The role of a Care Assistant at Runwood Homes is both rewarding and vital. Care Assistants provide essential support to elderly and vulnerable residents, ensuring their comfort, dignity, and overall wellbeing. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, supporting daily living activities, monitoring health conditions, and fostering a compassionate environment. The role typically offers a competitive salary, often ranging from £10.50 to £12.50 per hour, with opportunities for progression and additional training.
Landing a Care Assistant role at Runwood Homes requires more than just compassion; it demands preparation, confidence, and a clear understanding of the interview process. In this article, I, Jerry Frempong, a career coach with over 25 years of experience, will guide you through 25 essential interview questions and answers, from opening questions to competency-based inquiries and closing strategies. You’ll also find expert tips on using the STAR model, dos and don’ts, and ways to boost your chances with interview training, interview coach, and job interview preparation.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is a common opening question designed to ease you into the interview. Your answer should be structured, highlighting relevant experience.
Answer:
“I have over three years of experience in care settings, supporting elderly residents with personal care, medication assistance, and social engagement. I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and have developed strong communication and teamwork skills, which I believe align perfectly with Runwood Homes’ values.”
Tip: Keep it professional, concise, and relevant. Use interview coaching online to refine your personal pitch.
2. Why do you want to work at Runwood Homes?
This question assesses motivation and company knowledge.
Answer:
“I am inspired by Runwood Homes’ commitment to quality care and resident wellbeing. I value the company’s focus on personalised care plans and its supportive team culture, and I want to contribute my skills to ensure residents feel safe and respected.”
3. What do you understand about the role of a Care Assistant?
Answer:
“A Care Assistant supports residents with daily living tasks, including personal hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and social interaction. The role requires empathy, patience, and adherence to health and safety protocols, ensuring residents live comfortably and safely.”
4. How would you handle a resident who refuses care?
Answer:
“I would first try to understand their reasons calmly and respectfully. Communication is key—I’d explain the benefits of the care, offer alternatives, and seek guidance from senior staff if needed. Maintaining dignity and patience is essential.”
5. How do you manage challenging behaviour?
Answer:
“Challenging behaviour can often stem from confusion, frustration, or discomfort. I remain calm, avoid confrontation, and use empathy to understand the root cause. Techniques such as distraction, reassurance, or involving colleagues when necessary are effective strategies.”
6. Can you describe a time you went above and beyond for a resident?
This is a competency-based question. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Answer:
Situation: “One resident was feeling isolated after losing a close friend.”
Task: “I wanted to support their emotional wellbeing.”
Action: “I arranged extra social activities and spent additional time engaging in conversation and hobbies.”
Result: “The resident became more sociable and expressed appreciation, which strengthened our trust.”
Tip: STAR answers show real examples of your skills and achievements. For more guidance, try interview coaching online.
7. How do you prioritise tasks during a busy shift?
Answer:
“I assess urgent needs first, such as medical or hygiene requirements, then plan remaining tasks. Effective time management and communication with colleagues help ensure all residents receive appropriate care.”
8. How would you deal with a medical emergency?
Answer:
“I remain calm, follow training protocols, alert senior staff immediately, and provide necessary first aid within my competency. Documenting the incident and observing the resident closely afterward is crucial.”
9. Give an example of teamwork in your previous role.
Answer:
“I worked with a team to implement a new care plan for a resident with dementia. Regular communication, sharing observations, and adjusting the plan collaboratively ensured the resident’s needs were met successfully.”
10. How do you ensure confidentiality?
Answer:
“I follow GDPR and company policies strictly, only sharing information with authorised staff. Confidentiality is vital to maintaining trust with residents and their families.”
11. How would you support a resident with dementia?
Answer:
“I would use patience, clear communication, and gentle reassurance. Structured routines and engaging activities help provide comfort, while reporting changes to senior staff ensures consistent care.”
12. Describe a time you faced a challenging situation and how you resolved it.
Situation: “A resident became aggressive during personal care.”
Task: “I needed to complete care safely and calmly.”
Action: “I spoke softly, explained each step, and offered a choice to involve another trusted staff member.”
Result: “The resident calmed down, care was completed safely, and a plan was implemented to prevent recurrence.”
13. What motivates you to work in care?
Answer:
“The satisfaction of improving someone’s quality of life and making their day better motivates me daily. The human connection and the impact I can have drive my passion for care work.”
14. How do you handle stress at work?
Answer:
“I prioritise tasks, take brief mindfulness breaks when possible, and communicate with colleagues. Reflecting at the end of shifts and seeking support when needed keeps me effective and resilient.”
15. What would you do if you noticed a colleague not following care procedures?
Answer:
“I would address the situation professionally, either by reminding them of correct procedures or escalating it to a senior team member if necessary, ensuring resident safety remains the priority.”
16. How do you ensure health and safety compliance?
Answer:
“By adhering to policies, attending training, reporting hazards promptly, and following correct handling procedures for medication, equipment, and hygiene standards.”
17. Tell me about a time you received feedback and how you used it.
Answer:
“My supervisor once advised me to improve documentation clarity. I took the feedback seriously, implemented structured notes, and my accuracy and efficiency improved significantly.”
18. What skills make you a good Care Assistant?
Answer:
“Compassion, patience, attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills ensure residents receive personalised and effective care.”
19. How do you handle conflict with a colleague?
Answer:
“I address issues calmly, listen to their perspective, seek common ground, and involve management if needed. Maintaining professionalism and mutual respect is key.”
20. What do you know about person-centred care?
Answer:
“Person-centred care tailors support to each resident’s preferences, history, and needs. It encourages autonomy and promotes dignity, happiness, and wellbeing.”
21. Can you work flexible hours?
Answer:
“Yes, I understand care requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure consistent resident support.”
22. How would you comfort a resident who is upset?
Answer:
“I would listen empathetically, validate their feelings, offer reassurance, and provide distractions or company as appropriate. Emotional support is essential for wellbeing.”
23. Do you have experience with medication administration?
Answer:
“I have experience assisting with medication under supervision, following proper procedures, double-checking doses, and documenting accurately.”
24. What are your career goals in care?
Answer:
“My goal is to continue developing my skills, potentially advancing to a senior Care Assistant or leadership role, while maintaining high-quality resident care.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer:
“Yes, could you tell me more about training opportunities and team development at Runwood Homes?”
Tip: Asking questions shows engagement and interest in personal growth and the company.
General Interview Coaching Tips for Care Assistants
Use the STAR model: Always structure competency answers with Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Do’s: Dress professionally, arrive early, research the company, and practise interview coaching online.
Don’ts: Avoid negative talk about previous employers, over-sharing personal information, or appearing unprepared.
Body language: Maintain eye contact, smile, and show active listening.
Confidence: Speak clearly, take pauses when needed, and convey genuine empathy.
Remember, preparation is the key to success. With thorough job interview preparation, guidance from an interview coach, and practice, you can approach your Runwood Homes Care Assistant interview with confidence.
For personalised support, consider booking a session with an experienced career coach to refine your answers, practise interview training, and ensure you shine in every aspect of the interview. Your dedication and preparation could be the difference that secures your dream role in care.
