The role of an Activity Coordinator at Runwood Homes is a highly rewarding position that brings joy and engagement to residents’ daily lives. Activity Coordinators play a pivotal part in planning, organizing, and delivering stimulating and meaningful activities, ranging from arts and crafts to social events, exercise classes, and therapeutic sessions. With a competitive salary ranging from £22,000 to £26,000 per year, this role is perfect for compassionate, organised, and proactive individuals who thrive in a team environment and are passionate about improving quality of life for older adults.
If you’re preparing for a Runwood Homes Activity Coordinator interview, understanding the questions you may face—and the best ways to answer them—is crucial. This guide includes 25 carefully explained interview questions and answers, covering sample opening questions, competency-based questions, the STAR method, and ending questions. Additionally, we’ll provide interview tips, do’s and don’ts, and guidance from career coach Jerry Frempong to give you a competitive edge.
Sample Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question is your chance to set the tone. Focus on your professional experience, key achievements, and passion for care work.
Answer: “I have over three years’ experience working in care homes, planning and delivering activities tailored to residents’ needs. I’m passionate about creating inclusive and engaging sessions that improve residents’ wellbeing, and I enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues to enhance daily life in care settings.”
2. Why do you want to work at Runwood Homes?
Employers want to see that you’ve researched the company and align with its values.
Answer: “I admire Runwood Homes’ dedication to personalised care and enriching residents’ lives. I want to contribute to a positive and stimulating environment, bringing creativity and energy to your activities programme.”
3. What interests you about the Activity Coordinator role?
Highlight your enthusiasm and relevant experience.
Answer: “I enjoy designing varied and meaningful activities that meet residents’ physical, social, and emotional needs. I’m particularly motivated by the opportunity to build relationships and make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.”
Competency Questions and Answers (STAR Method Recommended)
Competency questions assess your skills, behaviours, and experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
4. Can you describe a time when you motivated a group of residents to participate in an activity?
Answer:
Situation: In my previous care home, many residents were hesitant to join group exercise sessions.
Task: I wanted to encourage participation and make the sessions enjoyable.
Action: I introduced music, themed sessions, and gentle competitions. I personally invited residents and adapted activities to their abilities.
Result: Attendance increased by 50% over two months, and residents reported feeling more engaged and happy.
5. How do you handle challenging behaviour from residents?
Answer: “I stay calm, patient, and empathetic. I try to understand triggers, redirect behaviour positively, and involve colleagues if necessary. For example, when a resident became frustrated during a craft activity, I offered one-on-one guidance and encouraged small achievements, which improved their confidence and participation.”
6. Describe a time you planned a successful event or activity.
Answer:
Situation: We needed to celebrate residents’ birthdays safely during COVID restrictions.
Task: Organise a memorable event with social distancing.
Action: I created individual activity kits, live-streamed a music session, and encouraged participation through interactive games.
Result: All residents enjoyed the celebrations, and feedback highlighted the personal touches as particularly meaningful.
7. How do you assess residents’ activity needs and preferences?
Answer: “I use a combination of observation, care plans, and direct discussions with residents and their families. I track interests and adapt activities to meet both cognitive and physical abilities, ensuring inclusivity and engagement.”
8. Can you give an example of working successfully in a team?
Answer:
Situation: Our care team needed to implement a new weekly activity timetable.
Task: Collaborate to plan and deliver diverse sessions.
Action: I contributed ideas, delegated tasks, and coordinated schedules.
Result: The timetable ran smoothly, and colleagues appreciated the clear communication and collaboration.
9. How do you handle feedback from residents or colleagues?
Answer: “I listen actively and respond positively. Constructive feedback helps me improve activities. For instance, when residents suggested incorporating more arts sessions, I redesigned the programme, which increased engagement and satisfaction.”
10. Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict in a care setting.
Answer:
Situation: Two residents disagreed during a game session.
Task: Mediate without escalating the situation.
Action: I separated the residents temporarily, listened to their concerns, and guided them to compromise.
Result: The situation was resolved calmly, and both residents later participated in another activity together happily.
Behavioural and STAR Questions
11. Describe a situation where you had to adapt an activity last minute.
Answer:
Situation: Planned outdoor gardening was disrupted by rain.
