Working as an Activities Coordinator at Care UK is a highly rewarding role that allows you to make a genuine difference in the lives of elderly residents and individuals in care settings. The role involves planning, delivering, and evaluating engaging activities that promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Activities Coordinators collaborate closely with care teams, family members, and volunteers to ensure residents remain active, stimulated, and happy. The position typically offers a competitive salary ranging from £22,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on experience, alongside excellent opportunities for career growth within Care UK.
Successfully securing a position as an Activities Coordinator requires preparation and confidence, especially in interviews. Below, we explore 25 interview questions and answers, broken down into opening questions, competency questions using the STAR model, and closing questions. We will also cover general interview coaching, tips, do’s and don’ts, and advice for maximising your chances of success.
Opening Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is a classic opener where you need to summarise your background concisely. Focus on relevant experience, skills, and passion for care work.
Sample Answer:
“I have over five years of experience working in care homes, coordinating engaging activities for residents. I am passionate about improving wellbeing through social, cognitive, and physical activities, and I take pride in creating inclusive and stimulating programmes. I enjoy working closely with care teams to ensure that every resident feels valued and engaged.”
2. Why do you want to work for Care UK?
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and align your values with theirs.
Sample Answer:
“Care UK has an outstanding reputation for delivering personalised care and promoting residents’ wellbeing. I want to join a team that values innovation in activities and fosters a supportive environment for both residents and staff.”
3. What do you know about the Activities Coordinator role?
Highlight your understanding of responsibilities and expectations.
Sample Answer:
“The role involves planning daily activities that cater to residents’ interests, coordinating with healthcare teams, and adapting programmes for physical or cognitive limitations. It’s about promoting social interaction, creativity, and overall wellbeing.”
4. What motivates you to work in this role?
Share personal passion and connection to the care sector.
Sample Answer:
“I find it incredibly fulfilling to see residents actively participating in activities and enjoying themselves. Making a positive impact on their day-to-day lives motivates me to innovate and plan meaningful experiences.”
Competency Questions Using the STAR Model
The STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a highly effective framework for answering competency-based questions. It helps structure responses clearly and professionally.
5. Describe a time you planned an activity that was successful.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: In my previous role, residents were showing low participation in group activities.
Task: I was asked to design a new programme to increase engagement.
Action: I introduced a weekly themed arts and crafts session tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Result: Attendance doubled, and residents provided very positive feedback, feeling more socially connected.
6. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult resident.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: One resident refused to join group activities.
Task: I needed to encourage participation without making them feel pressured.
Action: I spent time understanding their interests and introduced a one-to-one activity that aligned with their hobbies.
Result: The resident gradually joined group sessions and became actively involved in other activities.
7. Describe an occasion where you worked as part of a team.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: Our care home wanted to celebrate a national awareness week.
Task: I collaborated with the nursing and catering team to plan a full week of activities.
Action: We held meetings, delegated responsibilities, and ensured resources were in place.
Result: The event ran smoothly, residents were highly engaged, and the team received praise from management.
8. Give an example of handling multiple tasks under pressure.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: On a particularly busy day, several activities were scheduled simultaneously.
Task: I had to manage timings and ensure each activity ran smoothly.
Action: I prioritised tasks, delegated responsibilities, and kept open communication with staff.
Result: All activities were successful, and residents remained satisfied and engaged throughout the day.
9. Can you provide an example of improving an activity based on feedback?
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: Residents mentioned they found weekly music sessions repetitive.
Task: I needed to enhance engagement.
Action: I introduced interactive music workshops, including sing-alongs and percussion instruments.
Result: Participation increased by 40%, and residents expressed higher enjoyment levels.
10. Tell me about a time you adapted an activity for a resident with special needs.
Sample Answer using STAR:
Situation: A resident with mobility challenges wanted to join a gardening activity.
Task: I needed to adapt the activity to their abilities.
Action: I created raised garden beds and provided appropriate tools to ensure safe participation.
Result: The resident actively participated and expressed joy in contributing to the garden.
Behavioural Questions
11. How do you build rapport with residents?
Focus on empathy, active listening, and personalised interactions.
Sample Answer:
“I take the time to understand each resident’s interests, history, and preferences. I use this knowledge to tailor activities and provide a friendly, approachable presence that encourages participation and trust.”
12. How do you manage challenging behaviour during activities?
Sample Answer:
“I stay calm, listen to concerns, and redirect behaviour positively. I often plan activities that reduce frustration by ensuring tasks are achievable and enjoyable for all participants.”
13. Give an example of working with a diverse group.
Sample Answer:
“In my previous role, residents had varying cultural backgrounds and abilities. I designed inclusive activities that respected diversity and encouraged everyone to participate comfortably.”
14. How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks?
Sample Answer:
“I focus on the impact of my work on residents’ wellbeing. Even repetitive tasks can be meaningful when they enhance engagement and joy in residents’ lives.”
15. Describe a time you received constructive feedback and improved.
Sample Answer:
“Management suggested my communication could be more proactive during group activities. I introduced clear schedules and explanations for residents, which improved participation and overall engagement.”
Ending Interview Questions and Answers
16. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sample Answer:
“I hope to develop my career within Care UK, taking on leadership responsibilities in activity planning and potentially mentoring new Activities Coordinators.”
17. Do you have any questions for us?
Ask thoughtful questions about team culture, opportunities for growth, or training.
Sample Answer:
“Could you tell me more about opportunities for professional development and how the care home supports ongoing training for Activities Coordinators?”
18. What makes you the ideal candidate?
Sample Answer:
“My experience, creativity, and passion for enhancing residents’ wellbeing make me an ideal candidate. I am confident in delivering engaging activities that meet diverse needs and enhance quality of life.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Interview
Do’s:
Research Care UK thoroughly.
Use the STAR model to structure answers.
Show genuine passion for care and activities.
Dress professionally and maintain good body language.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
Don’ts:
Speak negatively about past employers.
Overlook the importance of teamwork and communication.
Give vague or unstructured answers.
Underestimate the value of punctuality.
Forget to follow up with a thank-you email.
Additional Interview Coaching Tips
Preparing for an Activities Coordinator interview at Care UK can be greatly enhanced with structured guidance. Practising job interview preparation techniques, mock interviews, and receiving personalised feedback from an interview coach can build confidence and ensure you deliver clear, compelling answers. Whether through interview coaching online or in-person, learning how to manage nerves, highlight your achievements, and respond effectively to competency questions can significantly improve your chances of success.
Remember, your goal is to communicate not just your skills, but your passion for creating a positive, engaging environment for residents. Even a small detail, like knowing the latest wellbeing activities trends, can set you apart from other candidates.
For personalised support, you can book interview training, get access to a professional interview coach, or explore interview coaching online to refine your approach and boost your confidence. High-quality interview coaching ensures that your preparation is thorough and aligned with Care UK’s expectations.
Invest in your career today by exploring job interview preparation resources and scheduling an appointment with a professional interview coach here. With focused practice, detailed preparation, and expert guidance, you can walk into your Care UK Activities Coordinator interview with confidence, clarity, and the skills to succeed.
