20 Brookdale Senior Living Interview Questions and Answers

Brookdale Senior Living is one of the largest providers of senior living solutions in the United States. With over 1,000 communities in 47 states, Brookdale is committed to providing quality care and services to seniors.

When it comes to applying for a job at Brookdale, you can expect to be asked a variety of company specific interview questions. These questions will be designed to assess your fit for the role you’re applying for, as well as to get to know you better as a person.

Some examples of Brookdale interview questions you may be asked include:

– What do you know about Brookdale Senior Living? – Why are you interested in working for Brookdale? – What do you think it takes to be successful in a role at Brookdale? – Tell me about a time when you provided excellent customer service. – Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or resident. – Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation. – What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful Brookdale employee?

Answering these questions well will give you a leg up on the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. So

Brookdale Senior Living Interview Process

The interview process at Brookdale Senior Living can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For entry-level positions, such as Caregiver or Cook, the interview process is typically fairly straightforward and may only consist of one or two interviews. For more senior positions, such as Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist, the interview process may be more extensive and may include multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally positive and candidates report feeling well-prepared for their interviews.

1. Why do you want to work at Brookdale Senior Living?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what attracted you to Brookdale Senior Living and how it fits with your career goals. To answer this question, think of specific aspects of Brookdale Senior Living that appeal to you. Consider things like its mission statement, values or recent news stories.

Example: “I applied for this position because I was so impressed by Brookdale Senior Living’s commitment to quality care. In my research, I learned that Brookdale Senior Living has won many awards for its excellent service. I would love to be part of an organization that puts residents first. I also really admire the work culture at Brookdale Senior Living. From what I’ve read, employees are happy and feel valued.”

2. What are your short term and long term career goals?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that values employee growth and development. They want to know that you have goals for your career, both in the short term and long term. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include some steps you plan on taking to achieve these goals.

Example: “My first goal is to become an RN by next year. I am currently enrolled in a nursing program at my local community college. My long-term goal is to work as a nurse manager or director of a senior living facility. To do this, I would like to continue working here until I feel comfortable enough to apply for those positions.”

3. How would you react if a patient was unhappy with their care?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that values the well-being of their patients. They want to ensure that you can handle any challenges that may arise during your time with them. When answering this question, it’s important to show how you would react in such a situation and what steps you would take to resolve the issue.

Example: “If I ever had a patient who was unhappy with their care, I would first ask if there was anything I could do to make them more comfortable. If they still weren’t satisfied, I would speak with my manager about the issue. Together, we would find a solution to help the patient feel better. This process would also allow me to learn from the experience so I can improve my skills.”

4. Do you have experience working in the senior living industry?

This question is an opportunity to share your experience and expertise with the interviewer. If you have previous experience, describe what you did in that role and how it prepared you for this position. If you don’t have senior living experience, explain any relevant work experience that relates to this job.

Example: “I worked as a nurse at a local hospital for five years before moving into my current role as a registered nurse at Brookdale Senior Living. My time as a nurse helped me develop strong communication skills and learn how to manage a team of medical professionals. I also gained valuable insight into the healthcare industry and how to provide quality care to patients.”

5. Describe what compassionate care means to you.

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that values compassion and empathy. They want to know how you would treat their residents with respect, dignity and kindness. Your answer should show the hiring manager that you understand what compassionate care means and why it’s important.

Example: “Compassionate care means treating each resident as an individual. I believe in showing them love and respect while also being honest about any challenges they might be facing. It’s important to me that every person feels safe and comfortable in their surroundings. When I work with seniors, I try to make sure they feel like they have someone who will always be there for them.”

6. What is your experience as a physical therapist assistant?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that offers physical therapy services to their residents. They ask this question to learn more about your experience as a physical therapist assistant and how it relates to the job you’re applying for at Brookdale Senior Living. When answering this question, explain what your role was in the physical therapy department of your previous employer.

Example: “I worked as a physical therapist assistant for five years before I decided to pursue my bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. My primary responsibility was helping patients with mobility issues get ready for their physical therapy sessions. This included getting them out of bed or wheelchairs and into the proper equipment so they could participate in their exercises.”

7. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry client, how did you handle it?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that provides care for seniors, and as such, you may have to deal with clients who are unhappy about something. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle difficult situations. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you can remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I once had a client who was upset because they didn’t like their meal. I listened to them calmly and explained our policy on meals. They were still unhappy, so I offered to get them another meal or give them a discount on their next visit. Eventually, they agreed to take the discount and left happy.”

8. What do you think makes for a good cook?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that offers meals to its residents. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your cooking skills and how you would apply them in the role. To answer, think of what makes a good cook in general. Consider things like attention to detail, creativity and organization.

Example: “I think a good cook needs to be organized and have a lot of patience. It’s important to follow recipes exactly so that everyone gets the same meal. I also think it’s helpful to have some creativity when making meals. You can make something new by combining different ingredients or techniques.”

9. How would you describe yourself as a caregiver?

This question is an opportunity to show your personality and unique qualities. It’s a great time to share any personal anecdotes that relate to the role or Brookdale Senior Living as a whole.

Example: “I am very compassionate, which makes me a good caregiver. I love spending time with residents and making them feel comfortable. One of my favorite things about this job is getting to know each resident and their family members. I try to make sure everyone feels welcome and loved. I also have a lot of patience, so I can handle challenging situations without getting stressed out.”

