Interviews: Mycare's top 10 tips

Putting your best foot forward is crucial when you want a job, even if it’s for just a few hours a week. Our tips will help you prepare for interviews:

1. Confirm the interview. Find out where and when it will be, and who will be there. You may be interviewed by your prospective client, or their family members, or both. Choosing a worker to come into their home is a big deal, so show that you're a professional who will take the role seriously. Expect direct questions and for the interviewer(s) to take notes as you respond.
2. Bring supporting documents. Given the client’s safety and wellbeing is all-important, clients and their families/whanau will want to make sure you're an honest and reliable person. They'll want you to prove you are who you say you are. You can do this by showing originals or providing copies of these items at interviews:
   • Your driver’s licence or other identification, such as the photo page of your passport.
   • A CV may be requested before an interview, but if not, take one with you. If you don’t have a CV, click here for advice on how to create one.
   • Certificates of any training you've done (completed courses, first aid, workshops etc).
   • A police or Ministry of Justice check, if you've indicated in your Mycare profile that these are available. Ensure they're recent – less than a year old is ideal.
   • Any other documents listed as available in your Mycare profile.
3. Be prepared with references. Provide a list of referees and their contact details at the interview; you may also have written references you can bring. A referee could be someone who knows you well, or someone you've worked or volunteered for in the past, who would vouch for you if contacted by potential clients. 
4. Think about the questions you might be asked and practise answering them:
   • What words describe you best?
   • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   • Why should we hire you?
   • What can you offer us that others can’t?
   • If you were providing personal support to someone, how would you respect and maintain their dignity?
   • Describe a stressful experience you’ve had when caring for someone and how you coped with it.
   • What payment or salary are you seeking? 
   • Click here for tips on answering common interview questions.
5. Dress appropriately. Look professional and tidy. Show that you're someone who's organised and takes good care of themselves. Be on time. To be on the safe side, arrive at the interview location with time to spare. If an unexpected event holds you up, phone the interviewer as soon as possible to explain the situation. Take some slow, deep breaths. This is the fastest way to reduce anxiety. Take a minute to pause, encourage yourself and relax a bit.
6. During the interview, be positive and ready to discuss what you can offer. What experience, skills, talents or education/training do you have that’s relevant to this role? Why are you interested in this particular job? Be honest – don’t exaggerate. Don’t talk for too long. Invite questions. 
7. Have your own questions ready. This helps to show that you’re interested in the person who needs support. And remember you want the job to be a good fit for you, too. Ask the right questions to help you decide if your skills, experience, knowledge, available time and goals match the role. What would your responsibilities be? Ask for explanations if you don’t fully understand. 
8. If they're not at the interview, ask to meet the person you’ll be assisting. You’ll spend lots of time with your client. A desire to meet them and speak directly to them about their needs and wishes (even if another family member helps to organise their care), shows that you recognise the importance of your compatibility, and displays your commitment to creating a genuine bond.
9. Thank the interviewer(s). Ask when they'll inform you of their decision.
10. Follow up. Soon after the interview, send an email or text or make a call to thank the client(s) for their time. If you enjoyed meeting them, say so, and invite them to get in touch if they have any other questions. If you're keen to take the role, say that you’re looking forward to hearing from them. If you're unsuccessful, learn from the experience and turn your attention to your next interview.