As a professional interview coach with over 25 years’ experience supporting candidates across the care and hospitality sectors, I want to walk you through everything you need to know to shine in your Anchor Care Homes Catering Assistant interview.
The role of a Catering Assistant at Anchor Care Homes is a vital one. You’ll be directly contributing to residents’ health, wellbeing, and comfort by preparing, serving, and supporting the delivery of nutritious meals in a homely environment. Typical duties include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, complying with food safety regulations, and working closely with the care team to meet dietary needs.
According to industry averages, Catering Assistants in UK care homes can expect a salary of around £20,000 to £23,000 per year (depending on location and experience). It’s not just a job, though – it’s a role where you make a genuine difference to people’s daily lives.
With that in mind, let’s break down 25 detailed interview questions and answers you may face when applying for a Catering Assistant position at Anchor Care Homes. I’ll also share practical job interview preparation tips, how to use the STAR model, and what to do – and not to do – in your interview.
Sample Opening Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This is often the very first question. Keep it professional and concise.
Answer:
“I’ve worked in catering and hospitality for over four years, including in a care home setting. I enjoy preparing meals that make a difference to people’s daily lives, and I’m passionate about maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Outside of work, I like to bake, which keeps my skills sharp. I’m now looking to grow within a caring organisation like Anchor Care Homes where I can combine my catering skills with a people-focused environment.”
2. What interests you about working as a Catering Assistant at Anchor Care Homes?
Show enthusiasm for both the role and the organisation.
Answer:
“I admire Anchor Care Homes’ reputation for delivering quality care and creating a homely environment. I believe food is central to wellbeing, and I want to contribute to residents’ daily enjoyment and comfort. The chance to work in a supportive team and play a meaningful part in residents’ lives really excites me.”
Competency-Based Questions Using the STAR Method
Employers want real-life examples of your experience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
3. Tell me about a time you worked under pressure in a kitchen.
Answer:
Situation: In my previous role, the kitchen was short-staffed during a busy lunchtime service.
Task: I needed to help prepare meals quickly without compromising on quality or hygiene.
Action: I organised ingredients in advance, delegated small tasks to colleagues, and kept communication clear.
Result: We served all meals on time, residents were happy, and management praised our teamwork.
4. Describe a time you helped a team achieve a goal.
Answer:
Situation: During an inspection at a care facility, our team needed to demonstrate compliance with hygiene standards.
Task: I was responsible for ensuring the kitchen was spotless.
Action: I implemented a cleaning rota, double-checked food storage, and encouraged team accountability.
Result: The inspector commended our cleanliness, and we passed with flying colours.
Role-Specific Interview Questions and Answers
5. How would you ensure meals meet residents’ dietary needs?
Answer:
“I would always check dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences with the care team. I’d carefully follow recipes and portion guidelines, label food correctly, and communicate with colleagues to avoid cross-contamination. Attention to detail is key.”
6. What do you understand about food hygiene regulations?
Answer:
“I know food hygiene is essential, especially in a care home. I’ve completed Food Hygiene Level 2 training, so I understand correct storage, temperature controls, and cleaning practices to prevent contamination. Following these regulations is second nature to me.”
7. How would you support residents who need assistance at mealtimes?
Answer:
“I’d offer respectful, patient help – such as cutting food into manageable pieces or providing adapted utensils. I’d also work with care staff to ensure each resident feels comfortable and dignified.”
8. How would you handle a resident refusing a meal?
Answer:
“I’d speak with them gently to understand why, and offer alternatives if possible. I’d then inform care staff to make sure the resident’s needs are monitored and met.”
9. Can you describe how you’d maintain cleanliness in the kitchen?
Answer:
“Regular cleaning schedules, correct storage, proper waste disposal, and keeping all surfaces sanitised are key. I’d also ensure equipment is cleaned after every use to maintain a safe environment.”