10. Explain to us why you’re interested in assisted living.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and values. They want to know that you’re passionate about working with seniors, so they can be sure you’ll enjoy your job. Your answer should include details about why you chose this career path and what drew you to it.

Example: “I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially those who are in need of care. I worked as an emergency room nurse for several years before deciding to pursue my dream of working with seniors. I love being able to provide them with the comfort and support they need to live their best lives.”

11. Would you be comfortable assisting patients with personal hygiene?

Brookdale Senior Living facilities often provide care for patients with dementia or other conditions that make it difficult to perform basic tasks like bathing and grooming. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience in this area, as well as how comfortable you are with the process of assisting others with personal hygiene.

Example: “I worked at a nursing home while I was going through my training to become an RN. There were several residents who required assistance with their daily hygiene, so I learned how to help them bathe, brush their teeth and dress themselves. It’s something I’m very comfortable doing, although I do prefer to delegate these tasks to more experienced nurses when possible.”

12. Are you willing to submit to a background check and drug test?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that values the safety of its residents. As such, they require all employees to pass a background check and drug test before starting work. If you are asked this question, it’s important to be honest about your willingness to complete these steps.

Example: “Yes, I am willing to submit to both a background check and drug test. I understand that Brookdale Senior Living has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal substances, so I would never bring any onto the premises. I also understand that my background will be checked by several third parties, including the state department of human resources.”

13. Do you have any medical certifications or licenses?

Brookdale Senior Living is looking for candidates who are qualified to work in a medical facility. They want to make sure you have the necessary certifications and licenses to perform your job duties safely. If you do, list them on your resume or cover letter. If you don’t, explain that you’re willing to get certified if hired.

Example: “I am not currently certified in any medical field. However, I would be happy to take certification courses if hired. I believe my experience working as a nurse’s aide makes me well-suited to this position.”

14. Have you worked with other residents that need help taking medication?

Brookdale Senior Living facilities often have residents who need help taking their medication. The interviewer wants to know if you’ve had experience with this and how you handled it. If you haven’t worked in a facility that has residents needing assistance, explain what you would do if you were faced with this situation.

Example: “I have worked at several facilities where some of the residents needed help taking their medications. I always made sure to ask them about any concerns they may have about taking their medication. For example, one resident was worried about taking her blood pressure medication because she didn’t want to get dizzy. We talked about other ways she could manage her blood pressure without having to take the medication.”

15. How many hours can you commit to working per week?

Brookdale Senior Living is a large company that offers many different positions. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you can work the hours required for their open position. Before your interview, read through the job description and note the requirements for the role. Consider how many hours per week you can commit to working in order to meet these expectations.

Example: “I am available to work 40 hours per week. I have worked full-time roles before, so I know what it takes to be successful in a demanding position. In my last role as an administrative assistant, I was responsible for completing all of my tasks within eight hours each day. I feel confident that I can do the same here at Brookdale Senior Living.”

16. Why do you enjoy being a nurse?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the nursing profession. When answering, it can be helpful to talk about a specific experience you had as a nurse that made you enjoy the job more.

Example: “I love being a nurse because I get to make such a positive impact on people’s lives every day. One of my favorite experiences was when I cared for a patient who was in the hospital after having a stroke. She couldn’t speak and her family wasn’t able to visit often, so she would cry whenever they left. I spent extra time with her each day, talking and playing games, until she started smiling again. It was rewarding to see how much progress she made.”

17. How quickly can you start working?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re ready to start working as soon as possible. They want employees who are dedicated and motivated, so they look for candidates who can start work quickly. When answering this question, be honest about your availability. Explain that you would love to start right away if the job is available.

Example: “I am currently looking for a full-time position, so I’m ready to start immediately. If this job were open, I could start tomorrow.”

18. Are you available to work weekends and holidays?

Senior living facilities often have a lot of events and activities scheduled for weekends and holidays. Employers ask this question to make sure you are available to work these times if necessary. In your answer, let the employer know that you are willing to work any hours needed. Explain that you understand senior citizens may need assistance on these days.

Example: “I am happy to work any hours required. I understand that many seniors live here and they may need help with certain things on weekends and holidays. If you hire me, I will be ready to work any day or time.”

19. Do you have any cooking certifications?

Brookdale Senior Living is a company that focuses on providing quality care for its residents. One way it does this is by hiring culinary professionals to cook meals for the residents. If you have any cooking certifications, be sure to mention them in your answer.

Example: “I do not have any formal cooking certifications, but I did take a few online courses when I was learning how to make my grandmother’s famous chicken and dumplings recipe. I learned some basic techniques from those courses, which helped me perfect the dish. My family still requests that meal every time they visit.”

20. Are you able to lift heavy objects on a regular basis?

Brookdale Senior Living facilities often have residents who need assistance with daily tasks. The interviewer wants to know if you can lift and move heavy objects safely. If you are not comfortable lifting or moving large objects, explain what steps you would take to ensure the resident’s safety.

Example: “I am able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. I always make sure that I’m using proper form when lifting so that I don’t injure myself. In my last role as a caregiver, I had a patient who needed help getting out of bed. I asked for another caregiver to assist me in lifting him from his bed into his wheelchair. We made sure we were both holding onto him securely before standing.”