Telephone Interview

You will probably want to conduct your first formal interview over the phone. This phone conversation should be used to tell the caregiver about the kind of person they will be looking after, what you are looking for in a caregiver, the start date of the position and the skill requirements that are important for the position. It is also important, even at this early stage to clarify salary expectations with the caregiver to make sure there are no misunderstandings later down the road.

It is vital that you allow the caregiver to talk so you can gage whether this person appears like a suitable candidate to work in the home with your loved one. Although you can tell a lot from a telephone conversation, try not to rule anyone out immediately as many people are nervous and might not be articulate over the phone but may still be very qualified and capable.
 
Suggested questions to ask in the telephone Interview

• Once you have taken the time to describe the position and your requirements you can begin to ask your questions
• How old are you?
• Do you live in the area?
• How many years have you worked with senior persons/ disabled?
• Describe how you have worked as a caregiver and what you can offer my love one?
• When are you available to start work?
• What are your salary expectations?

From asking just these few questions you will be able to gage as to whether this person could be suitable. If however, the person does not suit your needs, say thank you and politely close the conversation to move on to your next phone conversation.

If you are happy with the way the telephone conversation has gone we suggest you set up a face-to-face meeting. It is important that you set up a convenient time and date for the interview and ask them to bring with them:

• ID
• Resume
• Written references
• Valid work permit
• Driving license if the position requires one