Care Assistant Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you’re applying for a role as a care assistant, you’ll likely be wondering what interview questions you might face. Preparing in advance not only boosts your confidence but also helps you give thoughtful, genuine answers that showcase your skills and passion for care.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common care assistant interview questions with sample answers to help you prepare.

Common Care Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers):

1. Why do you want to work as a care assistant?

• Employers want to understand your motivation. Focus on your passion for helping people and making a difference.

Example answer:
“I’ve always enjoyed supporting people and making a difference in their day-to-day lives. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and I want to be part of a role where I can provide that level of care while also learning and growing in my career.”

2. What qualities make a good care assistant?

• Talk about empathy, patience, reliability, and good communication skills.

Example answer:
“A good care assistant should be patient, empathetic, and reliable. Communication is also key, as it helps build trust with service users and colleagues. I feel these are qualities I bring naturally, along with being organised and able to stay calm under pressure.”

3. Can you describe a time you dealt with a difficult situation?

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give a structured answer.

Example answer (using STAR method):
“During a previous role, I supported a service user who was upset and refusing to eat (Situation). My task was to encourage them without causing distress (Task). I sat with them, listened to their concerns, and offered choices rather than pushing one option (Action). Eventually, they felt comfortable enough to eat a small meal, and later thanked me for taking the time to listen (Result).”

4. How would you handle a client refusing care?

• Show that you respect dignity and choice while ensuring safety and wellbeing.

Example answer:
“I would respect their decision while ensuring their safety. I’d try to understand why they were refusing — whether it was discomfort, fear, or misunderstanding — and then offer reassurance or alternative solutions. If necessary, I’d escalate the concern to a senior colleague or follow safeguarding procedures.”

5. What do you know about safeguarding?

• Demonstrate your awareness of safeguarding policies and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.

Example answer:
“Safeguarding is about protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, neglect, or abuse. It’s important to recognise the signs, follow the correct procedures, and always report concerns quickly to the designated safeguarding lead or manager. It’s about putting the person’s safety and wellbeing first.”

6. How do you manage stress in demanding situations?

• Mention practical strategies like teamwork, organisation, and maintaining a calm approach.

Example answer:
“I stay calm and focus on prioritising what needs to be done. I also rely on teamwork — supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed. Outside of work, I make sure to look after my wellbeing so I can bring a positive, balanced mindset into my role.”