12 Aged Care Interview Questions and Answers

First published: October 2023

Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling career in aged care or looking to move beyond your current role? Mastering the art of aged care interview questions is an important step towards becoming an aged care worker, and we’re here to guide you through 12 key questions you are likely to be asked.

Why aged care interview preparation is crucial

Working in aged care requires you to be empathetic and compassionate whilst having the relevant clinical knowledge to your profession. Employers are seeking aged care nurses and management professionals who demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the lives of our elderly community. Our comprehensive guide outlines questions which test your response in a variety of situations, as well as some helpful tips for the interview.

Common aged care interview questions

The situational questions

Aged care is a busy setting, and you will need to be prepared to tackle unexpected challenges. Showing you can work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and work at pace will strengthen your application. Make sure to give examples to back up your points.

1. Tell us about a challenging situation you faced while caring for an elderly individual. How did you handle it?
2. How do you deal with prioritising multiple tasks whilst dedicating adequate time to each resident?
3. How would you handle unexpected situations that may arise in aged care?
4. How would you approach difficult conversations with colleagues, resident families and other external stake holders?

The legislation and regulation questions

The aged care industry has numerous government bodies involved in determining processes. Understanding their respective guidelines is critical, and therefore your knowledge will be tested to ensure suitability for the role.

5. Describe your understanding of the role of (job title) in aged care.
6. What do you know about the new Aged Care Quality Standards and Aged Care Code of Conduct?
7. What do you know about the Australian National Aged Care Classification?
8. What do you understand about the quality indicators in the aged care industry?

The behavioural questions

For an aged care home to run smoothly, it requires cooperation and successful teamwork from all workers. Displaying you can work efficiently in a team but also communicate effectively with the residents will impress your interviewer.

9. Can you describe a successful collaboration you had with colleagues to improve the quality of care for seniors?
10. How do you ensure effective communication with residents who may have cognitive or communication impairments?
11. What motivates you to work in aged care, and how do you maintain your passion for it?
12. How do you manage stress and prevent burnout in a demanding caregiving role?

Ideal answers to aged care interview questions

Make sure to demonstrate the following in your answers to secure the job that you are applying for:

• Situational – Showing your time management and organisation skills whilst working effectively under pressure will show you are able to think on your feet and remain calm. Being adaptable is desirable in many industries, and is highly valued in aged care. Your residents will be from diverse backgrounds, and meeting the needs of anyone in your care is the sign of a great nurse.
• Legislation and regulation – This is particularly relevant for clinical positions such as registered nurse. Come to the interview well prepared and clued up on the governing organisations that oversee the home you are applying for. Knowing this inside out shows your dedication to the role and that you take resident safety and wellbeing seriously.
• Behavioural – Teamwork is invaluable here. You will be working with members of the industry from assistant in nursing/personal care worker, to registered nurses, care managers and above. Working cooperatively and in sync with clinical and non clinical staff ensures for a smooth delivery of aged care services.

Expert aged care interview tips

Now you are prepared for the questions you will need to answer, we have some additional tips that will help succeed in your interview. To ensure you stand out from the competition, see the tips below!

• Cultivate empathy: Aged care is all about compassion. Showcase your empathy by sharing personal experiences or stories that highlight your ability to connect with seniors on a deeper level, also bearing in mind cultural sensitivities.
• Highlight communication skills: In your aged care interview, you will want to display effective communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you can navigate challenging conversations with sensitivity and patience.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration: Emphasise your teamwork and collaboration abilities. Aged care often involves working closely with a team of professionals to ensure the best care possible.
• Showcase adaptability: Aging is a dynamic process, and roles in aged care often require flexibility. Share examples of how you’ve adapted to evolving situations in your previous experiences.
• Display clinical skill and knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your clinical skills, especially those relevant to aged care. Showing your awareness of aged care regulations and how you maintain knowledge in relation to this is a necessity to succeed in the aged care industry.
• Quiz the quizzer: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the home, team dynamics, and any specific challenges they face. Questions you could ask that will impress your interviewer include:

When did you enter the aged care industry and what has your journey been like?
What does a typical day look like in the home?
What is the resident demographic?

Research the care home you are applying for beforehand to show you are prepared. Feel free to ask more in-depth questions about how it’s run, showing your knowledge while expressing a keen desire to work there. 

Aged care job opportunities with Sanctuary Recruitment

By preparing for frequently asked aged care interview questions and understanding our expert tips, you’ll be well-equipped to shine in your interview and contribute positively to the lives of the elderly. Remember, aged care is a noble calling, and your dedication can make a profound difference in the lives of seniors. Let your passion and expertise shine through in your interview, and success will be within your grasp.

Sanctuary Recruitment are Australia’s number one aged care recruitment agency. We specialise in getting the right job for you. Click below to see the jobs we have available or call us on 02 8459 8101 for more information.