Interviewing for a Personal Assistant

jazabelle

Next week I'm holding an interview for a personal assistant for me.

I want the interview to last about half an hour, but a lot of the questions I'm answering are quick answers.

I'm not sure how many questions to ask to make it last half an hour? I know it's not an absolute, it depends how much people talk. I've got about 11 questions so far, but that includes the yes/no answers.

Googling brings up a lot of questions aimed more at care workers in homes, i.e. what would you do if you came across someone collapsed, or whatever.

I would like to ask questions on confidentially (i.e. don't gossip about me!), prompting me (medication/appointments), working at their own initiative (I don't want to have to keep telling them to do a job, but have someone who sees something, and sorts it.)

Any ideas? I don't want them to be yes/no questions. Also concious a lot of the people that have applied haven't had many related jobs, so might find it difficult to use examples.

One person has never worked at all, and has no references. Would I be mad to interview her?

One person that has applied is Polish. I'm led to believe Motability insurance states they have to have a British driving licence. I haven't asked her yet, but am I right about this?

Any tips on this process are appreciated!

DomRavioli

jazabelle wrote: »

Next week I'm holding an interview for a personal assistant for me.

I want the interview to last about half an hour, but a lot of the questions I'm answering are quick answers.

I'm not sure how many questions to ask to make it last half an hour? I know it's not an absolute, it depends how much people talk. I've got about 11 questions so far, but that includes the yes/no answers.

Googling brings up a lot of questions aimed more at care workers in homes, i.e. what would you do if you came across someone collapsed, or whatever.

I would like to ask questions on confidentially (i.e. don't gossip about me!), prompting me (medication/appointments), working at their own initiative (I don't want to have to keep telling them to do a job, but have someone who sees something, and sorts it.) Maybe speak to your local council's social services department to get some advice? If you have a social worker they may also be able to help you.

Any ideas? I don't want them to be yes/no questions. Also concious a lot of the people that have applied haven't had many related jobs, so might find it difficult to use examples.

One person has never worked at all, and has no references. Would I be mad to interview her? Possibly. But everyone had a time where they had no experience, had never worked and no references.

One person that has applied is Polish. I'm led to believe Motability insurance states they have to have a British driving licence. I haven't asked her yet, but am I right about this? Ring Motability and ask them directly - best to get it from the horses mouth, and get them to send it in writing just in case.

Any tips on this process are appreciated!

Hi OP.

Popped a few bits above - social services are great for things like this as they liaise with agencies all the time who provide staff. I'd also be inclined to take people who have an NVQ or considerable experience within your needs field (don't want to pry, but the main ones are physical, mental health, learning disability, and sensory disability). I'd also want a full 5 year history with references as you're letting a complete stranger in your home into a position of trust.

You'd probably need for them to have a DBS as well to be on the safe side; I'm not sure how you'd go about that though, as I've always dealt with umbrella companies - I'm sure that social services will be able to help you with that one as well.

Can I ask why you've decided to source one yourself? It is a lot of work, and unless you're familiar with the system, or you have a lovely social worker/care team/MDT, you can get in a pickle very quickly.

There are plenty of great agencies out there, including care provided through the local authority if you are eligible for services, but it is your choice at the end of the day.

Just make sure you get at least an enhanced DBS check for anyone you hire, you never know someone's past and there's a lot of dishonest people out there, who like to try and take advantage of the vulnerable and disabled.

