26 Mar Care Assistant Job Interviews – How to Prepare

It is so important that you take the time to prepare for your care assistant job interview.  It gives you the best chance at success in getting the job and assures employers that they are hiring the best people for professional care service.

In-home support care is a people-orientated service and involves looking after people’s loved ones and providing a high-quality professional service.   Therefore care companies employ people who are qualified, dependable, experienced and motivated to deliver on this.  People they can trust and are proud to work with.

You will need to show in the interview that you fully understand what is expected of you when you apply for home care jobs.  This applies to your initial telephone interview and to when you come in person for an interview.

Qualifications Required in Home Care

You must have achieved the minimum care qualifications.  These are the QQI Level 5  modules ‘Care of the Older Person’ and ‘Care Skills’.

If you are successful in your job application you must be willing to complete a full QQI Level 5 (Major) award in a Healthcare related subject.

In Applewood we will support people to achieve this mandatory HSE requirement to work in-home care support services.

Key qualities required in Carers

Most employers require minimum caring experience.  In the interview they specifically look for organised people who are capable of managing and delivering a professional care service. Attention to detail is very important.

You must demonstrate excellent communication skills.  This needs to be both written and spoken as you will be required to maintain records and write reports.

You will be asked to explain how you work well with others, how you work independently, what you understand about being a member of a team.

You should have professional care experience, but if you don’t you must show that you have cared for people in other ways. Be prepared for this question at interview.

Questions to prepare for care assistant interview

Carers must have attention to detail, be pro-active in their duties and caring in their approach to clients.  Therefore employers use scenario questions which allow you to give examples of how you have these qualities.

E.g. “What would you do if your client refused to allow you to enter?”

Your answer to this should demonstrate that you can act appropriately, with initiative and be responsible.

Other questions will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the duties of the home carer job or the importance of health and safety in the home.

Top tips to succeed in a care assistant job interview

Be prepared for your interview and bring any documents required with you.  These typically include completed

• Application form
• CV
• References
• Certifications
• Work Permit if this is required.

If you are successful at interview, references are then checked and the Garda Vetting process will be started immediately.

We hope these tips will help you succeed with your career in-home care.  For further information on working in Applewood or to apply for a carer position with us click here

Hope to meet you at interview soon!