So you have submitted your Personal Support Worker resume and have finally got a call for the interview.

Now what?

How are you going to prepare for it?

Well,

for any type of interview in general and for PSW’s in particular, the best way to prepare you is to anticipate what kind of questions will be asked in the interview.

After you have a list of questions, the next best thing to do is to answer those questions to the best of your ability.

And last but not the least;

you can do to prepare yourself for the interview is to practice answering those questions with someone.

In this comprehensive list of PSW Interview questions, you’ll learn how to best prepare for an interview within the Personal Support Care field and how to best conduct yourself during the interview.

After you’ve reviewed all the questions and sample answers, you will approach your career search with the confidence and skills needed to secure a role and launch your career.

Already have a position in this industry?

If you are looking for a new position and have not gone through the interview process in quite a while, these questions will help you effectively prepare for your interview.

HOW THE QUESTIONS WERE PUT TOGETHER?

All the Personal Support Worker Interview questions presented in this article are prepared by experts through tapping into previous knowledge and contacts from recruiting in the medical field.

HOW TO BEST BENEFIT FROM THESE QUESTIONS?

There is a wide-ranging list of questions you could typically be asked during your interview.

We’ve tried to present you the PSW Interview questions that are most likely to be asked. 

After reviewing the questions, and the suggested responses, it is recommended to find someone who can conduct a mock interview with you to ensure you are confident in your responses.

WHAT IS A MOCK INTERVIEW?

Essentially a mock interview involves a friend, family member or colleague mimicking the interview process with you by sitting down and pretending to interview you.

They should ask you many of the questions in this guide and help you assess your ability to answer each of the questions asked.

Going through this exercise will help you determine your level of readiness for your interview.

Are you able to confidently, clearly and accurately answer each question?

Then you are ready to go!

Are you drawing a blank, or mumbling your way through the answers?

Then you need to take more time to practice your responses and work on building up that self-confidence.

DISCLAIMER

None of the authors, contributors, administrators, or anyone else connected with Personal Support Worker HQ (PSWHQ), in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from this or any other web pages.

While we’ve tried to provide you the best and accurate information possible and we highly believe that these sample interview questions and other content on this website are of great quality, however, PSWHQ assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omission in the content presented on this page and throughout the website. PSWHQ does not guarantee your success at the interview after reviewing these questions. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT THE PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER INTERVIEW

Most questions asked during the Personal Support Worker Interview are scenario based.

You will be given a scenario and will be asked one or a few questions based on that scenario.

Below is a list of questions collected by industry experts on what you could typically be asked if participating in an interview in the personal support industry.

Some of the questions have an explanation that includes:

• How to answer the question,
• A sample response, and
• The rationale behind the response.

1. A resident continues to push their call button for help. You have already checked on them twice and nothing was wrong. The button goes off a third time. What do you do?

How to best answer the question?

You ultimately still need to check on the patient. You don’t know whether this person is in distress, so it is important the call is not ignored.

A sample response

I would assess the situation as to why the resident continues to call for help.

It may simply be a case of them not remembering that someone has already come in to help them with a task they require assistance with.

A gentle reminder will help to temporarily ease their mind.

At times it may help to move the resident to an area where they are more visible by staff such as by the nurse’s station so that they can be watched and reminded that they are not alone and there are always people around to help.

Rationale

This answer is correct as you never want to ignore a patient or resident calling for help.

It also shows that you can problem solve and assess whether a resident is truly in need of help or not.

2. If you see a resident on the ground, what actions will you take?

How to best answer the question?

Ensure you express to your interviewer that you understand the possible severity of someone on the ground and the importance of taking the right steps to ensure the resident receives the proper treatment.

A sample response

I would first quickly check on the resident and talk to them to see if they are conscious and responsive.

If awake, I would try to position them in a slightly more comfortable position, for example, sitting up, leaning against the wall with a pillow behind their head.

Then I would immediately call the nurse to come and check their vitals as well as administer any first aid if necessary.

If there were any witnesses to the fall I would ask for details as to how the person fell and determine what part of their body they likely injured.

I would make sure that all necessary paperwork is completed and that the resident is closely watched to see whether they may need to move into a wheelchair if they are currently using a walker or no walking aids whatsoever.

I would also assess the resident’s surroundings including their footwear, floor (is the floor slippery or wet? Did they trip on a rug?) and other potential hazards that can be removed or mitigated to help prevent future falls.

Rationale

This response is thorough and shows that you understand the seriousness of a fall.

Getting a nurse involved is of utmost importance as the nurse is responsible for taking notes on vitals and continuing to monitor the resident over the first 24 hours after a fall.