10. What do you enjoy most about catering work?
Answer:
“I enjoy creating meals that people genuinely enjoy and working in a team to keep everything running smoothly. Seeing residents smile when they enjoy their food is the most rewarding part.”
Teamwork and Communication Questions
11. How would you describe your communication style?
Answer:
“I’m clear, respectful, and supportive. I like to keep communication open to avoid mistakes and make sure everyone feels included.”
12. What would you do if you noticed a colleague not following hygiene rules?
Answer:
“I’d discreetly remind them of the correct procedure and why it’s important. If the issue continued, I’d raise it with the supervisor to protect residents and maintain safety.”
13. How do you work with care staff to support residents?
Answer:
“I make sure to listen to their instructions, share updates about food preparation, and adapt to residents’ needs. Collaboration is essential for smooth care delivery.”
Behavioural and Values-Based Questions
14. How do you handle feedback from supervisors?
Answer:
“I view feedback as an opportunity to grow. For example, when a manager suggested I improve my time management, I started preparing ingredients earlier – which improved efficiency.”
15. Describe a time you showed compassion in your work.
Answer:
“In a previous role, I noticed a resident was struggling with their appetite. I took time to sit with them, ask what they enjoyed, and prepared a small portion of their favourite dessert. It made them smile, and the care team appreciated my thoughtfulness.”
Practical Knowledge Questions
16. How would you respond to a fire or emergency in the kitchen?
Answer:
“I’d stay calm, follow fire safety procedures, switch off equipment if safe, and evacuate as directed. I know safety always comes first.”
17. What steps do you take to avoid cross-contamination?
Answer:
“I always use separate chopping boards and utensils, wash hands frequently, label food correctly, and store raw and cooked items separately.”
18. What’s your approach to portion control in a care home?
Answer:
“I’d follow dietary guidelines and instructions carefully. Portion control is important for both nutrition and minimising food waste.”
Motivational and Personality Questions
19. Why should we hire you for this Catering Assistant role?
Answer:
“I bring a mix of catering skills, strong hygiene knowledge, and compassion for residents. I’m reliable, positive, and motivated to contribute to Anchor Care Homes’ high standards.”
20. How do you stay motivated in repetitive tasks?
Answer:
“I focus on the bigger picture – that even small tasks contribute to residents’ wellbeing. I also take pride in maintaining high standards every day.”
Ending Interview Questions and Answers
21. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare thoughtful questions.
Answer:
“Yes – could you tell me more about training opportunities for Catering Assistants at Anchor Care Homes? And how do teams collaborate with care staff to support residents’ nutrition?”
22. What would you do in your first week if hired?
Answer:
“I’d take time to learn the kitchen routines, get to know my colleagues, and understand residents’ dietary needs. Building good relationships from the start is important to me.”
23. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer:
“I’d like to grow within the organisation, possibly training towards a senior catering role, and continuing to contribute to high-quality care.”
24. What strengths do you bring to this role?
Answer:
“My strengths include organisation, teamwork, and compassion. I’m practical, reliable, and always willing to help.”
25. What would you like to achieve at Anchor Care Homes?
Answer:
“I’d like to provide consistent support to residents, be part of a positive kitchen team, and contribute to making meal times enjoyable every day.”
General Interview Coaching Encouragement and Tips
Here are my top interview coaching online tips to help you succeed:
Do arrive on time, smile, and greet your interviewers warmly.
Do use the STAR model to answer competency-based questions clearly.
Do research Anchor Care Homes’ values and be ready to show how you align with them.
Don’t speak negatively about past employers.
Don’t give overly short or vague answers.
Remember: interviews are not just about what you say, but also how you make the panel feel. Stay positive, professional, and show that you care about making a difference.
If you’d like tailored support with your job interview preparation, you can book a personalised session with me. As an experienced interview coach, I specialise in interview coaching online, providing one-to-one interview training to help you feel confident and perform at your best.
👉 Book your professional interview coaching appointment today and take the next step towards your dream role at Anchor Care Homes.
