The Senior Care Job Guide: The Senior Care Job Interview

You're moving ahead in your job search, having pinpointed the kind of job you want, determined that you'd like to work directly for an individual or family, and have figured out how much to charge. Now it's time to prepare for a job interview.

It might help to try to put yourself in the mindset of the person who will be interviewing you and think about the characteristics she will be looking for.

Most likely, she wants someone who:

• is trustworthy, reliable, and compassionate. After all, seniors needing care are vulnerable and may have movement or memory limitations.
• is competent, experienced, and will do a good job. A proven track record would be helpful.
• enjoys doing this kind of work. A positive attitude can help the senior and the person responsible for her care to feel comfortable with the caregiver.

To decide whether you have the desired qualities, the employer will most likely ask questions about:

• your previous clients
• what your responsibilities were
• why you left those positions
• What you liked and didn't like about the jobs
• what your strengths and weaknesses are
• your references -- hopefully you can offer the names and contact information of three former clients who will say you were a terrific and trustworthy employee

In order to find out if you would like the job, you will probably want to speak in person with both the elder you will care for and the person who will oversee your employment.

You can ask:

• what the particular needs of the senior are
• if the elder prefers a specific personality style, what her likes and dislikes are, how she enjoys spending her time
• what the senior's experience has been with previous caregivers -- if there were any problems, how long they lasted, and why they left
• exactly what you will be expected to do and on what schedule
• any special precautions you will need to take with the elder

After the interview, you will want to think about whether or not you will be comfortable with:

• the employer
• the elder
• the working conditions
• the particular responsibilities you'll have

Finally, here are two legal issues to consider:

• taxes If you work for an individual who pays you more than $1600 in a calendar year, that person is legally obligated to report your salary to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and should withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes.  Make sure you are on the same page with the employer about how tax reporting is going to be handled.
• Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 Employers are required to fill out a form that verifies that you are legally entitled to work in the United States.

Once you have had an interview followed by a job offer for a position you want, the next step is to create a working situation that will offer you job satisfaction and success.