The role of a Home Manager at Runwood Homes is both challenging and rewarding. As the person responsible for the overall management of a care home, you are expected to lead staff, ensure the highest standards of care, and oversee operational performance. This role requires excellent leadership skills, empathy, and strong organisational ability. Typically, the salary ranges from £40,000 to £50,000 per year, reflecting the seniority and responsibility required. Securing this position demands not only a strong CV but also confidence in the interview, where both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills are tested. This blog provides a detailed guide to 25 interview questions and answers, helping you prepare effectively for a successful outcome.
Opening Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us about yourself?
This is a common opener. Keep your answer concise, focusing on your career journey, experience in care management, and your passion for providing high-quality care.
Answer: “I have over 10 years of experience in care management, leading teams of up to 50 staff members. My passion lies in ensuring residents receive exceptional care while supporting staff development. At my previous home, I implemented new quality standards, resulting in improved CQC ratings.”
2. Why do you want to work at Runwood Homes?
Show you’ve researched the company and align with their values.
Answer: “Runwood Homes’ reputation for high-quality, resident-focused care aligns with my own values. I admire the company’s commitment to staff training and innovative care approaches, and I want to contribute my leadership skills to further enhance resident well-being.”
3. What do you know about Runwood Homes?
Demonstrate research. Mention key facts, number of homes, CQC ratings, and values.
Answer: “Runwood Homes operates over 50 homes across the UK, consistently achieving good CQC ratings. The focus on personalised care, staff development, and a positive home environment aligns with my philosophy of care management.”
Competency Questions and STAR Model Answers
Competency questions evaluate your skills through real-life examples. Using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) ensures structured, impactful answers.
4. Describe a time you improved a care home’s performance.
Answer:
Situation: The previous home I managed was rated ‘Requires Improvement.’
Task: I needed to implement changes to improve care quality.
Action: I conducted staff training, revised care plans, and introduced regular audits.
Result: Within six months, the home achieved a ‘Good’ CQC rating.
5. How do you handle conflicts between staff members?
Answer:
Situation: Two senior carers had ongoing disagreements.
Task: Resolve conflict while maintaining a positive work environment.
Action: I held individual meetings, facilitated a mediated discussion, and clarified roles.
Result: Staff cooperation improved, and team performance increased.
6. Can you give an example of leading a team through change?
Answer:
Situation: A new electronic care system was introduced.
Task: Ensure smooth adoption by staff.
Action: I organised training sessions, offered one-on-one support, and created feedback loops.
Result: System adoption was successful, improving record-keeping and resident satisfaction.
7. Tell us about a time you ensured compliance with CQC regulations.
Answer:
Situation: During an inspection, documentation was inconsistent.
Task: Ensure full compliance before the next inspection.
Action: I implemented standardised care plans, conducted staff workshops, and introduced audit checks.
Result: The home passed inspection with no recommendations.
8. How do you motivate your team?
Answer:
Situation: Staff morale was low due to high workloads.
Task: Rebuild motivation and engagement.
Action: I introduced recognition programmes, regular team meetings, and personal development plans.
Result: Staff engagement improved, and turnover decreased by 20%.
9. Can you describe a challenging resident situation and how you managed it?
Answer:
Situation: A resident with dementia was becoming increasingly agitated.
Task: Ensure the resident’s well-being while maintaining safety.
Action: I collaborated with the care team, adjusted routines, and introduced personalised activities.
Result: The resident’s behaviour improved, and family satisfaction increased.
10. How do you manage budgets and resources?
Answer:
Situation: A home needed to reduce costs without compromising care.
Task: Review and manage the budget effectively.
Action: I analysed expenditures, negotiated supplier contracts, and streamlined staffing rotas.
Result: The home reduced costs by 10% while maintaining service quality.
Behavioural Questions
11. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult family complaint.
Answer: I listened empathetically, investigated the issue, implemented changes, and followed up. The family expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
12. How do you prioritise tasks during busy periods?
Answer: I assess urgency, delegate tasks appropriately, and ensure critical resident needs are always met.
13. Give an example of how you developed a member of staff.
Answer: I identified training needs, created a mentorship plan, and monitored progress. The staff member later achieved promotion.
14. Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned.
Answer: I underestimated the time for a project, learned to plan more realistically, and now always include buffer time in schedules.
15. How do you promote a culture of safety?
Answer: By enforcing strict protocols, conducting regular audits, and encouraging open communication about risks.
Technical and Knowledge-Based Questions
16. What are the key responsibilities of a Home Manager?
Answer: Leadership, staff management, regulatory compliance, resident care, budgeting, and liaising with families and regulators.
17. How do you ensure high-quality care delivery?
Answer: Regular staff training, monitoring outcomes, personalised care plans, and continuous feedback loops.
18. Explain your experience with CQC inspections.
Answer: I prepare documentation, lead audits, coach staff, and ensure policies are fully implemented, resulting in successful inspections.
19. How do you manage medication and care plans?
Answer: Through regular audits, staff training, and strict adherence to protocols to ensure safety and compliance.
20. What IT systems have you used in care management?
Answer: I have used electronic care record systems, staff scheduling software, and incident reporting tools to improve efficiency.
Ending Questions and Answers
21. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring proven leadership, operational expertise, and a genuine passion for high-quality care. I am committed to driving team excellence and improving resident satisfaction.”
22. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to continue growing in care management, potentially overseeing multiple homes, and contributing to shaping best practices across the organisation.”
23. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Could you tell me about opportunities for staff development and how you support Home Managers in achieving their goals?”
24. How do you stay updated with care industry standards?
Answer: Through professional development courses, attending conferences, and subscribing to regulatory updates.
25. What is your leadership style?
Answer: Collaborative and supportive, ensuring staff are empowered, valued, and motivated to deliver exceptional care.
Do’s and Don’ts in a Home Manager Interview
Do:
Research Runwood Homes thoroughly
Use the STAR model for competency questions
Highlight leadership, empathy, and organisational skills
Ask insightful questions at the end
Maintain professionalism and confidence
Don’t:
Speak negatively about previous employers
Provide vague or generic answers
Overlook company values and mission
Neglect body language or eye contact
Underestimate the importance of preparation
Final Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for a Home Manager interview at Runwood Homes requires combining practical knowledge with leadership confidence. Practice common and competency questions, use real-life examples, and structure answers with the STAR model. Remember, interviewers are assessing your ability to lead, inspire, and maintain high standards of care. Approach the process with positivity, show your passion for care management, and don’t forget to breathe!
If you want to boost your confidence further, consider interview training, working with an interview coach, or joining interview coaching online sessions for personalised job interview preparation. These resources can make the difference between a good and a great interview outcome. Book your interview coaching session today and take the next step towards securing your dream Home Manager role!
