The role of a Maintenance Technician at Anchor Care Homes is both vital and rewarding. As the UK’s largest not-for-profit care home provider, Anchor Care Homes depends on skilled Maintenance Technicians to ensure that every home is safe, well-maintained, and comfortable for its residents. This role goes beyond fixing leaks or checking fire alarms—it is about creating a safe and dignified living environment for older people, where quality of care is supported by the highest standards of facilities management.
The job description typically includes carrying out day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance, compliance checks, and ensuring that equipment and systems meet health and safety regulations. Maintenance Technicians often work closely with care staff, managers, and external contractors, so strong communication and teamwork are essential.
Salaries for Maintenance Technicians at Anchor Care Homes vary depending on experience and location, but typically range between £23,000 and £28,000 per year, with opportunities for overtime and additional benefits. For those who enjoy problem-solving, hands-on technical work, and making a positive difference in residents’ lives, this is a role worth pursuing.
As an interview coach with over 25 years of experience supporting candidates across the care and facilities management sector, I know that job interview preparation makes all the difference. Below, I’ve compiled 25 key interview questions with detailed answers tailored for the Maintenance Technician role at Anchor Care Homes. These are structured to give you a competitive advantage and demonstrate competency using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
1. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is usually the opening question. Keep your response professional and relevant.
Sample Answer:
“I am a qualified Maintenance Technician with over six years of experience in residential and healthcare facilities. I specialise in electrical and plumbing repairs, preventative maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. I enjoy working in care home environments because I understand how important it is for residents to live in a safe, well-maintained space. I take pride in solving problems quickly and being approachable to both staff and residents.”
2. Why do you want to work at Anchor Care Homes?
Interviewers want to see motivation and alignment with company values.
Sample Answer:
“I admire Anchor Care Homes for its reputation as the largest not-for-profit care home provider in the UK, with a clear commitment to resident wellbeing. I want to be part of an organisation where my skills directly improve people’s lives. Working here gives me the chance to use my technical expertise while supporting a compassionate mission.”
3. What experience do you have in building maintenance?
Focus on hands-on skills and specific systems.
Sample Answer:
“I have experience in electrical repairs, plumbing, heating systems, carpentry, and basic painting and decorating. In my previous role at a residential care facility, I also carried out routine compliance checks on fire alarms, emergency lighting, and water systems to ensure full health and safety compliance.”
4. How do you prioritise maintenance tasks when several requests come in at once?
Competency and decision-making.
Sample Answer (STAR):
Situation: At my last job, I often received multiple urgent requests.
Task: I had to manage workload efficiently without compromising safety.
Action: I assessed each request by urgency, impact on residents, and compliance risk. Emergencies such as fire alarm faults took priority, while minor tasks were scheduled later.
Result: This method ensured that all safety-critical tasks were resolved quickly, keeping the facility compliant and staff confident in my reliability.
5. What health and safety standards are important in this role?
Sample Answer:
“Key standards include fire safety, electrical compliance, COSHH regulations, water safety (Legionella prevention), and safe use of tools and equipment. I also understand the importance of conducting risk assessments and maintaining detailed compliance records.”
6. Tell me about a time you solved a difficult maintenance problem.
Use the STAR model.
Sample Answer:
Situation: A care home’s heating system failed during winter.
Task: I had to restore heating quickly to protect vulnerable residents.
Action: I diagnosed the issue as a boiler pump failure, arranged an emergency replacement part, and set up portable heaters temporarily.
Result: Heating was restored within 24 hours, and residents stayed comfortable. Management praised my quick thinking and organisation.
7. How do you handle emergency repairs outside of normal working hours?
Sample Answer:
“I remain calm, follow set protocols, and act quickly to stabilise the situation. For example, if there was a burst pipe, I would first shut off the water supply, assess damage, and take immediate action before arranging follow-up repairs.”
8. What do you do if you are asked to carry out a repair beyond your expertise?
Sample Answer:
“I always prioritise safety. If the task requires specialist knowledge—such as gas boiler work—I would isolate the system, make the area safe, and escalate to a qualified contractor, ensuring minimal disruption to residents.”
9. How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations?
Sample Answer:
“I carry out routine checks, keep detailed records, and ensure that all maintenance tasks meet required standards. I also regularly attend training to keep my knowledge current.”