Hope its helped a bit, please come back to me if you need anything else, and I shall hopefully be able to point you in the right direction.

bizzybee

http://www.myplacect.org/media/1031/yane_you_are_now_the_employer_handbook.pdf

Even though this document is American, if you go to page 30-ish there are some good open questions.

nannytone_2

dont under estimate how important personality compatability is.
alongside the 'interview' type quesyions it's a good idea to 'chat' a bit too, just to find out likes/dislikes stc.
i dont have any physical care needs past help dying my hair and painting my nails so getting on with my PA is one of the most important things as she spends a lot of time with me!
once your PA starts to work with you, they will quickly pick up your routine and how you like to do things.
even silly things such as knowing which side i like my PA to walk on... knowibng that i like doors to be left fully open and even that i like all my cup jandles to face the same way in the cupboard ( i know it sounds OCD but i am blind and knowing where the handles are makes life easier)
in fact she has even started doing things 'my way' at home
i think you will gain more knowledge by just talking rather than asking job specific questions more than is nexessary

Errata

Googling brings up a lot of questions aimed more at care workers in homes, i.e.
what would you do if you came across someone collapsed, or whatever.Tell me what actions you would take if you found me collapsed or unconscious

I would like to ask questions on confidentially (i.e. don't gossip about me!),Tell me what you understand about client confidentiality and what confidentiality means
prompting me (medication/appointments),Tell me how you will ensure I take my medication properly and remember my appointments
working at their own initiative (I don't want to have to keep telling them to do a job, but have someone who sees something, and sorts it.)Give me some examples of when you've used your initiative when caring for someone

Any ideas? I don't want them to be yes/no questions.

Hope this helps you

Cyclamen

hello I use an agency now.. lack of applicants in this area for my hours but have previously employed PA's.

Make sure you are knowledgeable of all the admin side, sick pay, holiday pay, contracts, insurance, tax and so on...

Make sure the person has a right to work in UK, DBS check, Drivers license references etc.

I intriduced myself and asked them what they knew about my disability.. pointsto anyone who had tried to google etc.. and then explained about my limitations, what help i wanted etc.

I asked if there was anything they would be nervous doing .. i have help washing and dressing and both my PA's were nervous about hurting me as they helped me.. so it was useful to reassure them.. after all even if you offer the job you have to see if they accept. The lady i employed was concerned incase my condition was terminal as she had recently lost a friend she cared for.. understandable but thankfully its not.

I then had a chat.. as Nanytone said you spend a fair amount of time with your PA so personality is the most important factor in my eyes.. everything else can be explained and taught that I need.

We talked about pets.. as i have a dog and pet owners like talking about their animals so they relax and you can see them with the 'interview mask' slipped.

I interviewed in the job center first time , an dlater from bed at home (not ideal but i was in a bad patch). On both cases i made it clear that they didn't need to come suited and booted in interview clothes, just in normal dress. Trying to make them relax and be themselves.

I asked about cooking skills and what they like to cook/eat.. they would be preparing my tea so this was useful but again chance to see a bit about them.

I asked about their interests.. to see if we had thinsg in common.

I asked about any relevant qualifications an dexperience.. quite a fwe people had experience of caring for relatives etc even if they didnt have a relevant job.

Why do they want to be a PA? Why did they pick your advert to apply to?

Future plans.. are they heading off to uni in October? Would you be a 'stop gap' whilst they find a better job? How flexible are they if you need extra hours one week?

Good luck interviewing.. if the person doesn't 'feel right' to you they probably arent right!

If you dont find someone from this round of interviews you can try again

jazabelle

DomRavioli wrote: »

Popped a few bits above - social services are great for things like this as they liaise with agencies all the time who provide staff. I'd also be inclined to take people who have an NVQ or considerable experience within your needs field (don't want to pry, but the main ones are physical, mental health, learning disability, and sensory disability). I'd also want a full 5 year history with references as you're letting a complete stranger in your home into a position of trust.

Thank you. Social Services are involved - it's a Personal Budget. The choice was for SS to provide an agency, or the money to employ someone directly.

That's where their involvement ends. There is another charity that helps with Payroll/contracts and legal help, but I need to interview. Everything else is taken care of.

No one that has applied has an NVQ. Some have experience in care, some don't.

DomRavioli wrote: »

You'd probably need for them to have a DBS as well to be on the safe side; I'm not sure how you'd go about that though, as I've always dealt with umbrella companies - I'm sure that social services will be able to help you with that one as well.

Yes, they have given me the funds as part of my budget to DBS them.

