35 Activity Director Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Activity Director interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 4. Behavioral Questions
- 5. Career Goals Questions
- 6. Common Questions
- 7. Communication Questions
- 8. Compatibility Questions
- 9. Creative Thinking Questions
- 10. Customer Service Questions
- 11. Direct Questions
- 12. Discovery Questions
- 13. Education Questions
- 14. Experience Questions
- 15. Leadership Questions
- 16. Teamwork Questions
- 17. Trust Questions
Accomplishment
1. What was your most successful activity you had at your previous employer?
How to Answer
There are many fun and successful activities you can mention. Depending on the residents and guests, some activities may go over better than others, and the interviewer wants to hear an activity you planned that was a success. Explain what the most successful activity was had at your previous employer and the rough percentage of participation.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"By far, the most successful activity where we had approximately 80% participation was pet therapy. Every week, I would coordinate with a pet therapy agency, and they would have owners bring in their trained animals for the residents to hold, pet, and admire. The animals would vary week-to-week, and we would see bunnies, dogs, cats, parrots, goats, piglets, and even a llama. It became so popular that we started having the activity twice a week."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Adaptability
2. Suppose one of our residents collapsed during an activity. What would you do?
How to Answer
If a resident collapses during an activity, you need to assess their level of consciousness and determine if they are breathing and have a pulse. You must determine if the resident has a medical emergency and is injured and call for help if needed. The interviewer wants to hear that you have the basic first aid skills required for the position and remain calm under pressure.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"If a resident collapsed during an activity, I would stop the activity and rush to the resident's side to assess their level of consciousness and their pulse and breathing. If the resident were injured or having a medical emergency, I would call 911 and alert my staff of the emergency. I would provide first aid and CPR if needed while keeping the other residents calm."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Adaptability
3. When have you had to adapt your activity planning to meet the needs of residents with a disability?
How to Answer
One of the responsibilities of an Activity Director is to plan activities based on the residents' needs. The activity schedule should include activities for people with all types of disabilities. Often, an Activity Director will need to work one-on-one with a resident to address their disability. Describe when and how you adapted your activity planning to meet the needs of a resident with a disability.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I often have to adapt my activity planning to meet the needs of the residents. Most recently, a resident suffered a stroke and lost the use of her left side, and had balance issues. She had been an active participant in a yoga class offered at the facility but could no longer do the floor exercises after her stroke. I developed chair yoga exercises so the resident could continue doing her yoga in her wheelchair despite her disability."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Ask The Interviewer
4. Do you have any questions about our facility?
How to Answer
Before your interview, you must have done your research to learn everything you can about the facility. You should know who runs the facility, who you would report to, how many employees and residents they have, and what types of activities they provide, among other things. If an interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, you always want to answer in the affirmative. Asking questions shows you are eager to learn as much as you can about the facility and the position you applied for. Ask a question that is not found on their website or job announcement.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have a question that I could not find on your website or in the job announcement. How many Activities Assistants would be reporting to me?"
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Behavioral
5. Who would you report to if hired by our facility?
How to Answer
Before your interview, you must research the facility to learn everything you can. You can look at their website, visit the facility, talk to staff, contact Human Resources, and read online reviews. You should know who runs the facility, who you would report to, how many employees and residents they have, and what types of activities they provide, among other things. The interviewer wants to see that you have done your homework and know who you would be reporting to. If you could not find that information, be honest and say that you did not learn who you would be reporting to while you researched their facility.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"If hired, I would be reporting to the Facility Director, who is Jack Haegman."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Behavioral
6. How well do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
Every profession has stressful situations, and the interviewer wants to hear how you handle stress while remaining calm under pressure. The interviewer wants to see that you can take job-related stress without it negatively affecting your performance. Give an example of how you handle stress without it impacting your job performance.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I handle stress very well. I feel that reacting to the situation rather than to the stress helps me stay focused on the task at hand. For example, my last activity team felt stressed because of tight deadlines with a large event we had planned. I could feel the stress in the team and picked up some of that stress myself. I decided to help alleviate that stress by identifying how we could work more efficiently as a team. Each team member was delegated a certain measurable task, and we enlisted the help of some volunteers. With the extra help, the stress reduced dramatically, and we easily met our deadline."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Behavioral
