You submitted your resume and received a call back. Congratulations! You’re now ready to start the next phase of your quest to find your next job. In order to work your dream job, however, you have to make it through the interview process. An interview is an excellent way to showcase your skills and passion for serving seniors, as well as a way to get to know your potential new employer.
If you haven’t interviewed in the past few months, you are probably rusty. That’s normal; after all, we aren’t called upon to talk about our strengths, abilities, and goals on a daily basis. You can feel more confident walking into your interview if you practice ahead of time. One way to prepare for your interview is to mull over potential questions that you could be asked. Write out your answers before practicing delivering the answers with confidence.
Here are a few Arbor Terrace interview questions that could be a good start for your practice and preparation.
Tell me about a time you served a resident well.
You may have noticed that this example is a statement; not a question. During your interview, you will encounter both questions and “tell me about” statements. In this case, take a moment to highlight something you did that showcases your commitment to person-centered care. You don’t have to give an example of a major policy change or action. Instead, bringing a resident a cup of tea with honey (her favorite) when she expressed feeling lonely can be just as telling.
What are your weaknesses?
No one likes to talk about their weaknesses, but answering this question can give your future employer insight into how much you know about yourself. When you answer this question, be sure you follow it up with how you are working on getting stronger in that area of your career or personal life.
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a “difficult” family.
Resident care is only part of your job when you work in senior living. Caring for family members is just as crucial, and your potential employer wants to see how you maintain appropriate boundaries while putting family members at ease.
What are your long-term professional goals?
Senior living is ever-changing, which is exciting. Thanks to its opportunities for advancement, most employers know you will not be in your current role forever. However, it can be helpful for them (and for you) to know where you are hoping to go with your career in the next 5 to 20 years.
Tell me how you handled working with a challenging supervisor.
Interpersonal skills are important for senior living employees. This behavior-based inquiry will give you the opportunity to highlight your own strengths and conflict-management style. Be sure to honor the privacy and dignity of the supervisor you are speaking about when answering the questions.
What is your current work environment like?
Your potential new employer can learn a lot about you and your expectations when you answer this question. Be sure to highlight what you like about your current role (supportive interdisciplinary team, person-centered culture) and what you would like to change (difficult communication with supervisor, etc.).
Get ready for your next career move
If you are ready to practice your interview skills, polish your resume, and find a senior living career with a company that values its employees and its residents, join our Talent Network. You’ll be the first to know about job opportunities in your area and receive information about what’s happening in the senior living job market.
The Arbor Company is committed to serving our employees and promoting from within when possible. We love watching our employees grow into even bigger roles in our company.
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