Interview preparation is a crucial part of any type of job application. Whether you’re applying for a support coordinator, social trainer, disability service officer or disability support worker position, it’s important to come across as confident, ready and knowledgeable.

Common interview questions and answers for disability support workers

For disability support workers, the job interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, experience and interpersonal skills. As well as any previous experience and personal qualities.

If you’re currently on the lookout for support worker jobs, then you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we’ll tackle some disability support worker interview questions and answers you’re likely to encounter during your job hunt. Check out the following interview questions for disability support workers as part of your new job search preparation.

Common interview questions and answers for disability support workers

1) Are you able to work under pressure?

I’d like to believe I manage situations as well as I can rather than stress over them. As they say, ‘life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to what happens’. I believe this is true, as problems, no matter how big or small, can get out of hand or unnecessarily stressful, depending on how I treat them.

It helps that I thrive under pressure and welcome challenges – and I’ve been this way. Whilst completing my certificate, I learnt to balance my studies and a part-time job. I also try to balance any pressure and stress by eating healthy and exercising regularly.

Pro tip: The hiring manager would want to get an idea of how well you handle stress, so it would be good to provide examples of how you managed stressful situations successfully – especially ones that are related to the job you’re applying for. You don’t have to use your last job as an example. You can still give great insights using examples from your personal life.

2) Do you have a specific trait you know will help you in the disability support worker position you are applying for?

If there’s one trait I know I’ve developed that will help me in my career as a disability support worker, it would be compassion. In the past, I have volunteered my time to help younger children with their school work. I also love animals so I actively participate in an animal rescue group. I am driven and have a strong desire to help others whenever possible. Both these experiences have motivated me to pursue a career as a disability support worker.

Pro tip: After discussing your experiences, relate them to how the trait/s you developed can help you as a disability support worker. Doing this will show your confidence and passion for the career you’ve chosen.

3) What have you done in the last 12 months to develop personally and prepare for this job?

I enrolled in a Certificate III in Individual Support that has helped prepare me for a role as a disability support worker. I’ve also completed the Skills for Education and Employment Program, and it taught me the importance of great communication skills, particularly active listening, as well as the importance of teamwork, respect, initiative and valuing everyone’s input. These experiences have taught me invaluable skills that help me communicate and relate better with people of different age groups and from all walks of life.

Pro tip: This type of question will give your potential employer an indication of your level of self-motivation. The answer shows that you don’t need to be told what to do in order to grow personally and professionally.

Other possible disability support worker interview questions include the following:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• What sets you apart from other candidates?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you choose this career path?
• What do you know about our company?
• How did you find out about this post?
• Why are you leaving your current job?

Interview preparation tips

• Research the disability support worker job description and the organisation you are interviewing with.
• Be neat and dress professionally.
• Arrive at the interview venue at least 15 minutes early to have time to prepare and gather your thoughts. This would also help in case you have a hard time finding the venue.
• Come prepared with your salary range expectations and questions about the company.
• Greet the interviewer cheerfully, make eye contact and smile!
• Think before answering. Speak openly and clearly.
• Remember to thank the interviewer after the interview, and make sure to ask about the next steps.

Let Centacare help prepare you for disability support work

Starting a new career doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. If you’re looking to build a career in disability support care, Centacare offers an accredited Certificate III Training in Individual Support (Disability) course. Here, you’ll get the preparation and support you need to be interview and job-ready. Plus, did you know about our Student Support Services? Our student support team can provide great insights into preparing for job interviews.

FAQs