Completing your personal support worker (PSW) training was the first step. But now that you’re looking to transition into the workforce, one key hurdle remains: the job interview. Preparing to face a hiring manager can be stressful, but learning about the questions you’ll likely face is a great way to calm your nerves and boost your confidence.

Questions like “why do you want to work here?” and “what are your biggest strengths?” are pretty standard for any position. And you should definitely be prepared for questions like “are you able to work shift work?” and “can you work nights and weekends?” But in this post, we’re focusing on specific PSW job interview questions that relate to what you would do in an actual job situation. Keep reading for sample questions and answers, plus extra tips on how to prepare.

Amind continuing high demand for personal support workers in Ontario, the government is relaunching a special bursary to help PSW students pay for tuition and costs during their internship. 

The Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund provides money for tuition, textbooks, and supplies, plus a stipend to support students while they’re on work placements. It debuted in 2021 and was such a success that the government is bringing it back for 2022.

Have you thought about becoming a personal support worker but didn’t think you could afford tuition? Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to get your PSW program at no cost to you. 

Keep reading to learn about eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and other key facts about the Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund. 

Photo: Shannon McGrath in her personal support worker uniform

After working at Tim Hortons for 18 years, Shannon McGrath was ready for a change.

She wanted a job with more meaning. She wanted a career that felt challenging, where she could actually make people's lives better.

So, despite deep fears about returning to school, Shannon took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Personal Support Worker program at Herzing College Ottawa.

She struggled with a learning disability and battled with anxiety, but in the end, Shannon made it through.

In fact, she was so successful, she was offered a PSW job after her internship at Cité Parkway Retirement Residence, where she still works today.

We interviewed Shannon to get her review of the PSW program. We asked about her experience in class and how she feels about her new career.

Read on for the full story.

Photo: Krizia Mae Macusi at Hillel Lodge where she was hired as a Personal Support Worker after graduating from Herzing last May.

Residents of Hillel Lodge, the only charitable, Jewish, faith-based long-term care facility in Eastern Ontario

As most people know, the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly stressful and dangerous for elderly citizens in long-term care facilities. 

Older people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.  

Meanwhile, social distancing rules have also taken a toll, isolating seniors from family and friends, and restricting their participation in community activities. 

Never have we relied so heavily on the dedication, skill, and compassion of long-term health care professionals to keep our loved ones safe and well. Nurses, care home staff, and personal support workers are on the front lines of this struggle.

Updated January 2023

Death and dying are everyday realities for personal support workers. Many PSWs care for seniors in their homes, or in long-term care facilities, where an estimated 20 per cent of residents pass away each year.  

PSWs often provide end-of-life care, where they specialize in helping clients (and their families) with life's final transition. But despite all of this direct experience, personal support workers still struggle with loss when a client dies.