What to expect
Most care interviews are in person at the care home or office. Some are by video or phone. You'll usually meet a manager or senior carer.
You might also be shown around, asked to fill in some forms, or meet some of the people you'd support. The invite should tell you what to expect. If it doesn't, it's fine to ask.
You don't need to know everything about care. Employers expect to train you. They want to see that you're kind, honest, reliable and willing to learn.
Questions you might be asked
About you
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want to work in care?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What hours can you work? When can you start?
Values questions
These ask what matters to you. There's no trick: answer honestly and give an example if you can.
- What does treating someone with dignity mean to you?
- How would you make sure someone feels respected?
- Tell us about a time you helped someone.
- What does good care look like to you?
- Tell us about a time you worked as part of a team.
Scenario questions: “What would you do if…?”
These check how you'd handle real situations. Think about what's best and safest for the person. It's fine to say you'd ask for help.
Someone you support doesn't want to get washed today. What would you do?
A good answer: Respect their choice and stay calm. Ask why, and offer another time or a different way. Don't force them. Write down what happened and tell a senior colleague if you're worried.
You notice a bruise on someone and they won't say how it happened. What would you do?
A good answer: Don't ignore it. Tell your manager or the person in charge straight away, and write down what you saw. Employers want to know you'd speak up if someone might be at risk.
A family member is upset and raising their voice at you. What would you do?
A good answer: Stay calm, listen and don't argue. Say you understand they're worried. If you can't help, find a senior colleague who can.
Someone tells you something private and asks you to keep it secret.
A good answer: Be kind, but don't promise to keep a secret. Explain that if it's about someone's safety, you have to tell your manager.
You're running late for a home visit. What would you do?
A good answer: Let the office or your senior know as soon as you can, so they can tell the person you're visiting.
How to answer: use real examples
The best answers tell a short, true story. Your example can come from any part of your life, not just work: caring for a family member, bringing up children, volunteering, helping a neighbour, a customer service job, or school and college.
Use three simple steps:
- What happened: set the scene in a sentence.
- What you did: the main part. Say what you did and why.
- How it turned out: what changed, or what you learned.
“My grandad lives alone and started forgetting to eat. I set up a weekly visit, cooked with him and made a simple meal plan we stuck on the fridge. He started eating better and looked forward to my visits. It taught me that small things, done every week, make a real difference.”
Questions to ask them
At the end you'll usually be asked, “Do you have any questions?” Asking a few shows you're serious, and helps you decide if the job is right for you. Pick two or three.
- Pay
- What is the hourly rate?
- Is there a different rate for nights, weekends or bank holidays?
- For home care: am I paid for travel time between visits?
- Hours
- How many hours are guaranteed each week?
- What does a normal rota look like, and how far ahead do I get it?
- Training
- What training will I get at the start?
- How will you support me with the Care Certificate?
- Can I do qualifications later on?
- Shadow shifts
- How many shadow shifts will I do with an experienced colleague before I work on my own?
- Travel
- Do I need to drive?
- Is mileage paid, and how much?
- Support
- Who do I ask if I'm not sure what to do?
- What does a typical day look like?
- Next steps
- When will I hear back?
- Who pays for the DBS check?
What to bring
The invite should tell you exactly what to bring. If it doesn't, ask. Employers often ask for:
- Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
- Proof of your right to work in the UK. Every employer must check this. Depending on your situation this could be your passport or a share code. See GOV.UK: prove your right to work.
- Documents for your DBS check, if they ask. This is often ID and proof of your address, such as a recent bank statement or bill.
- Names and contact details for your references.
- Any certificates you have, such as first aid or qualifications.
- Your questions, written down, and a copy of your CV.
Questions about visas? Read our visa sponsorship page.
On the day
- Plan your journey and aim to arrive 10 minutes early.
- Wear something clean, neat and comfortable. You don't need a suit.
- Put your phone on silent.
- Smile, be friendly to everyone you meet, and be yourself.
- If you're running late or can't make it, call them as soon as you can.
What happens next
If they offer you the job, the offer usually depends on some checks. These often take a few weeks.
- References. Usually from your last employer. If you haven't worked before, a teacher, tutor or volunteering organiser may be able to give one. Employers don't usually accept family members.
- An enhanced DBS check. Most care roles need one. Your employer will explain how to apply and which documents you need.
- A right to work check, if they haven't done it already.
Then you start your induction. This often includes training, shadow shifts with experienced colleagues, and starting the Care Certificate, which is usually completed in your first few weeks.
Didn't get the job? Ask for feedback. It can help you next time. Keep applying: every interview is good practice.
Got the job? Congratulations! Share your new job with #workinsocialcare. Still applying? Read how to write a CV and how to write a cover letter.