7. What would you do if you encountered two of your staff arguing in front of the residents?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to gain insight into your conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. They also want to hear what type of leader you are and how you handle disputes among the staff. Explain how you would resolve the issue of two employees arguing in front of the residents and what disciplinary measures you would take if necessary.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"If I encountered two of my staff members arguing in front of the residents, I would ask both of them to come to my office. I would ask them what they are arguing about and try to resolve the conflict. I would tell them that their behavior was unacceptable and that if they have a dispute, they need to take care of it privately and not in front of the residents. I would give them a warning and tell them if this ever happened again, they would be reprimanded based on the policies of the facility."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Career Goals
8. Why did you choose a profession as an Activity Director?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what inspired and motivated you to become an Activity Director. It may be that you were first introduced to the position while working as an Activities Assistant, you have a friend or family member who said you would be an excellent Activity Director, or a professor or guidance counselor recommended you pursue this profession. Describe the reason you chose to pursue this career.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue a career as an Activity Director after working for six months as an Activities Assistant. The director I worked for said I had the skills and leadership qualities to make an excellent Activity Director. The director became my mentor and helped me to achieve my certification. I could not imagine working in any other profession."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Career Goals
9. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your goals and how they align with the Activity Director position. They want to see if you envision yourself with their company in five years or if you will be a short-term hire. Describe your professional goals and how you will achieve them.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"In five years, I will have my Ph.D. and see myself in an administrative role with your company. I will have five years more experience as an Activity Director and feel I will have the knowledge to be an effective administrator."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Common
10. What is your greatest strength as an Activity Director?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what you consider your strongest quality as an Activity Director. Before your interview, reread the job announcement and use a keyword to describe their ideal candidate. If they are looking for an Activity Director that is dependable, creative, compassionate, organized, and energetic, use one of those words to describe your greatest strength with an example to support it.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe my greatest strength as an Activity Director is my organizational skills. Often, I have many projects going at once and a large staff to manage. If I were not organized, it would be easy to become overwhelmed. I use online tools to organize and plan my schedule and prioritize tasks in order of importance. I look at my calendar every night before going to bed, so I know exactly what I have planned for the following day."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Communication
11. How are your communication skills?
How to Answer
As an Activity Director, you must have excellent listening, nonverbal, written, and verbal communication skills. Your responsibilities include effectively communicating with residents and their families, your staff, volunteers, and supervisors. Another job duty that requires excellent communication skills is writing policies and procedures, training programs, activity schedules, and grant proposals. The interviewer wants to hear that you have the necessary skills for the position. Explain how you are an effective communicator by giving an example of your communication skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe I have excellent communication skills. There are many parts to communicating with others, which start with actively listening and observing body language. When assessing a resident, I know how to ask the right questions and listen and document their response. I can then use their answers to formulate an activity plan that works for their specific needs. I am also to effectively communicate to my staff and managers in verbal and written form."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Compatibility
12. If hired, are you available to work weekends and holidays?
How to Answer
Some facilities have their Activity Directors work a Monday through Friday schedule with holidays and weekends off, while others have activity staff working weekends and holidays. Generally, if weekends and holidays are part of the job description, it will be mentioned in the job announcement, so you should already know it is a job requirement.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I am available to work weekends and holidays if hired. I do not have any other obligations that will keep me from working when needed."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Compatibility
13. Do you have reliable transportation?
How to Answer
Interviewers cannot ask if you have a car, but they can ask if you have reliable transportation if it is part of the job requirement. They want to ensure that you will arrive at work on time and be dependable. If you have a car, you can say that you own a reliable vehicle, and they can depend on you to be at work on time. If you use another form of transportation, explain what mode of transportation you use.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have reliable transportation, and you can depend on me to show up for my shifts on time. I bought a new Subaru Outback two years ago and have all of the scheduled maintenance done. It has been a great vehicle, and I have never had a problem with it."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Compatibility
14. What is one area about yourself you believe you could improve upon to be a better Activity Director?
How to Answer
This question is similar to 'describing your greatest weakness.' The interviewer wants to see that you are humble enough to identify areas of improvement and take action to make that happen. Describe an area that you feel you could improve upon as an Activity Director and what steps you are taking to become better.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"One area that I could improve upon is my ability to work with Excel spreadsheets. I understand the basics, but I need to learn so many other features, which would shorten my time on paperwork. I have enrolled in a short, online course in mastering Excel, and it has already taught me shortcuts that will improve my efficiency. Spending less time on paperwork will make me a better Activity Director because I will have more time to spend with my staff and residents."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Compatibility
15. This job requires you to be in good physical shape. Are you capable of standing and walking for extended periods of time?
