Care Assistant INTERVIEW QUESTIONS and ANSWERS!
Why did you become a PCA? What about the job appeals to you?
Reveals more about the candidates personality. Look for candidates who exhibit kindness and empathy.
Describe the level of care you have provided and tasks you’ve done for other clients. Do you specialize in any conditions, ages, etc?
Supports job knowledge.
Interview Questions for PCAs:
Tests the candidates knowledge of how to handle difficult situations, how they report concerns, and how they treat the client.
It’s also a good idea to have a few of your own questions up your sleeve. Asking questions will show the prospective employer you have initiative, and that you’ve given considerable thought about the organisation and the role.
Interviewers might also ask you about some of the regulatory aspects of aged care, such as the new Aged Care Quality Standards. Read up on the standards here on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website.
This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate you know how to care for those living with dementia. You could suggest providing gentle encouragement, but if the answer is still no, put off showering until the next day when you can try again. You could give them a wash, and change them into clean clothes or pyjamas, depending on what time of day it is. It’s not uncommon for those living with dementia to avoid showering.
Last year, the Australian aged care sector adopted a new set of quality and safety standards that were developed around the concept of ‘person-centered care’. Explain that person-centered care is respectful of and responsive to the preferences, needs and values of the person you are caring for. This document provides more information.
This question provides an opportunity to briefly explain what has brought you to this point in your career and why you have chosen to work in aged care. Provide a little personal background, particularly as it relates to your experience with older people. Try to demonstrate you have the personal traits that are suitable to working in aged care: for example, empathy, a caring nature, patience and flexibility.
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FAQ
What questions do they ask in a PCA interview?
- How would your previous clients describe you?
- What would your coworkers say about you?
- What’s your greatest strength?
- What’s your biggest weakness? …
- What do you consider the most important thing about your job?
- What does discretion mean for a personal care aide?
- Tell me about yourself.
How do I prepare for a personal care assistant interview?
- Tell me a bit about yourself. …
- Why do you want to work here? …
- What do you know about us as a company? …
- What are your strengths? …
- What are your weaknesses? …
- What were the best and worst parts about your last role? …
- Why are you looking to make the move from your current company?
Why should we hire you as a PCA?
