July 7, 2022

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Of all the steps leading you towards a career in senior living, your interview will probably be the most nerve-racking. But with a little prep work, you can nail that first impression and use it as an opportunity to highlight your strengths.

Recruiters in this sector will be looking for empathy, compassion, and a people-oriented mindset. So let your best qualities take center stage and follow these six interview tips to secure your success.

1. Arrive On-Time

Nothing says unprofessional (and rude, for that matter) like a late entrance. It should go without saying, but being on time is an absolute must. It’s your first chance to get things started off on the right foot. A timely arrival signals to employers you value their time and you’re excited to jump right in.

But some of us need more help with time management than others. If you have trouble with punctuality, aim to arrive fifteen minutes earlier than your scheduled timeslot. You’ll be grateful to have this comfortable window of time should you run into snags with parking or checking in at reception.

Interviews are stressful enough—don’t make it harder on yourself by scrambling at the last minute to get there.

2. Dress Professionally

Whether we like it or not, presentation matters. Arriving in a polished, put-together ensemble sends one message—and showing up like you just finished at the gym sends another. Make sure you send the right message by dressing professionally.

But what exactly qualifies as “professional” these days? And how do you balance the line between formal and approachable?

For starters, consider the workplace culture. Since you’re not interviewing for a position in corporate law or finance,you can leave the suit formal business attire at home. They’ll keep good company with your ripped jeans and flip-flops, which are also big no-nos for your first impression.

For a career in senior living, you want your clothing to say: I’m capable, I’m thoughtful, and I care about this position. A tidy shirt and dress slacks or a nice skirt are all good options. Make sure your clothing is wrinkle- and stain-free, and give it a good sweep with a lint roller beforehand (especially if you live with high-shedding pets).

3. Share Why You’re Passionate About Senior Living

We know you’re excited for this new chapter, and it’s okay to let your recruiter see that! In fact, genuine enthusiasm is exactly what they’re looking for. Make a point to express what you find so rewarding in the field of senior living. Do you value the close bonds you’ve created with residents? Or maybe you’re passionate about using your unique gifts to comfort others? Whatever drives you, your recruiter wants to hear it.

For those new to senior or assisted living, feel free to let your recruiter know what inspired you to pursue this field. This is a good time to share your desire to help others or your passion for working with the older population. Equally important is making clear your intentions to promote the community’s mission and goals. Your recruiter will appreciate hearing how you plan to use your gifts to contribute to their organization’s success.

4. Ask Questions

While your hiring manager will be asking many of the questions, it’s smart to prepare a few of your own, too. If asked “Do you have any questions for me?” don’t leave your recruiter hanging. Failure to raise any questions of your own is a missed opportunity to showcase your interest in the position.

Asking questions is a simple way to stand out as an engaging candidate. Plus, asking the right questions can help you determine whether this job is a good fit for you. Consider asking for details about the typical workday or inquire about potential advancement opportunities.

5. Just Be Yourself!

When you’re trying to present yourself in the best light possible, it might sound counterintuitive to “be yourself.” But believe it or not, your interviewer wants to meet the real you, and casting yourself as something you’re not will only come across as insincere—not to mention how uncomfortable you’ll be if your interview feels like a performance.

Of course, acting natural is tough when your nerves are on edge. One easy thing you can watch for is controlling your body language. Keep your hands and arms relaxed (not across your chest), maintain eye contact, and smile. In addition, you should avoid fidgeting with pens, tapping your feet, or twirling your hair—these all indicate nervousness, and could be off-putting to your recruiter.

Another simple way to present the “real you” is by resisting the urge to over-prepare. Yes, you want to practice some general Q&As beforehand, but rattling off rehearsed responses won’t exactly inspire confidence in your genuine passion for the field. It’s best to go into your interview with a flexible mindset. When asked a question, try to be present (instead of fretting over what question might follow) and answer authentically.

At the end of the day, both you and your recruiter share the same basic goal—determining whether this will be a mutual fit. Letting your true personality shine through gives your recruiter a better sense of who you are and how you’ll promote their mission.

6. Follow-Up With Your Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Don’t be shy about following up after an interview. Many recruiters expect it, and it demonstrates your excitement about the position.

The Harvard Business Review recommends starting the post-interview process with a quick yet thoughtful thank you note or email. Keep it short and sweet (two or three small paragraphs is ideal) and send it within twenty-four hours, if possible. Express your appreciation for their time, and try mentioning something specific that came up during the interview—this an effective way to stay fresh and memorable in your recruiter’s mind.

How soon after that initial “thank you” should you contact your hiring manager again? Reaching out too soon puts you at risk of looking pushy or overly eager. Too late, and your resume may fall to the wayside.

Unless a specific date was given, a good rule of thumb is giving employers five business days to reply. At that point, it’s time to follow-up with a quick note that reiterates your interest and what makes you the best candidate for the job.

Your Career Starts at Provision Living

We attribute the success of our company largely to the passion and gifts of our dedicated team. To discover how our close-knit community fosters growth and stability, please explore our Provision Living job opportunities.

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