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Questions to practise
What do you enjoy about caring for older people?
They want to know if you respect older people and if this work matters to you.
Talk about the person, not only the tasks. Give one small, true moment. For example, a resident who liked to talk about their garden. Say what you learned and why you want to keep doing this work.
Can you tell me about some care work you have done?
They want to understand your experience, even if it was unpaid or with family.
Use a simple structure: where you worked, who you helped, what you did, and one thing you did well. Name real tasks, such as help with meals, washing or moving safely. Paid work, volunteer work and caring at home can all count.
How would you help a resident wash and dress, and keep their dignity?
Personal care is a big part of the job. They need to know you protect privacy and choice.
Give clear actions. Close the door or curtain. Explain each step before you do it. Ask what they would like to wear. Let them do what they can by themselves. Keep them covered with a towel or gown as much as possible while you help.
A resident says no to personal care. What do you do?
They want to see that you respect choice and stay calm. Forcing care is never OK.
Say the steps. Stay calm and do not argue. Ask why, gently. Offer a choice or try again later. Maybe another worker could help. Write it down and tell the nurse or person in charge.
Tell me about a time you helped someone who was confused or upset.
Many residents have dementia. They want proof that you stay kind and patient.
Use a real example if you can. Say what happened, what you did and how it ended. Include calm actions, such as speaking slowly, using their name, sitting at their level and talking about something they enjoy.
A resident with dementia is shouting and wants to go home. What do you do, step by step?
This happens often. They want to hear a calm, safe plan.
Keep your voice soft and slow. Listen to their feelings and do not argue about the facts. Reassure them. Gently change the topic or offer a walk or a drink. Check they are safe. Report it after.
How do you work with families?
Families worry about their loved ones. The manager needs workers who are kind and professional with them.
Say you are polite, you listen and you stay calm if they are upset. You could say: "I share health news only through the nurse or manager, and I pass family questions to the right person."
What would you do if you could not come to a shift?
Residents need care every day. A missed shift affects the whole team.
Show that you are reliable. Say you would call the manager as early as possible and follow the workplace process for telling them. Add that you plan ahead, such as checking your transport, so this rarely happens.
How do you share changes about a resident at handover?
Good handover keeps residents safe. Small changes can be important.
Say you notice changes, such as eating less, a new mark on the skin or more confusion. Tell the nurse or person in charge straight away and write it in the notes. Give one example.
What would you do if you saw a co-worker treat a resident roughly?
Residents must be safe. They want to know you will speak up and report problems.
Say you would stay calm, make sure the resident is safe, and report it to the manager or person in charge straight away. Write down what you saw. Say that keeping residents safe matters more than feeling awkward.
Let me think of a real example.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me think of a real example.
First I would stay calm and explain what I am doing.
I always ask the resident what they would like.
I close the door and make sure they feel comfortable.
If I see a change, I tell the nurse or the person in charge.
If I ever have to miss a shift, I tell my manager as early as possible.
Common questions
What if I have no paid experience in aged care?
You can still talk about real experience. Maybe you cared for a family member, volunteered, or worked with people in another job. Say what you did and what you learned. Be honest. Show that you are kind, patient, reliable and ready to learn and to follow training.
What if my English is not strong?
That is fine. Speak slowly and use short sentences. If you do not understand a question, ask: "Could you say that again, please?" You can also take a moment and say: "Let me think." Clear, simple answers with real examples are better than long, difficult words.
How long should my answers be?
Most answers can be about 30 seconds to one minute. Say what you do, give one example, and stop. If the manager wants more, they will ask. Avoid general answers like "I am a caring person". Show it with an action or a short story.