash at that point.

5. Don't ever bad mouth another job.  

I have hired a lot of people in the mental health field to work with people with various mental health diagnosis.  (Bipolar, schizophrenia, major depression).  I like positive people with compassion that are team players and seem real in their interview.  If you act like you really care about getting the job, and you market yourself as a compassionate team player, you will make a better impression than others with more experience.  Good luck

Answer 2

They will tell you all about the job and watch you to see how you are responding, they will ask questions about what you would do if something happens and they will tell you that you will have to do a NVQ in Health care levels 1 & 2 which they will pay for, if you are what they want they will invite you for an induction day which means working a full day without pay, most of these jobs are shift work and week end work so be prepaired. The job is mainly giving the people bedbaths, cleaning there sh*t and changing underwear several times a day, wakening them each morning getting them ready and prepare them or feed them breakfast, some of them can be very violent.

Answer 3

its normal to be nervous,it does not matter if you have no experience as they should by law provide training,health and safety,food hygiene,moving and handling being the most common ones,you will be asked a few senaio questions,what would you do if?mostly these are common sense answers,and the what could you bring to the job,why do you want the job,all pretty painless,so go for it and good luck.

Answer 4

one of the most important things is to demonstrate that you are actually a caring person that has the best interests of the client at heart, that you recognise their human rights as individuals and will be able to respect them , be patient and understanding, as well as recognising the limitations of the service, so you will do the very best you can to be a good practicioner and employee working with the elderly requires a great deal of patience [ with other staff often ]  always a good idea to think about your Mum or Dad in this situ and how you would like them to be treated, worth mentioning in the interview    good luck its a really good job to do  despite it being underpaid and undervalued  good on you !

Answer 5

are you going for adult care or children's care? I work in residential childcare and can give you some pointers, but requirements are slightly different for adult care. Feel free to email me with more info - I'm happy to help if I can - good luck anyway