How to Answer
Activity Directors must be active and in good physical shape since most agencies require standing or walking for long periods, bending, squatting, and lifting heavy objects. The interviewer wants to hear that you have the qualities they are looking for. Describe how you stay in shape and why you feel it is essential to do so.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am in excellent physical shape and have no medical problems. I can walk and stand for long periods and prefer that to sitting at a desk all day. I am very active and exercise at least four to five days a week. I enjoy full-body workouts that work all muscle groups and non-impact cardio exercises, such as cycling and swimming. I feel it is important to stay in shape so I can be a good role model for my family and the residents I work with."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
16. Do you have experience planning activities that tie into the local community and bring residents and the public together?
How to Answer
Some Activity Directors have experience planning activities that tie into the local community, such as story hour with preschool kids or pet therapy with their owners. Other directors do not have that experience but consider their facility and residents a local community. Explain what experience you have with this, and give an example of your planned activities to bring the residents and public together.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do have experience planning activities that bring the public and residents together. I coordinated an 'adopt-a-grandparent' program where parents could bring their children who did not have living grandparents to our facility and 'adopt' a resident. The residents enjoyed having young children visit them, and the children enjoyed hearing stories and receiving small gifts from their adoptive grandparents. It was a huge success, and after there was a local news story about the program, other Activity Directors in the area started implementing the same into their activities."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
17. How would you encourage participation in activities among our residents?
How to Answer
There are many ways to encourage participation among the residents. First, you must ask and listen to what the residents want. If you are creating activities that are not enjoyed, there will be less participation. When you design programs that interest the residents, there will automatically be increased participation. You can encourage friendships among the residents, which helps with accountability, and involve the residents' family members if needed. Choose a method that works for you and explain to the interviewer how you have encouraged participation among the residents.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have had great success with resident participation by asking and implementing activities they want. When I design an activities schedule, I include activities that the residents have asked for, which automatically increases participation."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
18. What type of cognitive programs would you enjoy implementing at our facility?
How to Answer
The types of cognitive programs you would enjoy implementing should be based on the clientele at the facility. Suppose you are applying to a memory care facility where the majority of the residents have Alzheimer's. In that case, your program will differ from that of a cognitive program at a retirement home. Research the facility before your interview to see what programs are already offered and suggest something different than what they already have.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"After looking at your activity schedule and what programs you offer, I would implement the following cognitive programs: large piece puzzles, memory games, and scrapbooking. All of these activities stimulate the brain and have been shown to improve cognitive abilities."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
19. Describe a few low-impact aerobic exercises you would like to implement at our facility.
How to Answer
There are many types of low-impact aerobics that you could implement. Before your interview, it is a good idea to thoroughly research the facility and see what kinds of activities they are already offering. When you answer, the interviewer will get an insight into your creativity and if you looked at their activity schedule. You do not want to suggest a low-impact exercise they already offer.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"After looking at your activities schedule, I noticed you do not offer any yoga, strength training, or swim aerobics classes. Since you have an indoor heated pool, the first exercise I would like to implement is swim aerobics. I had huge success with the number of participants who engaged in the swim aerobics class at a previous facility. Not only was it excellent cardiovascular exercise, but it was an activity even those in physical therapy could participate in. I also think yoga and strength training classes would be very beneficial to the residents, and both can be adapted as a chair exercise."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
20. I am sure you have gotten the chance to research our facility. What activities do you feel are missing or you would like to implement?
How to Answer
You should have taken the time to research the facility you applied to, as the interviewer inferred. While doing your research, you may have noticed their activity schedule on the website. Describe an activity that you would like to implement that was not on their schedule, and explain how that activity has been successful for you in the past.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I have done extensive research on your facility before putting in my application. I looked over your activity schedule on your website, and I love the variety of activities you offer. One thing I would like to implement is offering an activity where we can shuttle the residents to the local casino once a week. I implemented that at my last place of employment, even though I was met with resistance at first from the department head. She did not think it was a respectable activity and told me it wouldn't go over well. I put a sign-up sheet at the activities desk and announced to the residents during breakfast that they could sign up if interested. We had 30 signatures the first day and had to rent an extra shuttle. It was a very successful activity, and they still do their weekly casino trips."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Customer Service
21. Do you have experience talking with and comforting family members that will come to visit their loved ones?
How to Answer
One of the duties of an Activity Director is talking and comforting residents and family members when needed. Family members can become emotional if their loved one is in poor health or has cognitive difficulties or when they pass away. Compassion and empathy are excellent traits for Activity Directors to have, and the interviewer wants to see that you have those qualities and the experience to go with them.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do have experience talking with and comforting family members that come to visit their loved ones. One of my responsibilities at my previous employer was to assess each resident when they moved into the facility. Those assessments usually included at least one family member, but anyone that wanted to participate was welcome. I would talk with the family and answer their questions, and let them know I was always available to talk. There were many times I had to comfort family members when their loved ones became ill, experienced cognitive issues, or passed away. I believe it is necessary to be compassionate and empathetic in this profession."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Direct
