Top 10 Support Worker Interview Questions and Answers

It is critical that you prepare for a job interview as a Support Worker. Whether it is your first interview or you have many years of experience as a support worker, you need to demonstrate you are the best person for the job.

To help you with your next interview, here are the top 10 Support Worker interview questions and answers.

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

This is the most common question asked and is an icebreaker meant to put you at ease. Keep your answer fairly short and to the point. Talk about your education, what you are passionate about, work history and your current situation.

2. What is your interpretation of a Support Workers role?

The interviewer is looking for insight into your knowledge of the care sector. Your answer demonstrates that you know what the expectations are of the job. It is important you fully prepare, especially if care work is new to you.

3. What would you bring to the position?

The interviewer wants to know what more you can offer. It is an opportunity to sell yourself as being suitable for the role. Answer with confidence and draw on previous experience. If you are a newly qualified Support Worker with no experience, you can always talk about personal experiences with family or friends.

4. What was a challenging experience you encountered and how did you deal with it?

As a support worker, you will often meet with challenging situations. A potential employer wants to know how you cope in new situations when working under pressure. Talk about previous situations that required you to make quick decisions, while still following company procedures and industry regulations. It’s important to read through the job description and align your answers with what’s required.

5. How do you assess a client’s needs?

Support workers need to strike a balance between advising and helping clients, and letting them use their own abilities. Express the importance of clients working towards more independence, where it is possible, and their happiness.

6. What do you consider are your strengths?

The interviewer wants to know what strengths you have that will benefit them. For example, answers may include the following:

• work well independently
• a good problem solver
• perform well under pressure
• bring a positive attitude to everything I do

7. What are your weaknesses?

The answer is never that you do not have any weaknesses. An interviewer will see you as either being egotistical or a liar. Also do not use a positive skill as a weakness. Mention something small that is related to work and how you overcame it or are working towards overcoming it.

8. What wage do you expect?

Make sure you do your research about the base wage paid for the position. You can ask the interviewer about the salary range.

9. What makes you the best person for the job?

Make sure you answer this in a positive light. Talk about your strengths and passion for caring for people. Let them know how you will be of benefit to the company, not how the job will benefit you.

10. What questions do you have?

All interviewers ask if you have any questions. Try to limit your questions to a maximum of four. Ask about their expectations, training opportunities or what the next step in the process is. Always focus your questions on how you can be an asset to the company.

Looking for Support Worker jobs in your local area? Healthcare Australia is Australia’s leading healthcare recruitment provider. Access hundreds of part-time, casual, and contract roles across Australia. Apply today.

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