DomRavioli wrote: »

Can I ask why you've decided to source one yourself? It is a lot of work, and unless you're familiar with the system, or you have a lovely social worker/care team/MDT, you can get in a pickle very quickly.

It's just the way it works, as mentioned above. There is a lot of support through the process, the only bit that I really have to do is the interview.

DomRavioli wrote: »

There are plenty of great agencies out there, including care provided through the local authority if you are eligible for services, but it is your choice at the end of the day.

They do provide agency care - but they dictate times, even if it doesn't suit you, and you don't choose who you get. Also a lot of the help I need is driving me places, helping with my wheelchair, and stuff outside the house. So I think this is the right route for me.

Thanks so much for your help!

Richie-from-the-Boro

Most agency work 40+ mindbogglingly split shift hours to earn a living and are treat like slaves. Many of these individuals have level 3 NVQ H&SC including IV-DA. Depending on security of a long term job offer at the right pay package many would consider leaving to offer their services. If you can offer the right reward many might consider a part time let alone a full time secure offer. You would however need to find [poach] such staff to come to you from the dark side. My advice would be to have an employment agency find you and pre-interview / DBS / contract of employment / etc a suitable employee - only then should you get on board personally with a 121 interview.

jazabelle

nannytone wrote: »

dont under estimate how important personality compatability is.
alongside the 'interview' type quesyions it's a good idea to 'chat' a bit too, just to find out likes/dislikes stc.
i dont have any physical care needs past help dying my hair and painting my nails so getting on with my PA is one of the most important things as she spends a lot of time with me!
once your PA starts to work with you, they will quickly pick up your routine and how you like to do things.
even silly things such as knowing which side i like my PA to walk on... knowibng that i like doors to be left fully open and even that i like all my cup jandles to face the same way in the cupboard ( i know it sounds OCD but i am blind and knowing where the handles are makes life easier)
in fact she has even started doing things 'my way' at home
i think you will gain more knowledge by just talking rather than asking job specific questions more than is nexessary

Thank you, and I agree - personality, clicking with them and feeling comfortable is my highest criteria. Thanks for your points, I will keep them in mind.

jazabelle

Errata wrote: »

Hope this helps you

Thank you!

jazabelle

Cyclamen wrote: »

hello I use an agency now.. lack of applicants in this area for my hours but have previously employed PA's.

Make sure you are knowledgeable of all the admin side, sick pay, holiday pay, contracts, insurance, tax and so on...

Make sure the person has a right to work in UK, DBS check, Drivers license references etc.

Thank you. There is an organisation that handles all that - although I will check everything to cover myself!

Cyclamen wrote: »

I intriduced myself and asked them what they knew about my disability.. pointsto anyone who had tried to google etc.. and then explained about my limitations, what help i wanted etc.

My condition name wasn't on the advert, and so when I emailed them I said what I had. It's a bit of a test - as I will be asking them about it, to see if they googled it and showed an interest!

Cyclamen wrote: »

I asked if there was anything they would be nervous doing .. i have help washing and dressing and both my PA's were nervous about hurting me as they helped me.. so it was useful to reassure them.. after all even if you offer the job you have to see if they accept. The lady i employed was concerned incase my condition was terminal as she had recently lost a friend she cared for.. understandable but thankfully its not.

A really good idea to ask them that. I'll make a note.

Cyclamen wrote: »

We talked about pets.. as i have a dog and pet owners like talking about their animals so they relax and you can see them with the 'interview mask' slipped.

Good idea. The application they applied on asked if they disliked animals (not my application form choice!) and they all said no. But it's a bit of a silly question, as I don't dislike all animals, but if someone had a pet spider I'd be out of there!

Cyclamen wrote: »

I interviewed in the job center first time , an dlater from bed at home (not ideal but i was in a bad patch). On both cases i made it clear that they didn't need to come suited and booted in interview clothes, just in normal dress. Trying to make them relax and be themselves.

The charity helping me are giving me an interview room, which is good.


Thanks for all the other suggestions, they're really helpful!