Care Worker and Support Worker Interview Questions and Answers (UK): Adult Social Care

Applying for a care worker or support worker job in the UK can feel nerve-wracking if you have not done an interview for a while, or you are new to care. The good news is that care interviews are mostly about your values and your common sense. Managers are asking one question over and over in different ways: can we trust this person to treat vulnerable people with respect and keep them safe?

This guide explains what happens at a care interview, the questions that come up most often (including questions people search for such as "why do you want to work in care?" and "what is safeguarding?"), and sample answers you can shape into your own.

What to expect at a care worker interview

Most care providers, whether they run a care home, domiciliary care, supported living or an agency, use a values-based interview. The aim is to find out what you believe about care, not just what you have done before. You might also be asked to complete a short written task, take part in a group interview, or visit the home for an informal chat with the people who live there. Interviews usually last 30 to 45 minutes. You will need an enhanced DBS check, references and often a health declaration. Many providers also run a short induction and shadowing shifts before you start.

Interview question: Why do you want to work in care?

This is nearly always the first question. Avoid "I like helping people" on its own, because everyone says it. Say why, with a real experience. For example: "When my grandmother needed carers at home I saw how much difference one good carer made to her day, and also what it looked like when care was rushed. I want to be the kind of carer who takes the time to listen." If you have no personal story, you can talk about what you enjoyed in a volunteer role, a previous customer-facing job or caring for a family member.

Interview question: What does dignity and respect mean in care?

Show practical examples. Dignity means treating the person as an individual, giving them choices, protecting their privacy and not talking over them. "It means knocking before entering a room, closing the door and curtains during personal care, asking how they like things done instead of assuming, and talking to them, not about them." Mention that you would encourage independence, for example letting someone wash their own face if they can.

Interview question: What is safeguarding and what would you do if you suspected abuse?

Safeguarding means protecting adults at risk from abuse and neglect. Under the Care Act 2014, abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, discriminatory or organisational. A strong answer: "If someone told me something worrying or I saw signs of harm, I would make sure the person was safe, listen without asking leading questions, not promise to keep it secret, write down exactly what was said and seen as soon as possible and report it to my manager or the safeguarding lead straight away. If the manager was involved I would go to the local authority safeguarding team or CQC." Make clear you would never investigate yourself and never ignore it.

Interview question: How would you deal with a resident who refuses care or is aggressive?

Stay calm, give space, do not take it personally and find out why. People living with dementia or distress may be frightened, in pain or confused. "I would stay calm, speak gently, try to understand if something was upsetting them and offer a choice or come back later. If they were still refusing I would not force them. I would record it and tell my senior, because there may be a reason, such as pain or a medical issue." Mention the Mental Capacity Act: people are assumed to have capacity to make their own decisions, even unwise ones, unless assessed otherwise.

Interview question: What would you do if a colleague was not following procedures?

This tests honesty and whistleblowing. "If I saw something that put a resident at risk I would speak up. I would raise it with my manager and, if needed, follow the whistleblowing policy. Residents come first." Never say you would ignore it or just tell your friends.

Interview question: How do you maintain confidentiality?

Mention not discussing residents outside work, keeping records secure, following GDPR and only sharing information on a need-to-know basis. Be aware of the limits: confidentiality is not kept where someone is at risk of harm, and you would tell your manager.

Interview question: Tell me about a time you showed patience or compassion

Use a real story from work, volunteering or family life. Give the situation, what you did and what happened. It does not need to be dramatic. A small example, such as sitting with an anxious person until they were calmer or helping a relative through a hard day, shows exactly what the manager wants to see.

Interview question: How would you handle medication?

Care workers must only administer medication if they have been trained and signed off by the employer. "I would only give medication after the right training and competency check, follow the MAR chart exactly, check the right person, drug, dose, time and route, record it straight away and report any error or refusal to my senior." If you have no experience, say you would not handle medication until trained.

Interview question: What is person-centred care?

It means care is built around the individual, their wishes, history and preferences, not a one-size-fits-all routine. You can mention care plans, getting to know people's life stories, involving families where appropriate and respecting choices about food, clothing, routine and activities.

Interview question: Are you happy to work shifts, weekends and nights?

Care is 24 hours, so be honest. If you have restrictions, say so early. Managers appreciate reliability and would rather know now than find out later.

Care Certificate and training

In England, new care workers usually complete the Care Certificate, 15 standards covering the basics from communication to infection control. Mention that you are keen to complete it and to progress to a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in adult care. Employers often fund this, so ask what training is offered.

Questions to ask at the end

• What does the induction and shadowing look like?

• How many people do you support on a typical shift?

• What is the staff turnover and how do you support your team?

• What career progression is there?

Common mistakes

• Saying you want a job because it is easy. Care is rewarding but demanding.

• Giving answers about rules with no human warmth.

• Not knowing the basic terms, such as safeguarding, dignity and confidentiality.

Quick answers

Do I need experience to be a care worker? Not always. Many providers train new staff, and your values count most.

Do I need a driving licence? For homecare it is usually helpful or essential. Check the advert.

Will I need a DBS check? Yes, an enhanced DBS is required for care work.

What should I wear? Smart and comfortable. Avoid strong perfume and jewellery that could catch.

Our question bank includes care and support roles with model answers, and every role has five questions free so you can practise before the real thing.

Practise for specific roles

Pick your role: Care Assistant, Support Worker, Domiciliary Care Worker, Care Home Manager.