The role of a Night Care Assistant at Anchor Care Homes is more than just a job; it’s a calling to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life to residents who rely on compassionate support during the night. Night Care Assistants are responsible for assisting with personal care, ensuring safety, supporting medication routines, providing companionship, and responding calmly to emergencies. Typically, salaries for Night Care Assistants in the UK range from £11 to £13 per hour, depending on experience, with opportunities for overtime and professional development.
With care homes being at the heart of community wellbeing, the role requires patience, empathy, reliability, and resilience. Employers at Anchor Care Homes look for individuals who can combine professional skills with a warm human touch. Preparing well for the interview is essential, and that’s where my 25+ years as an interview coach come in. Below, I’ll walk you through 25 detailed interview questions and answers—including opening, competency-based, STAR model, and closing questions—so you feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.
Sample opening questions and answers
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Answer: This is your chance to give a concise, professional summary. For example:
“I’ve worked in care for over five years, with two of those years on night shifts. I’m passionate about supporting vulnerable people, especially older residents, as it gives me the chance to provide comfort and dignity when they need it most. I pride myself on being calm under pressure and having excellent communication skills with both residents and colleagues.”
2. What interests you about working nights in a care home?
Answer:
“I enjoy the quieter environment at night, and I find fulfilment in being that trusted person residents can rely on when they wake up anxious or need assistance. Nights require independence and responsibility, both of which suit my skills and work style.”
3. Why do you want to work for Anchor Care Homes?
Answer:
“I admire Anchor Care Homes for its reputation in providing outstanding care and valuing staff. I want to be part of an organisation that prioritises dignity, respect, and compassion. The opportunity to grow and train within Anchor also excites me.”
Competency-based questions with STAR model answers
4. Can you give an example of when you dealt with a challenging situation during a night shift?
Answer (STAR model):
Situation: “During one night shift, a resident became distressed and refused to return to bed.”
Task: “It was my responsibility to calm them and ensure their safety.”
Action: “I spoke to them in a calm tone, reassured them, and asked open questions to understand what was bothering them. I involved a colleague to provide extra support.”
Result: “The resident settled back into bed peacefully, and my manager later praised me for my calm and patient approach.”
5. Describe a time when you worked effectively as part of a night team.
STAR:
Situation: “We had a short-staffed shift due to sickness.”
Task: “We needed to ensure all residents received the same level of care.”
Action: “I coordinated with my colleagues, divided responsibilities clearly, and stepped in to help with personal care when needed.”
Result: “We completed all tasks on time, and residents were safe and cared for without noticing we were short-staffed.”
6. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a resident.
STAR:
Situation: “A resident was anxious because it was the anniversary of their spouse’s passing.”
Task: “I needed to provide emotional comfort alongside care duties.”
Action: “I spent extra time sitting with them, listened to their memories, and brought them a cup of tea.”
Result: “They expressed gratitude and later told my manager how supported they felt. This strengthened our trust and rapport.”
Additional key interview questions and answers
7. How do you prioritise tasks during a night shift?
Answer: “I assess residents’ immediate needs first, such as personal care or health concerns, then move on to routine checks and documentation. I balance being proactive with responding flexibly to emergencies.”
8. What would you do if a resident refused medication?
Answer: “I would remain calm, explain the purpose of the medication, and encourage them without pressure. If they continue to refuse, I would document it accurately and report it to the nurse or senior on duty.”
9. How do you ensure residents’ dignity and respect at night?
Answer: “I knock before entering rooms, explain what I’m doing, and respect privacy. Even at night, I treat residents as individuals with choices.”
10. Can you describe your approach to safeguarding?
Answer: “Safeguarding is about protecting residents from harm. If I notice any concerns—be it neglect, abuse, or unusual behaviour—I follow policies, document accurately, and report immediately to my senior.”
11. How do you handle working long hours overnight?
Answer: “I pace myself, stay hydrated, and maintain focus with short breaks when appropriate. I also prepare mentally before shifts and ensure good rest during the day.”
12. How would you support a resident experiencing confusion or dementia symptoms at night?
Answer: “I’d use reassurance, simple communication, and gentle redirection. Keeping calm helps reduce distress and builds trust.”
13. What would you do in the event of a fire or emergency during a night shift?
Answer: “I would follow the fire safety procedure, raise the alarm, assist residents to safety in line with training, and keep communication clear with the team.”
14. What motivates you to work in care?
Answer: “I’ve always been motivated by making a difference in people’s lives. Knowing that my work contributes to residents feeling safe and valued keeps me passionate.”
15. How do you handle confidential information?
Answer: “I follow GDPR and company policies, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis with appropriate staff.”
16. How would you support a resident who struggles to sleep?
Answer: “I’d use calming techniques such as offering a warm drink, listening to concerns, or suggesting gentle activities like reading.”
17. How do you deal with pressure or stress during busy shifts?
Answer: “I stay calm, focus on one task at a time, and communicate openly with my team. I use time management skills and deep breathing techniques.”
18. What skills do you bring that make you suited to night care?
Answer: “I’m independent, reliable, and able to work calmly without constant supervision. My empathy and communication skills are also strong.”
19. How do you document and hand over effectively to the day team?
Answer: “I ensure all notes are accurate, detailed, and completed before handover, highlighting any incidents, changes in health, or concerns.”
20. Tell me about your experience with moving and handling residents.
Answer: “I’ve been trained in safe moving and handling techniques, always prioritising resident comfort and safety while working in line with policies.”
21. How do you ensure teamwork on nights?
Answer: “Even with fewer staff, I believe communication is vital. I keep colleagues informed, share responsibilities, and support each other.”
22. What would you do if a colleague wasn’t pulling their weight?
Answer: “I’d remain professional, offer support where possible, and if the issue continued, raise it with the shift leader to ensure residents’ care isn’t compromised.”
23. What do you consider the most important quality of a Night Care Assistant?
Answer: “Compassion. Skills can be trained, but genuine compassion ensures residents feel safe and valued.”
24. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I’d like to continue working in care, possibly progressing to senior carer or taking specialist dementia training. Anchor’s career development opportunities attract me.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Good examples:
“What training opportunities are available for night staff?”
“How do you support staff wellbeing on night shifts?”
“What does success look like in this role after six months?”
Do’s and Don’ts for your Anchor Care Homes Night Care Assistant interview
Do: research the company and values, arrive early, dress professionally, prepare STAR examples, and ask thoughtful questions.
Don’t: speak negatively about past employers, give one-word answers, or forget to highlight your passion for care.
General interview coaching encouragement and tips
As someone who has worked as an interview coach in the UK for over 25 years, I want to encourage you: confidence comes from preparation. Whether you’re new to care or experienced, the interview is your chance to showcase not only your skills but your heart for the role. Practice answers aloud, use the STAR model for competency questions, and always emphasise dignity, respect, and compassion.
Remember, Anchor Care Homes wants you to succeed—they’re looking for people who genuinely care.
If you’d like personalised interview coaching online, tailored job interview preparation, and professional interview training, I invite you to book a session with me directly at Interview Training. Together, we’ll refine your answers, boost your confidence, and give you the tools to succeed.
