Maybe you are looking to start a new career in the senior care industry. Or perhaps you have worked in the industry for a while, but are hoping to move to a new company or position. Either way, you will soon be starting the interview process and want to be prepared. 

There are some questions that you can always expect to hear in an interview, regardless of the industry, company, or position. For example: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? What do you consider your greatest strengths? What about this opportunity most appeals to you? 

You will want to have some amazing answers prepared for these obvious questions. But if you really want to make the best impression and give yourself the greatest chances of landing the gig, you need to prepare for the more nuanced questions around the topic of senior care. 

Consider the following questions ahead of time, and come up with some talking points that can help you stand out from the crowd. 

What do you believe are the qualities of an effective caregiver? 

Regardless of whether you are applying for a position within a care facility or working directly with a family, the hiring parties are likely looking for the same set of qualities. They want to hire someone who is trustworthy, compassionate, and reliable. It will not be good enough to just state these traits, you should also find ways to demonstrate them. 

What do you consider the greatest challenges of working with the elderly? 

There is no doubt that working with seniors can be mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing. Think about the position from these different angles, and then address how your experience and background has equipped you to best handle these challenges. 

How do you plan to manage the stress of this position? 

Recognizing the difficulties of working in the senior care industry is only half the battle. Even the most qualified individuals can experience burnout, resulting in high turnover rates. Employers want reassurance that they will not be refilling the position in the next few months. It is important that you consider ways to ensure that you maintain your own health, as well as the health of the senior in your care. 

Remember that the interview process is a two-way street. 

This is also a time for you to ask questions. In fact, sometimes the questions that you pose can do even more to demonstrate whether or not you are qualified for the position than the answers you provide. Be sure to inquire about any specific needs the senior(s) may have. You should also ask about the things that have made previous employees successful – or unsuccessful – in the position.