JOB INTERVIEWS Traditional job interviews are formal meetings in which the examiner, usually the HR (Human Resource) Manager or someone of their staff, interviews the candidate. The interview generally follows a script previously agreed by the HR staff and, after the greetings and a little conventional small talk, includes the following steps. Topics Typical questions Suggestions 1. Motivation Why do you want to work for this care home/residential home? Why are you interested in this job? Say something positive, show interest and explain how the position fits you. 2. Job Experience Have you done this kind of work before? How long have you been working in healthcare? What jobs have you held? Refer to: - past work experience - education and training related to the job - volunteer work that may relate to the job - any transferable skills - your ability to learn quickly. 3. Education, Training and skills What kind of training or qualifications do you have? What about your school career? Can you speak any foreign languages? - If you have a lot of experience, but no formal qualifications: - If you have just completed a training course: I didn’t get formal school training for this job, but I have ...-year experience in the field. I’m willing to learn new skills and get a formal qualification if I’m offered the job. I took one year training program in ... at ..., which is related to the job I’m applying for. I look forward to working in the field and putting into practice what I learned. 4. Personal Qualities Tell me about yourself. Why should we hire you? Do not refer to personal issues, state your best qualifications for the job and provide examples to support your statements, e.g., ... I’m punctual, reliable, precise, patient 5. Work Habits What do you think of working in a group? Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? How do you react to instructions and criticism? How well do you work during an emergency? - Outline the advantages and provide specific examples. - Say that you appreciate constructive criticism. - Provide examples of past experience, both at work and school.