22. If hired, when could you start?
How to Answer
If you are currently employed, it is customary to give two weeks' notice to your employer. Explaining to the interviewer that you need to give notice shows you are reliable and respectful to your employer. If you are not currently employed, it is best to say that you can start immediately, which shows excitement and enthusiasm to work for their facility.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I left my last job three weeks ago, so I am not currently working. If hired, I am available to start immediately."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Direct
23. What is the one responsibility as an Activity Director that you dislike performing?
How to Answer
Activity Directors have many responsibilities. They plan and schedule activities, perform assessments, consult with other medical professionals, attend to administrative concerns, and prepare reports to obtain and maintain grant funding. Whatever responsibility you dislike performing, make sure you follow up with a positive response to show the interviewer it won't interfere with your job performance if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"The one responsibility that I like performing the least is writing grant proposals. I understand it is part of my duties, and I have written many grant proposals, but the time it takes away from me interacting with the residents makes it feel burdensome. I turn it into something I don't particularly appreciate performing into something positive when our facility is awarded the grant money, and it improves our residents' lives. Then it seems worth the time I took to write the proposal."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Discovery
24. Describe your passion for helping senior citizens.
How to Answer
You pursued a career as an Activity Director because you enjoy working with and helping senior citizens. The interviewer wants to know why you are passionate about your job. Give an example of why you pursued this line of work and what keeps you motivated to help others.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"My passion for helping senior citizens stems from when I was a child. My great-grandmother was in a skilled nursing facility, and we would visit her at least once a week. The Activity Director would let my brother and me participate in the residents' activities; we were essentially allowed to play with them. I could see the joy on the residents' faces when young kids would visit and participate. I realized that I wanted to pursue this line of work so I could offer the same. It brings me great joy to plan activities that include young children and see the same smiles on the residents' faces. They have told me it makes them feel young again, and that keeps me motivated to keep helping."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Discovery
25. How would your former staff and residents describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear how you think others would describe you and that you are honest and self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Choose two or three traits that are relevant to the position and that you feel accurately describes you. If you have first-hand input from your former colleagues and residents, use their exact words in your answer.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my former job, I sent out a questionnaire to all residents and staff asking what they thought of my performance. I asked what they liked and disliked and was open to suggestions for improvement. I had very positive feedback. Most everyone said I was a good leader, compassionate, and actively listened to their requests. They expressed that I was approachable and easy to talk to."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Discovery
26. How do you like to spend your free time?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get to know you personally by hearing what hobbies or activities you enjoy. They also want to hear that you take care of your physical and mental health by destressing on your days off. Describe healthy activities and hobbies you enjoy in your free time.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my free time, I enjoy gardening, playing with my two kids, and frisbee golf. I love being outdoors and camping at least once a month with my family, where we will hike, kayak, mountain bike, and fish. I also enjoy reading cookbooks and trying out new recipes."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Education
27. What certifications do you have and which do you still plan on obtaining?
How to Answer
If you made it to the interview, you must have the certifications the organization requires. The interviewer wants to verify that you have the credentials that meet the agency's requirements and what future certifications you plan on obtaining. If you do not plan on getting future certifications at this point in your career, mention how you plan on maintaining the current certifications you have.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have my Activity Director Certified credentials through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, which I received four years ago. I also have my CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications, which I just renewed last month. I am also interested in moving into a higher supervisory position within your organization and am working on my master's degree in health administration. I will complete my master's in the next 18 months."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Experience
28. Do you have experience with hiring and training staff?
How to Answer
One of the responsibilities of an Activity Director is to hire and train staff. The interviewer wants to hear if you have experience with performing these duties. If you have experience hiring and training staff, explain your methods. If you are a new Activity Director and do not have experience with these tasks, describe any other experience in a leadership role.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I have three years of experience hiring and training staff. At my previous company, I created the job announcement and reviewed resumes and applications. Once I had narrowed down the qualified candidates, I would invite them to an in-person interview with me and the department head. Once we decided on the ideal candidate, we would offer them the position and start their training program. I also have experience conducting annual training for all employees."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Experience
