An optional meet and greet helps determine if a client is a good fit before booking your first shift.
Treat this as an informal interview to understand the client's needs. You can hold it in person, by phone, or via video call.
Clients might prefer meeting in their home, as it allows you to better understand their specific support needs. If you prefer a neutral location, suggest an accessible, convenient spot near them, such as a local cafe or park.
What information should you share?
- Personal Introduction: Share hobbies and interests to build rapport.
- Client Needs: Ask questions to assess compatibility and answer their queries.
- Experience: Be honest about your skills. Clients may provide training, and Hireup offers online modules for specific support needs, such as bowel care.
- Availability: Be upfront about your schedule to ensure a sustainable match.
What questions should you ask?
Understand the client's requirements by asking specific questions:
- What type of support are you looking for?
- What does a shift normally look like?
- Are you willing to provide practical training to help me understand how you like your support delivered? (This is helpful if you are unfamiliar with a certain support type)
- Do you have any questions for me?
Confirming you are comfortable with these requirements ensures a successful support relationship.
What to do:
- Read the client's profile before attending the meet and greet
- Be punctual; notify the client immediately if you are running late.
- Keep the meet and greet to around 15 minutes
- Keep the conversation professional and relevant to the support the person requires
- Ask questions so you get a good understanding of what is required
- Communicate via the Hireup platform messaging function where possible.
What not to do:
- Do not ignore the client; provide feedback if you are not a right fit.
- Arrive late without notice or cancel without notice
- Start training on the spot. A paid buddy shift or a first shift is the opportunity for training; you will not have the client support plan to read until a booking is on the platform.
- Avoid irrelevant questions regarding sensitive medical or disability information.
What next?
Communicate your decision clearly. Hireup can assist if you need guidance with these conversations.
If you want to continue the relationship
- Message the client on Hireup to express your interest in starting work.
- Remember it is up to the client to decide if they want to book you for a shift
If you don’t want to continue the relationship
Politely inform the client if you are unsuitable for the role:
- Always remember to thank the person for their time.
- Let the client know that you won’t be able to meet their support requirements. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I don’t think I will be the most suitable person to support you with your needs; my experience/availability does not match up with what you are looking for.” OR, “I'm sorry, but I don’t feel I am fully equipped to support you. Thank you for meeting with me, and I hope that you find the right support worker to assist you!”
- Contact Hireup at (02) 9113 5933 or hello@hireup.com.au if you need help with this conversation.