When preparing for an interview, it is important to do your research on the company, brush up on the latest news in your industry and make sure you’re ready to sell yourself as the best-fit candidate! But what kind of questions can you expect in a support worker interview? As a recruitment agency with 8 years of experience placing candidates in social care roles, we thought we’d give you a nod in the right direction…
What skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?
Whatever you do, avoid regurgitating bullet points from your CV here. Try leading with specific examples of skills you’ve developed throughout your career and how you’ve applied them to improve the lives of your clients.
For instance: “As a strong listener and empathetic individual, I am confident in my ability to recognise the needs of my client and act accordingly. In my last role, I successfully improved the outcome of X by doing Z.”
Why social care?
Explain why you’re interested in the specific area of social care the role you’re applying for falls under rather than simply your desire to help people (the interviewer has likely heard that answer one time too many!). Try and personalise your answer so it is relevant to your strengths and highlight the experiences that have led you to pick this career path.
For example: “While completing my NVQ6 qualification in care I discovered I had a passion for working with children. During this time I developed skills in X, Y & Z which I have since applied to my current role working with young people in care.”
This is also a good opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the sector and any related legislation.
How do you identify a client’s needs?
Make sure to mention any technical skills included in the initial job description in this answer, for example if the company uses a specific software that you are proficient in, let the interviewer know by integrating it into your answer. The employer is also looking to gauge how much experience you have here, so make sure to underpin everything you say with examples/best practice.
How would you prioritise your caseload?
Root this answer in a real-life example of when you harnessed your organisation skills to priories urgent cases while still juggling your other responsibilities as a carer with dexterity. You want to show your prospective employer that you can manage your time effectively and strategise to meet all your clients needs, without compromise.
Tell us about an occasion where you had to work with an aggressive client?
The interviewer is testing your competency as a social worker with this question and is looking to see how you cope with stressful situations on the job. We would recommend structuring this answer using the STAR method, as demonstrated below:
Situation: In my most recent role, I was looking after a client who was suffering with substance abuse who was starting to get verbally abusive.
Task: As the only social worker in close vicinity, it was my responsibility to do X.
Action: To resolve the situation, I spoke to the client in a calm tone and offered them Y solution.
Result: As a result of my actions, I was able to eliminate any risk of harm to myself or the client, as well as X, Y and Z…
Final words of wisdom
Good luck. Remember to radiate enthusiasm for the role, maintain good body language and don’t forget to ask questions back!
Looking for a job in support work? Get in touch with a member of our team today and we’ll match you to the perfect role.
carlette Isaac
When preparing for an interview, it is important to do your research on the company, brush up on the latest news in your industry and make sure you’re ready to sell yourself as the best-fit candidate! But what kind of questions can you expect in a support worker interview? As a recruitment agency with 8 years of experience placing candidates in social care roles, we thought we’d give you a nod in the right direction…
What skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?
Whatever you do, avoid regurgitating bullet points from your CV here. Try leading with specific examples of skills you’ve developed throughout your career and how you’ve applied them to improve the lives of your clients.
For instance: “As a strong listener and empathetic individual, I am confident in my ability to recognise the needs of my client and act accordingly. In my last role, I successfully improved the outcome of X by doing Z.”
Why social care?
Explain why you’re interested in the specific area of social care the role you’re applying for falls under rather than simply your desire to help people (the interviewer has likely heard that answer one time too many!). Try and personalise your answer so it is relevant to your strengths and highlight the experiences that have led you to pick this career path.
For example: “While completing my NVQ6 qualification in care I discovered I had a passion for working with children. During this time I developed skills in X, Y & Z which I have since applied to my current role working with young people in care.”
This is also a good opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the sector and any related legislation.
How do you identify a client’s needs?
Make sure to mention any technical skills included in the initial job description in this answer, for example if the company uses a specific software that you are proficient in, let the interviewer know by integrating it into your answer. The employer is also looking to gauge how much experience you have here, so make sure to underpin everything you say with examples/best practice.
How would you prioritise your caseload?
Root this answer in a real-life example of when you harnessed your organisation skills to priories urgent cases while still juggling your other responsibilities as a carer with dexterity. You want to show your prospective employer that you can manage your time effectively and strategise to meet all your clients needs, without compromise.
Tell us about an occasion where you had to work with an aggressive client?
The interviewer is testing your competency as a social worker with this question and is looking to see how you cope with stressful situations on the job. We would recommend structuring this answer using the STAR method, as demonstrated below:
Situation: In my most recent role, I was looking after a client who was suffering with substance abuse who was starting to get verbally abusive.
Task: As the only social worker in close vicinity, it was my responsibility to do X.
Action: To resolve the situation, I spoke to the client in a calm tone and offered them Y solution.
Result: As a result of my actions, I was able to eliminate any risk of harm to myself or the client, as well as X, Y and Z…
Final words of wisdom
Good luck. Remember to radiate enthusiasm for the role, maintain good body language and don’t forget to ask questions back!
Looking for a job in support work? Get in touch with a member of our team today and we’ll match you to the perfect role.