β¨ What They Want to Hear
Person-centred
Adaptable
Empathetic
Crisis-ready
Trauma-informed
Boundaries
- Meet people where they are β respect autonomy, collaborate on goals
- Be flexible β no two days or clients are the same
- Build trust with people who have reasons not to trust
- Stay calm in crisis β know when to involve the care team
- Caring but clear professional limits
- Understand the impact of trauma on behaviour
π¬ Likely Questions
"Tell us about yourself / why Connective?"
Brief background β tie experience to their mission β mention person-centred approach
"What does person-centred care mean to you?"
Respecting autonomy, collaborating on goals, not imposing your plans
Crisis scenario β agitated client, refusal of support
Stay calm, non-judgmental, ensure safety, de-escalate, involve care team if needed
Boundaries scenario β client asks for money or personal favours
Firm but kind, maintain relationship, redirect to appropriate supports
"Experience with relevant populations?"
Have specific examples: developmental disabilities, spectrum disorders, mental health, conflict with the law
"How do you work independently?"
Self-motivated, organized, balance documentation with relationship-building
"Adapting your approach?" β behavioural question
Use STAR method (Situation β Task β Action β Result) Β· Keep to ~2 min
"Schedule / transportation?"
Confirm availability + vehicle insured for business use up to $1M liability
β‘ If Asked Why You Left
"My previous position ended due to circumstances outside my control β it wasn't performance-related. I valued my time there because it gave me hands-on experience with [relevant skills / populations]. It reinforced that direct client support is where I want to be, and Connective's mission really resonates with me."
- Say "my position ended" β keep it neutral
- Pivot quickly to what you learned and why you want THIS role
- If pressed: "Without-cause dismissal, no performance concerns"
- Don't say "fired" or "let go"
- Don't over-explain or get emotional
- Never badmouth the previous employer
π Your Questions for Them
"What does a typical Monday look like for this role?"
"How large is the caseload?"
"What supervision and support does the team provide?"