Also, discussing potential hazards or reasons for falling shows that you are a problem solver and are concerned for the wellbeing of the resident in preventing further falls.

3. How would you describe your ability to work as a team member?

How to best answer the question?

In a PSW role, you will most likely be working with a team of caregivers including other PSWs and Nurses.

The best answer to this question is one that shows that you are able and willing to collaborate with others and step up and help a colleague out when needed.

A strong answer would also include a specific example of a time when you acted as a supportive team member which resulted in a positive outcome.

A sample response.

In my previous position working in a hospital setting, we had a small team responsible for caring for a large number of patients.

There were times when a colleague of mine was running late caring for one patient who needed extra support that day, which left her falling behind on caring for other patients.

In this scenario, I stepped in and helped with two patients on my colleague’s schedule.

By helping my colleague, she did not have to stay significantly later during that shift, and we were able to ensure that all patients received the proper amount of time, attention and care required.

Rationale

This response shows that you have been in a similar busy setting and have taken the initiative to step up and help when needed.

You will demonstrate to your prospective new employer that you are a team player and understand that an organization’s success and a patient’s well-being depends on staff working together, rather than individually.

4. How can you ensure you maintain dignity and respect while working with a resident/patient?

How to best answer the question?

It’s important to show that you understand that your residents and patients are people and deserve to be treated kindly and tenderly.

Also, wherever possible, it’s important to allow patients to make decisions for themselves, such as what clothes to wear and what food to eat.

A sample response.

There are many opportunities for me to support patients in both a dignified and respectful manner.

During dinner time, I always provide them with options of what to eat and drink and allow them to make a selection based on their personal preference.

When bathing or toileting a patient I ask them if I can help them and what I can help with.

I explain what I am doing as I am doing it and ask them to tell me if they feel any discomfort along the way.

For example, when drawing a bath, I always ensure the temperature is just right for each patient, not too cold or too hot.

Although many of the patients I work with need quite a bit of support, I know they are still capable of expressing their feelings and have personal preferences and I try to meet these preferences as much as possible.

Rationale

This response shows that you truly value the people that you care for as a PSW and can understand the importance of helping your patients to maintain a sense of self.

5. What should you do if you are working with one resident, and another resident pushes their call button?

How to best answer the question?

It is important to show that you understand how to take care of multiple patients at one time.

This question poses a real-life scenario that your interviewer will want to ensure you are capable of handling.

The best response shows that you know exactly how to handle this situation.

A sample response.

If I was in the middle of helping a resident, I would finish the task at hand.

Chances are when another resident rings their call bell that there may be another care worker available to assist.

If not, when I am finished helping with the current resident, I will then go to assist the next resident.

It is in most cases not respectful or safe to abruptly stop the care I am providing to a resident.

It is best not to start care for another resident before I am finished helping the resident I am currently with.

Rationale

This response will show your interviewer that you understand the importance of completing the task at hand and care for a patient.

You cannot safely care for a resident if you do not ensure the care you are providing is complete and the resident is comfortable and safe prior to you tending to the next resident.

6. What would you do if you were attending to a normally calm and happy resident who appeared angry and disgruntled?

How to best answer the question?

The best way to answer this question is to demonstrate your knowledge of various mood changes that are associated with aging and geriatric illnesses such as dementia.

A sample response.

It is quite common with some of the more senior residents I have worked with in the past that over time their mood can change.

Chances are it is a result of dementia progressing in a resident.

It is also possible that this is an isolated incident, and something has happened to upset the resident.

I would speak with them calmly and try to gain an understanding of why they are upset.

If it is a situation I can remedy I will do so as soon as possible.

If the anger seems irrational, it is more likely due to worsening or onset of dementia in the resident and I would immediately notify the nurse to further assess and discuss with the doctor and resident’s family.

Rationale

This response is excellent because it shows that you can see different causes to a problem and can work to find the root of the problem.

It is important to demonstrate that you do as much as you can within your control and capability to ensure the safety and happiness of residents.

However, it is also important to show you understand when something is beyond you and it is time to escalate and seek further treatment for the residents’ wellbeing.

7. How would you safely transfer a patient/resident from a wheelchair onto the toilet?

How to best answer the question?

It depends on the situation – there are two scenarios.

One in which the PSW can help support a patient or resident in moving on to the toilet themselves,

and

the second in which a mechanical lift is needed to lift a patient on to the toilet.

You want to show that you know the importance of moving a person properly for not only your own personal safety but also the safety of the patient.

A sample response

It would depend on the specific patient I was working with.