Task: Ensure residents still had an engaging activity.
Action: I quickly organised indoor planting pots and storytelling about nature.
Result: Residents remained engaged, and the activity received positive feedback.
12. How do you measure the success of an activity?
Answer: “I monitor engagement levels, note residents’ enjoyment, gather verbal feedback, and track improvements in wellbeing. I also review care plans to ensure activities support individual goals.”
13. Tell me about a time you demonstrated creativity in your role.
Answer:
Situation: Residents wanted to celebrate a national holiday but couldn’t attend community events.
Task: Organise an in-house celebration.
Action: I planned themed decorations, food, and music, incorporating residents’ memories and stories.
Result: The event boosted morale and fostered social interaction.
14. How do you ensure activities are inclusive for residents with different abilities?
Answer: “I adapt sessions to different levels, use assistive tools, and provide options for participation. I also consult with occupational therapists to ensure activities are safe and stimulating for all.”
15. Give an example of handling a stressful situation effectively.
Answer:
Situation: Two activity sessions overlapped, and staffing was limited.
Task: Ensure all residents still had engaging activities.
Action: I prioritised activities, delegated tasks, and used volunteers efficiently.
Result: Both sessions ran smoothly without compromising residents’ enjoyment.
Technical and Knowledge-Based Questions
16. What do you know about Runwood Homes’ activity programmes?
Answer: “Runwood Homes prioritises personalised, stimulating activities that improve residents’ wellbeing. Their programmes include arts, music, fitness, and social events, all tailored to individual needs.”
17. How do you keep up with best practices in care activities?
Answer: “I attend workshops, read professional publications, and share insights with colleagues. Continuous learning ensures activities remain engaging and evidence-based.”
18. What software or tools have you used to plan activities?
Answer: “I’ve used care management systems, spreadsheets, and calendars to schedule activities efficiently, monitor attendance, and report outcomes to management.”
19. How do you maintain records of activities and residents’ progress?
Answer: “I keep detailed logs in care software, noting participation, preferences, and feedback. This ensures continuity and allows evaluation of the programme’s impact.”
20. How would you handle safeguarding concerns during activities?
Answer: “I follow Runwood Homes’ safeguarding policies strictly, report any concerns immediately, and ensure residents are safe at all times.”
Ending Questions and Answers
21. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to continue developing my skills, potentially leading a team of activity coordinators while contributing to residents’ quality of life at Runwood Homes.”
22. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, could you share more about how Runwood Homes measures the success of activity programmes and supports professional development for activity staff?”
23. What makes you the best candidate for this role?
Answer: “My experience, creativity, and commitment to enhancing residents’ wellbeing make me a strong fit. I combine planning skills with compassion, ensuring activities are inclusive and meaningful.”
24. How do you handle constructive criticism?
Answer: “I view it as an opportunity to improve. I reflect on feedback, adapt my approach, and monitor outcomes to ensure continuous development.”
25. What motivates you in your work?
Answer: “Seeing residents enjoy activities, develop new skills, and feel happy motivates me daily. Making a tangible difference in people’s lives is the greatest reward.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Activity Coordinator Interview
Do’s:
Research Runwood Homes and their values.
Prepare examples using the STAR method.
Dress professionally and arrive on time.
Show empathy and passion for resident wellbeing.
Ask insightful questions at the end.
Don’ts:
Criticise previous employers.
Overlook residents’ individual needs.
Give vague or unstructured answers.
Forget to highlight teamwork and creativity.
Final Interview Coaching Advice
Remember, preparation is key. Practising your responses, knowing your strengths, and understanding Runwood Homes’ ethos will make you stand out. Use resources like interview training and consult an interview coach for personalised guidance. Whether you prefer interview coaching online or in-person, investing time in job interview preparation gives you confidence and clarity.
With over 25 years of experience in career coaching, I, Jerry Frempong, encourage you to approach your interview with positivity, authenticity, and professionalism. Remember, every interview is a chance to show your passion, experience, and commitment to improving residents’ lives. Book a session today with an interview coach to refine your answers and practise techniques that will help you shine.
