Questions and answers
IRT: common questions about working there
Hiring process, interview format, pay bands, benefits — sourced from IRT's own materials and our editorial review.
- What to Expect in an IRT Interview
IRT interviews are warm, purpose-driven, and values-focused. The organisation is looking for people who genuinely care about older Australians and who align with IRT's values of trust, integrity, and community. For care and nursing roles, interviews are typically face-to-face at the relevant facility. Clinical roles may include scenario-based questions about care delivery, while corporate roles follow a more standard competency-based format.
- Why do you want to work in aged care, and why IRT specifically?
Be genuine and specific. If you have personal connections to aged care — through family experience, volunteering, or previous work — share them authentically. Connect your answer to IRT's mission of creating better lives for older Australians and, if applicable, your connection to the Illawarra or local NSW community. Interviewers immediately distinguish genuine motivation from rehearsed answers.
- How do you support a resident or client's independence and choice?
Person-centred care is fundamental at IRT. Describe your approach to listening to what each individual wants, respecting their choices even when you might do things differently yourself, and supporting their independence wherever safely possible. Mention relevant training or experience in person-centred care frameworks if you have it.
- How do you manage your workload when you have multiple clients or residents with competing needs?
Describe how you prioritise based on urgency, safety, and care plans. Emphasise communication with your team, handover practices, and documentation. Show that you understand the importance of both clinical priorities and emotional wellbeing when making care decisions under a busy schedule.
- What would you do if you had a concern about a colleague's behaviour towards a resident?
This is a safeguarding question. Be clear that you would report any concern through the appropriate channels — whether to your direct supervisor, the facility manager, or through IRT's confidential reporting mechanisms. Show that you understand the importance of protecting residents from harm and that you would not stay silent out of loyalty to a colleague.
- How long does the IRT hiring process take?
From application to start date typically takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly pre-employment checks can be processed. Having your National Police Clearance, WWVP card, and AHPRA registration (if applicable) ready in advance significantly speeds up the process.
- Does IRT conduct working interviews or trial shifts?
For some care roles, IRT may arrange an orientation visit or supervised shift as part of the final assessment stage. This allows both the candidate and the organisation to ensure the role and environment are the right fit before a formal employment offer is made.