If they are able to put some weight on their legs and can assist in the transfer, I would start by putting the wheelchair close by the toilet and ensuring the brakes are on.

I would then move the footrests and any other obstacles out of the way.

I would position the patient at the edge of their wheelchair with feet flat on the ground.

Next, I would tell the resident to start standing up while I kept my hands around their hip area for stability.

The patient should lean forward toward me so that I can support their body weight.

The patient should then push themselves up out of the chair with their hands on the armrests and feet on the ground.

I would then help the patient by holding them on their weaker side while assisting them to move towards the toilet and sit on the seat.

If the patient or resident is not able to assist in this process, then we would use a mechanical lift.

Typically, when operating a lift, it is advisable to have two support workers use the lift together.

I would slide the sling under their bottom, and lift the person or tilt them to ensure the sling is evenly underneath them.

I would then attach the sling to the lift and then raise the person by turning the lift on.

Once the person is over the toilet I would slowly lower them down and remove the sling once seated.

Rationale

This response is thorough and shows that you can understand and assess whether a patient or resident is capable of assisting in a transfer to and from their wheelchair without a lift.

It also shows you know how to safely move a patient and utilize a mechanical lift as needed.

8. A client/resident you are assisting with at mealtime is refusing to eat. What do you do?

How to best answer the question?

The best approach to this question is to emphasize that everyone is different with the amount they eat, the type of food they like, and the time of day they like to eat.

It is not necessary to panic if a resident does not wish to eat at a meal, but it is important to make a note of this and ensure they eat at some point throughout the day.

A sample response.

I try to ensure the meal is something that the resident likes.

We are able to make some dietary changes and substitutes, and getting to know a resident’s preferences definitely helps.

I try to encourage them to just eat one or two bites, and then if they do so, I tell them they have done a great job.

Positive reinforcement tends to work well in encouraging patients to continue eating.

If the resident is simply refusing to eat, no matter what I try, I will make a note in their chart.

I will then try again to get them to eat at the next meal.

Or,

prior to the next meal, I will offer them a snack.

Some residents are not always hungry at meal time but may get hungry an hour or two later.

It is important to try to get a resident to eat a little bit throughout the day.

Regardless,

I keep track of what they are eating and how much and discuss with the nurse and doctor if I have concerns.

If the resident is eating too little the nurses may recommend nutritional supplements.

Rationale

This response is thorough and shows that you understand how crucial it is for a resident to get sufficient nourishment.

Additionally,

it shows that you understand the importance of charting the resident’s eating habits and notifying the nurse if you have major concerns about them not getting enough nutrients in their diet.

9. Have you completed a first aid and CPR course?

How to best answer the question?

This is a requirement of working in the personal care field as you will be administering first aid and in rare circumstances may require CPR.

You need to express clearly whether you have or have not completed these courses, as well as when and where you completed them.

A sample response.

Yes, I recently completed a first aid and CPR course through (insert name of organization here) and learned a great deal about how to help individuals in day-to-day minor injuries as well as more serious situations.

I completed the course in May of this year.

Rationale

Essentially, they are looking to see whether you have this training. Answer the question in a straightforward manner.

10. Why do you want to work for our company in particular?

How to best answer the question?           

When answering this question, you want to ensure you demonstrate that you have knowledge about the organization you are interviewing with, and express your specific interests in the organization.

A sample response.

I am hoping to work for your organization as it has a wonderful reputation in the community and your mission of (insert company mission here) resonates with my personal values.

I know that at this organization I can contribute a lot and my contributions will be valued.

Rationale

Showing your interviewer that you have done your research and understand the mission and purpose of the organization you are applying to will impress your him or her.

Essentially the answer above shows that your values and interests align with the organizations’, and that is ultimately what hiring managers are looking for.

11. How to care for a Palliative patient?

This is an open-ended question, however, your answer should revolve around the care that can be provided within the PSW scope of practice.

Religious views and practices of the client should be respected at all times.

Possible Answer

A palliative patient in a facility or community should be provided care with the utmost dignity, respect, warmth, and empathy.

Client’s right to autonomy should also be respected by encouraging independence.

During the end stages of life, a client’s preferences and choices should be respected.

The palliative client should also be provided with privacy at all times.

12. A co-worker is arguing with you in the hallway. How will you handle this situation?

Co-worker conflict is the last thing you want to be involved in.

Now, you might not have been involved in such an incident in your career as a PSW however, you still have to answer the question.

You can’t just say “I ‘m sorry, I have never been involved in an argument with a co-worker.

Possible Answer

I always advocate an environment of respect, tolerance, and civility at my workplace and have not been involved in a conflict with a co-worker during my career, however, in my opinion, it is always important to take your co-worker in private, away from the residents and the family.