29. Please name one activity you implemented that was not well received by the residents.
How to Answer
There may be times that an activity you implemented was not well received. The interviewer wants to hear that you are aware of when activities are not well received and do something about it. Describe what type of activity was not well received by the residents and what changes you made.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"One activity that I implemented that was not well received was karaoke. I had a few residents suggest the activity before implementing it, and those were the only residents that participated. I asked the other residents why they were not engaging in the activity, and the response was it was too difficult to read the screen with the words to the song because the words moved quickly. To make the activity more appealing, I suggested that karaoke become a family night activity where visitors could come and sing. After implementing that change, I had a lot more participation."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Experience
30. Tell me about your experience as an Activity Director supervising staff.
How to Answer
As an Activity Director, part of your responsibilities will be to supervise, hire, and train staff. You may also be required to assist the Nursing Supervisor with managing their team. Explain how many years of experience you have supervising staff, and describe your leadership style. The interviewer wants to see that you have the leadership skills and experience they are looking for in a candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have five years of supervisory experience as an Activity Director at my previous facility. My duties included hiring and firing staff, training new and current employees, writing performance reviews, updating the manual of operations, and assisting the Nursing Manager with managing her staff. I was also in charge of supervising volunteer staff when we had a volunteer program."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Experience
31. How often did you try out new activities at your previous facility?
How to Answer
How often an Activity Director tries out new activities depends on the facility's guidelines, the residents' wishes, and staffing. If an Activity Director is understaffed, new activities may not be added as often. It also depends on the cognitive level of the residents or if the residents accept or are resistant to change. Describe your methods and frequency of trying out new activities at your last place of employment.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my previous facility, the residents were very resistant to change. When asked, the residents were happy with the activities schedule and would become upset if their routine changed. I would try out a new activity once a month, but I did not have much participation. If hired here, I would like to try out new activities once or twice a month and see what response I receive from the residents. If they wanted new activities more frequently, I would respond to their wishes and incorporate new activities more often."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Experience
32. Tell me about your experience as an Activity Director.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what type of experience you have as an Activity Director and if you have the qualifications they seek. Most likely, you have met the requirements if you are at the interview. Briefly describe your background and qualifications.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I received my bachelor's degree in recreation therapy from Arizona State University two years ago, and have been working as an Activity Director since graduating. I currently work at Charbaneoux Senior Living Home and am in charge of scheduling the monthly activity calendars, cultural events, therapeutic activities, and game nights."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Leadership
33. What is your leadership style?
How to Answer
Many leadership styles benefit different teams in the workplace. Sometimes, one leadership style will be more effective in specific industries than others. Research the different leadership styles before your interview and choose the one that best describes how you lead a team. Give an example of your leadership skills in the workplace.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would describe my leadership style as a mix of leading by example and delegation. I lead by example by staying involved and working side-by-side with my activity staff and taking the lead on projects, but I also am good at delegating tasks. I feel that when I delegate responsibilities to my staff, they become more confident in their role."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
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Teamwork
34. When have you had a problem with caregivers obstructing your activities? How did you work with them to ensure the residents were able to participate?
How to Answer
There are many situations where caregivers may obstruct your activities. It might be a spouse who is the caregiver and does not want their significant other making new friends, a caregiver who feels that the resident is not mentally or physically capable of participating in activities, or someone who feels the activities are not relevant. If you have ever had a caregiver obstruct your activities, explain the situation and describe how you worked with them. If you have never encountered this, explain that this has not been a problem and tell the interviewer how you would handle this situation if it happened.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have only ever had this happen to me once in my career. I was working at a retirement home, and a resident had early-onset dementia. I had cognitive activities planned that would help her, but her husband refused to let her participate. I asked her husband why he would not let her participate, and he felt what I had planned was 'childish.' He had a hard time accepting his wife was losing cognitive ability. I patiently explained what was going on with his wife's brain and that I was only trying to keep her brain stimulated. I asked if he had any suggestions about what his wife might like that did not seem so 'childish' to him, and he suggested word games since she liked crossword puzzles. I created new activities for her based on his input, and he was more accepting of her participation."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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35. What would you do if you suspected one of our residents was being abused by a staff member?
How to Answer
Healthcare professionals are mandated to report suspected abuse, which typically includes Activity Directors and their staff. The interviewer wants to see if you know the laws regarding alleged abuse and the measures you would take to intervene and report it. Your answer also shows your leadership style and how you handle employee discipline.
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"If I suspected a staff member was abusing a resident, I am mandated to report the incident. I would follow the facility's protocols for reporting and investigating the alleged abuse."
Written by Krista Wenz on October 25th, 2021
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Marcie's Feedback