Working in adult social care can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also requires specific skills, values and qualities that employers look for. You need to prepare well for the interview and show that you have to support to vulnerable people.
Do not worry if you have not previously worked in care as a good employer should also be looking for transferable skills. You will have skills from both your personal life and any previous employment that could serve you well in a care career.
Common Interview Questions
One of the main goals of the interview is to assess your knowledge, skills and values. You can expect to be asked questions that test your understanding of the role, your character and how you have or would act in a scenario.
Its always beneficial to practice for interviews with someone you know but you could also try the interview warm up from google.
Here are some examples of common interview questions relating to care and how to answer them:
Why do you want to work in adult social care?
This question is designed to explore your motivation and passion for the sector. You should demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in helping and supporting people with different needs and preferences, and that you share the values of dignity, respect, compassion and empowerment. You can also mention any personal or professional experiences that inspired you to pursue a career in care, such as volunteering, caring for a family member or friend, or having a positive role model.
How would you ensure that you provide person-centred care?
This question is designed to assess your ability to put the person at the heart of your practice and to respect their individuality, choices and rights. You should explain that you would always listen, involve them in decision making, and tailor your care to their needs, preferences and goals. You should also give examples of how you would communicate effectively, build rapport, and promote their independence and well-being.
How do you handle challenging situations or behaviours in your work?
This question is designed to evaluate your resilience, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. You should describe a specific situation that you faced or witnessed in your previous or current work, and explain how you handled it in a calm, professional and respectful manner. You should also mention what you learned from the experience and how you applied it to your future practice. You should avoid blaming or criticizing others, and focus on the positive outcomes, solutions and what was learnt.
Virtual Interview Tips
Many employers have switched to phone or virtual interviews to save time. While these formats have some advantages, they also pose some challenges and require some preparation and adaptation. Here are some tips to help you ace a phone or virtual interview:
Prepare your environment
Make sure that you have a quiet, comfortable and well-lit space where you can conduct the interview without any distractions or interruptions. Check your phone or computer settings, internet connection, microphone and camera before the interview and test them with a friend or family member. Have a pen and paper, your resume, the job description and any notes or questions ready.
Dress professionally
Even if the interview is not face-to-face, you should still dress as if you were meeting the interviewer in person. This will show that you are serious and respectful, and that you care about your appearance and impression.
Be punctual and polite
Make sure that you are ready and available at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview. If you are using a phone, turn off any notifications or other sounds that might interfere with the call. If you are using a computer, close any tabs or applications that are not relevant to the interview. Greet the interviewer by their name and title, and thank them for the opportunity. Smile, maintain eye contact and use positive body language throughout the interview.
How to Stand Out from Other Candidates
Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate not only their experience, but also their personality, attitude and potential. To stand out you need to show that you are passionate and proactive.
Do your research
Before the interview, research the service and the role that you are applying for. Find out their vision, values and achievements. This will help you to tailor your answers, ask relevant questions and show your enthusiasm and interest.
It can be beneficial to speak to your prospective employer in advance of the interview or application to get a better understanding of the job role and their organisation. Ensure you have a few questions to ask, such as:
Provide specific examples
When answering the interview questions, use the STAR method to structure your responses. This means that you should describe the Situation, the Task, the Action and the Result of a relevant example from your work or life. This will help you to showcase your skills, achievements and impact in a clear and concise way.
Follow up
After the interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer, expressing your appreciation and interest. This will show that you are courteous and proactive.
What happens if you don’t get the job
Even an unsuccessful interview is an opportunity to learn and develop. If you do find that you weren’t successful this time, you should approach the person who interviewed you and learn what you could work on for next time.