The care management recruitment market is looked on as a candidate lead market. But it is still very important that, as a care manager, you impress the care home owner when attending an interview.

At Point Nine Recruitment we understand that going on an interview can be a daunting experience, so we have provided you with some useful advice to help you to prepare.
The more prepared you are the better your chances. We have listed below some of our helpful tips on how to have a successful interview and get the care management job you want.

1. Preparing for the Interview
Do as much "homework" on the Company as you can to find out about the business they are in. Most companies will have a website containing lots of information. If not, use more traditional methods such as the local library or simply call and ask them to send you some information.
Make sure you have a full understanding of all the duties and skills required within the care management role.
Re-familiarize yourself with your CV and be prepared to describe your previous care management roles and responsibilities with the interviewer.
Be prepared to describe how you meet the requirements of the position you will be interviewed for and why you are the right person for the job.
Always ensure you know exactly where your interview will take place and give yourself plenty of time to get there. If possible, do a trial run a few days prior to the interview, to make sure you know exactly how much time you will need to get there. Be mindful of traveling during rush hour as this can sometimes double your traveling time.
Make sure you know the name(s) of the person or people interviewing you.
Check beforehand if you need to take anything with you or if any assessments will be taking place.

2. Dressing for an interview
Recruitment decisions are based on several different factors, but it is worth remembering that first impressions count. You should dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. Listed below are some tips on how to dress for an interview:
• Wear a businesslike suit in a conservative colour
• Clothes are clean and crisply ironed, shoes are clean
• Hair is clean and neatly styled
• Keep perfume/aftershave to a minimum

3. During the interview
Always be polite and friendly to everyone that you meet and if appropriate, make conversation with the reception staff.
When you enter the room, stand up straight, smile and give your interviewer a firm handshake.
Don’t get flustered, speak clearly and calmly
Be positive and wait for the interviewer to finish their sentence-don’t interrupt them.
If you don’t fully understand a question, ask for it to be repeated. If you can’t answer a question because you don’t have the relevant experience, try to give an answer that is as close as you can to what they are looking for.
Keep to the point and answer the question that has been asked. Don’t get sidetracked and go off the point.
If you feel that you have not been asked enough questions or feel you need to further express your suitability for the role, ask them if you can tell them more about yourself and possibly ask a couple of questions that are relevant to the company and the position.
If appropriate, ask how many other people are being interviewed for the position, what the next stage will be and when you can expect to hear from them.
Finally, thank your interviewer for their time, smile and give them a firm handshake.

5. Interview Do’s and Don’ts
• Do prepare fully for your interview.
• Do feel comfortable with your clothes but be smart and businesslike.
• Do smile and be polite to everyone you meet.
• Do make sure you get there on time, if you are late make sure you call to let them
• know.
• Do think positive and relax.
• Don’t be negative
• Don’t make critical comments about former employers  (this is the most popular
•  complaint from clients).
• Don’t tell lies, as you’ll nearly always be found out.
• Don’t underplay your achievements, sell yourself.
• Don’t panic.

6. Frequently asked questions
Most interviewers will ask similar questions. So prepare yourself prior to the interview. Try to think about, and if possible write down the questions you think that you might be asked and how you will respond to them. Listed below are some examples of some typical interview questions.

Here are a few frequently asked questions:
• Tell me/us about yourself.
• What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses as a care manager?
• What are the main responsibilities and duties in your current position?
• What do you most enjoy about your current care manager role?
• Do you enjoy working on your own or as part of a team?
• Can you describe a time when you’ve faced a difficult challenge and how you
• overcame it?
• What interested you in this position?
• What skills could you bring to this position?