Ace Your Next Job Interview with a Senior Care Agency in Plano, TX and the Surrounding Area

For a family in need, entrusting you with their loved one’s care and well-being is an important emotional decision, not be taken lightly. So, it is vital for senior care agencies to highly vet all applicants before bringing them onto their caregiving teams.

Visiting Angels Shares Interview Advice for Senior Care Positions in Plano, Murphy, Parker, and Nearby Cities

The job interview is an integral part of the decision process; it will determine whether you are a good fit for the position. Be ready to both share and gather information. Seasoned senior care providers and newbies can benefit from preparation and practice. Follow these guidelines for an enjoyable and effective interview experience with Visiting Angels of Plano:

Prepare for Your Interview

Arrive early. If you’re unsure of the location, print or download directions and take a practice run the day before.
Study the job description. Be ready to explain how your skills and education match the requirements.
Dress for success. Dress professionally, hide tattoos, trim fingernails, and style your hair conservatively--appearance and good hygiene are important!
Gather credentials. Have your professional licenses and training certifications on hand in case they are requested.

Reflect the Ideal Traits of a Caregiver

Be respectful. Providing quality care while maintaining your client’s dignity and independence is essential, especially during this vulnerable time.
Be positive. Your mood and demeanor affect the people around you. It is part of your job to be cheerful, even on a bad day.
Be social. Connecting on a human level is important. Discussing interests and sharing a meal can bring comfort and a sense of normalcy. Sharing common values and social norms help too.
Be passionate. Being a senior care provider is more of a higher calling than a job. When you enjoy what you do, it shows, and you are a blessing to those in your care.
Be trustworthy. As a senior care provider, you will be privy to sensitive information regarding finances, health, and family dynamics. Families trust you to keep information confidential.

Prepare Answers to These Common Questions

Be ready to share information about your senior care experience and skills. Enlist a friend or family member and rehearse answers to these common questions:

Describe your experience. Do you have professional training or licenses?

Explain the types of care you have provided, dementia care, for example, and the number of years of service. If you are new, show that you are eager to gain experience. Many families and agencies, such as Visiting Angels of Plano, are willing to give new people a chance, if they appear to be motivated and trustworthy. Also, be ready to discuss your training, licenses, and certifications.

Why do you want this job?

Explain why you are interested in home care and what attracts you to the profession. This is the perfect time to share a personal story about caring for a loved one.

Do you mind providing personal care?

As a senior care provider, assess how comfortable you are with assisting with personal tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming before the interview, and then be honest in your response.

Recall Past Scenarios

You might be asked questions about your handling of past situations in order to learn about your character. For example:

Describe a situation in which you provided exceptional home care and kindness for a client.
Describe a time when you overcame a barrier to honor your promise or commitment.
What would you do if you were late to an assignment or suddenly could not get to your client’s home?
How do you remain focused and calm during a crisis?

Ask Questions

Use the interview as an opportunity to learn more about the position and determine your interest, such as:

What are your expectations?

The job description will list some requirements, but for a more in-depth view, ask about specific tasks that will be expected of you. Assess your comfort level with their responses to gauge your fit for the position. To see a list of services that Visiting Angels of Plano provides to our clients, click here.

What are your priorities?

This will give insight into the agency’s values and will help highlight important areas of focus.

How would you like me to handle specific situations?

Unique physical or mental limitations can cause special challenges. Conditions like Sundowners Syndrome, which can affect clients with dementia, might call for a specific plan of action.

What benefits will I receive?

Ask about medical insurance, liability coverage, paid time off, and the hourly rate or salary range.

Apply Today

Most importantly, relax, be yourself, and you will find the right fit. If you are interested in applying to Visiting Angels of Plano’s open positions for senior care providers, you can apply or learn more by going to our Careers Page. Remember these tips and you will ace your interview!