I would try to calm my co-worker first and listen to why he or she is angry.

If unable to do so, I would immediately notify my charge/resource nurse.

13. If a resident falls, what will be your actions?

Every facility has its own policy on safety and fall prevention.

It is best to answer this question based on your knowledge of your past employer policy.

Possible answer

Stay with the patient and call for help immediately.

Once help arrives, transfer the patient to the bed or chair safely.

Let the resource/charge nurse know immediately and help fill out the incident report by providing all the details related to the fall.

14. Name any five resident rights and explain them?

According to the Bill of Rights for people who live in Ontario long-term care homes, there are more than twenty-five rights that they are entitled to.

You should always know these rights.

Possible answer

Respect and dignity
“Every resident has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect and in a way that fully recognizes resident’s individuality and respects the resident’s dignity.”

No abuse
“Every resident has the right to be protected from abuse.”

No neglect
“Every resident has the right not to be neglected by the licensee or staff.”

Proper care
“Every resident has the right to be properly sheltered, fed, clothed, groomed and cared for in a manner consistent with his or her needs.”

Safe and clean home
“Every resident has the right to live in a safe and clean environment.”

15. Any other continuing education you have done related to PSW?

A good answer to this question can have a positive impact on the outcome of your interview.

You can say whatever you want, but if you can provide proof of what continuing education you have done, it will put you in good books.

There are many courses that can be completed through your workplace and in private.

You can check with your clinical educator for help.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offer many free and paid continuing education courses.

Following are some of the courses:

• Personal Protective Equipment course
• Pandemic awareness
• Violence in workplace awareness
• Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia care, Responding to Persons with challenging behaviors
• The Trained Eating Assistant Program
• Creating a Fine Dining Experience

The University of Toronto also offers an online training course for PSWs. 

This course is completely free and you can complete it within an hour. 

The best part is, once you’ve completed the course, you get a certificate which you can include in your portfolio. 

16. Any experience with an aggressive resident and how did you handle the situation?

Some of the common things to keep in mind when dealing with an aggressive resident are:

• Stay calm
• Hold your ground
• Wait out their outbursts
• Be upfront
• Stay clear if not directly involved
• If personal safety is at risk, call 911

17. How many PSW’s are there during the transfer of a resident using Hoyer/mechanical lift?

You should be competent enough to operate the mechanical lift and be aware of safety precautions before, during and after using the mechanical lift.

It is always recommended that two caregivers are present when a mechanical lift is in use.

One to steady the patient and the other to operate the handset.

18. A resident is in a wheelchair, he tries to get up when restraints are taken off. Will you use the restraints? What is the restraint policy?

A restraint is any device, barrier (such as bedside rails), garment (mittens, posy jackets), furniture (Geri chair) or medications that limits or restricts freedom of movement or access to one’s body.

You should be absolutely aware of the restraint policy.

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, threatening a client by applying a restraint is considered an assault, and using a restraint on a client without a Doctor’s order is considered a battery.

Following are some of the key points that can be mentioned as part of your answer:

•  Restraints can never be used for staff convenience,
• Always try to determine the cause of the client’s agitation or behavior,
• Restraint use should always be avoided,
• Informed consent is required,
• Restraints can only be used in extreme cases and when necessary to prevent harm,
• A doctor’s order is required for use of restraints on a client, and
• Least restraint method is to be used at all times
  

Following are some more questions that can be asked during the Personal Support Worker interview.

19. A resident seeks exit all the time. How will you deal with such a resident?

20. You are serving snacks. You notice a resident having a runny nose. How will you deal with the situation, keeping infection control in mind?

21. What type of residents you have experience working with?

22. A resident’s family member yells at you regarding the call bell not answered for the resident. What will be your response?

23. A student is with you for a clinical. How will you teach him/her? What will you teach?

Hope these questions help with your upcoming job interview.

If you have any other questions that you think can be asked in a PSW job interview, please share them in the comments below.

OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR PSW INTERVIEW

Performing well in the interview is just one part of many others needed to secure a PSW Job. 

First and foremost, you’ll need to have an impeccable résumé and cover letter in order to be called for an interview. 

Once you get called for an interview, you can make avail of the following resources to help you better prepare for the interview:

Interview Best Practices Before, During and After the Interview

Three Keys to Success at Your Next PSW Job Interview

32 Tips for Getting that Perfect PSW Job

How to Get Your Résumé Selected and Land an Interview

Preparing and Handling Your PSW Job Interview with Success

Image credit: Used under a Creative Commons Attribution from One Way Stock on Flickr.