10. Can you give an example of working with residents or vulnerable people?
Sample Answer:
“In my previous care facility role, I often interacted with residents when carrying out repairs. I always communicated clearly, explained what I was doing, and respected their space. This built trust and reduced anxiety for residents.”
11. What experience do you have with planned preventative maintenance (PPM)?
Sample Answer:
“I have scheduled and carried out PPM on fire alarms, boilers, lifts, and water systems. This reduces emergency breakdowns and ensures compliance.”
12. How do you stay organised and manage documentation?
Sample Answer:
“I use digital systems and logbooks to record every check and repair. This provides an audit trail and ensures compliance with CQC inspections.”
13. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard?
Sample Answer:
“I would immediately isolate the area, report the hazard, and carry out emergency repairs if safe to do so. Safety always comes before convenience.”
14. Describe a time you worked well as part of a team.
Sample Answer (STAR):
Situation: At my last role, a lift broke down.
Task: I worked with external contractors and care staff to manage the issue.
Action: I coordinated resident movement while contractors repaired the lift.
Result: Residents remained safe and calm, and the issue was resolved smoothly.
15. How do you maintain confidentiality in a care home?
Sample Answer:
“I understand that care homes handle sensitive information. I never discuss resident details, and I always follow data protection policies.”
16. Tell me about a time you had to meet a tight deadline.
Sample Answer:
“I was asked to complete fire alarm testing before a CQC inspection. I worked systematically, documented everything, and finished within 48 hours, ensuring compliance.”
17. How do you deal with stress in this role?
Sample Answer:
“I remain calm under pressure, use prioritisation skills, and focus on solving problems step by step. I also maintain clear communication with staff to manage expectations.”
18. What skills make you the best candidate for this role?
Sample Answer:
“My strengths include problem-solving, technical skills across multiple trades, communication with residents and staff, and a strong knowledge of health and safety compliance.”
19. How would you contribute to Anchor Care Homes’ values?
Sample Answer:
“I would ensure that residents live in safe, comfortable surroundings and that staff can rely on my support. I would uphold values of respect, responsibility, and teamwork.”
20. What motivates you in maintenance work?
Sample Answer:
“I am motivated by solving problems and knowing that my work directly improves residents’ quality of life. I enjoy the variety and challenge of the role.”
21. What tools and equipment are you most confident with?
Sample Answer:
“I am skilled with electrical testing equipment, plumbing tools, power tools, and diagnostic devices. I always use them safely and maintain them in good condition.”
22. What would you do if you disagreed with a manager’s instructions?
Sample Answer:
“I would respectfully explain my concerns, particularly if they involved safety. If required, I would follow escalation procedures, ensuring professionalism.”
23. How do you ensure residents’ dignity during maintenance work?
Sample Answer:
“I always knock before entering, explain what I am doing, and work quickly and discreetly. Residents’ comfort comes first.”
24. What questions do you have for us?
Always prepare thoughtful ending questions.
Sample Questions:
“What are the biggest maintenance challenges in this care home?”
“How is success measured for a Maintenance Technician at Anchor Care Homes?”
“What training and development opportunities are available?”
25. Do you have any final words?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity. I believe my skills, experience, and values make me a strong fit for this role, and I’m excited to contribute to Anchor Care Homes’ mission.”
Do’s and Don’ts in Your Maintenance Technician Interview
Do’s:
Do prepare examples using the STAR model.
Do demonstrate knowledge of health and safety regulations.
Do show empathy for residents.
Do ask insightful ending questions.
Don’ts:
Don’t give vague or generic answers.
Don’t dismiss health and safety concerns.
Don’t speak negatively about past employers.
Don’t forget to highlight teamwork and communication skills.
Final Interview Coaching Encouragement
As someone who has coached candidates for over 25 years, I encourage you to remember: interviews are not designed to catch you out. They are opportunities to showcase your skills, your professionalism, and your potential to contribute positively to the team. By preparing with structured answers, practising with an interview coach, and focusing on your value, you will walk into the room with confidence.
If you would like further support with interview training, job interview preparation, or personalised interview coaching online, I invite you to book a session with me. With tailored coaching, mock interview practice, and proven strategies, I can help you achieve interview success.
👉 Book your interview coaching appointment today
