The interview is your best opportunity to identify caregivers who will provide excellent care and stay with your agency.
Phone Screening (5 Minutes)
- "Are you currently certified as a CNA/HHA?"
- "Do you have reliable transportation?"
- "What schedule are you looking for?"
- "Why are you interested in home care?"
- "When could you start?"
In-Person: Motivation and Character
"What draws you to caregiving?" Great: personal connection, genuine desire to help, specific inspiring experience. Red flag: "I need a job" with no further explanation.
"Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient." Great: specific, detailed story showing empathy and initiative.
"How do you handle a bad day?" Great: self-awareness, healthy coping strategies.
Clinical Competence
"Walk me through assisting a client with bathing who has limited mobility." Listen for: safety awareness, dignity preservation, proper body mechanics.
"A client's BP is 180/110. What do you do?" Great: recognize it's elevated, recheck, report to supervising nurse, document.
Difficult Situations
"A client uses inappropriate language toward you. How do you respond?" Great: maintain professionalism, set boundaries, report to supervisor.
"You arrive and the client has fallen. What steps do you take?" Great: assess before moving, call 911 if needed, contact office, document.
Scoring Rubric
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Exceptional — exceeded expectations |
| 4 | Strong — good with relevant detail |
| 3 | Adequate — acceptable but generic |
| 2 | Below average — concerning elements |
| 1 | Poor — red flags |
Minimum threshold: 3.5 average to receive an offer.
Skills Demonstration
- Take blood pressure
- Proper handwashing (20 seconds)
- Transfer technique demonstration
- Write a sample care note
Build Your Team
Agency in a Box — $5,000 → — Includes interview templates and HR systems.
Adapt questions to comply with your state's employment laws.