Support Worker Interview Questions

Louise Petty

July 15, 2025

5 min read

There continues to be a demand for skilled and compassionate people in the health and social care sector, and it can be a highly rewarding career path to follow. If you’re interested in becoming a support worker, then preparing well for your interview is essential. In this article, we’ll outline the most common support worker interview questions and provide guidance on how to answer them effectively. We’ll also cover the key questions you should ask the hiring manager during your interview, and give some advice on what to wear to make a great first impression.

support worker interview showing the table and CV's and clipboard

Interview Questions and Answers for Support Workers

Support workers play a crucial role in helping vulnerable children, families and adults to live happy, independent lives. They provide both practical assistance and emotional support to individuals facing challenges in life, whether it’s mental health issues, disabilities, substance misuse, homelessness or learning difficulties. While the role can be physically and emotionally demanding, it’s also very rewarding.

Due to the nature of the work, interviews for support worker positions are designed to assess a variety of areas, including your interpersonal skills, resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure. Being well prepared will help you approach the interview with confidence and professionalism, and this means preparing your answers to some common interview questions ahead of time.

Examples of interview questions and answers for support workers include:

Q – What attracted you to this support worker role?
A – Here, the employer wants to see if you’ve done your research and whether you’re a good fit for the organisation. Refer to the job description and explain what drew you to the role and the company. If the care setting differs from your previous experience, mention how you’ve prepared for that change. Highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Q – What skills and qualities can you bring to the role?
A – This is your opportunity to showcase your strengths. Think about the key skills and qualities support workers need, such as empathy, patience and good communication and use a specific example to show how you’ve applied these in a previous role. Choose a combination of soft skills and hard skills that are useful for support work. Structure your answer clearly and confidently using the STAR method if needed.

Q – What relevant certifications and training do you have?

A – This question helps the employer assess whether you meet the basic safety and regulatory requirements for the role. If you are CPR trained or first aid certified, confirm this and mention when you completed the training. You should also list any other relevant qualifications, such as safeguarding, moving and handling people, medication administration or NVQs in Health and Social Care.

Q – What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses?
A – Interviewers want to see self-awareness and honesty in your response. Choose one or two genuine strengths that are relevant to the role and explain how they’ve helped you in your work. When talking about weaknesses, be honest but show how you are working to improve. Try to relate your answer to the values of the company where possible.

Q – Can you provide an example of when you faced a challenge and how you managed it?
A – This question is used to assess how you deal with difficult situations. Think of a time when you faced a genuine challenge, either in a previous job or a personal experience. Use the STAR technique to explain the situation and focus on how you resolved it. Keep your answer positive and highlight what you learned from it. Focus on your problem-solving and communication skills.

Q – How do you evaluate a client’s needs?
A – This question tests your understanding of assessment and care planning. Describe the steps you take to evaluate a client’s needs while respecting their independence. Mention any tools or methods you use and explain how you adapt your approach if a client is resistant to care.

Q – What experience have you gained from your support worker career so far?
A – Talk about the range of experience you’ve built over your career. Refer to specific roles and explain what you learnt from them. Highlight key moments that show how you’ve grown and how your experience will benefit your next role. This is also a chance to show how passionate you are about making a positive impact.

Q – Give us an example of when you worked as part of a team. How did you contribute?
A – Working in a team is a key part of being a support worker. Think of a time when teamwork helped you achieve a positive outcome for a client. Describe your role within the team and how your contribution made a difference. Show your willingness to collaborate and support your colleagues.

Q – How do you communicate with a patient’s family?
A – Communication with families is a vital part of support work. Explain how you keep families informed while respecting the confidentiality and dignity of the client. Talk about the methods you use, such as face-to-face meetings or regular updates, and why clear and effective communication builds trust and reassurance.

Q – How do you plan personal development activities for a patient?
A – Show that you understand the importance of promoting a client’s personal growth. Describe how you assess their goals and interests and use available resources to plan meaningful activities. Explain how personal development supports independence and wellbeing, and how you adapt plans based on individual needs.

Q – Are you comfortable with monitoring a patient’s medication needs?
A – Support workers are often required to assist with or monitor medication as part of a care plan. Confirm whether you have experience with this responsibility and any relevant training, such as a medication administration course. Explain how you ensure accuracy by following care plans, double-checking doses and recording information clearly. Emphasise the importance of confidentiality and communication.

Q – How would you manage a medical emergency?
A – Explain how you would assess the situation, ensure the area is safe and call for emergency help immediately if needed. Mention any relevant training, such as first aid or CPR, and how you would use it while waiting for paramedics. Emphasise that you would follow the organisation’s emergency procedures.

Want to Learn More?

Up-to-date training is vital for all support workers, and achieving relevant certifications ahead of a job interview will help you stand out from other candidates. Take a look at our range of online Health and Social Care Courses, including Communication Skills, Safeguarding Adults, Dementia Awareness and Needles and Sharps training.

Questions to Ask in a Support Worker Interview

Preparing for a support worker interview involves more than just reviewing your CV and rehearsing answers. It’s equally important to show a genuine interest in the role and the organisation by asking thoughtful questions. Doing your research on the company and staying informed about current industry trends can help you stand out, so take time to study the job description carefully. Asking questions during an interview also demonstrates your enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the role.

Here are some example questions to ask in a support worker interview:

Questions about the role and responsibilities

What does a typical day look like in this role?
What are the most challenging aspects of this position?
What kind of clients will I be working with?
How does the team handle challenging or difficult situations with clients?
What level of autonomy is expected in day-to-day tasks?
Are there any specific goals or targets for this role within the first six months?

Questions about the team

Can you describe the team environment?
What kind of support and resources are available to support workers?
Are there opportunities for training and professional development?
How are new team members typically onboarded?
How do you ensure consistent communication among team members?

Questions about the organisation and its culture:

What are the core values of the organisation?
How does the organisation promote a positive and inclusive environment?
What are the opportunities for career progression within the company?
How does the organisation support its employees’ well-being?
What would you expect from a new support worker in the first three months?
How do you measure the success of a support worker?
How is feedback typically given to staff, and how often?

What to Wear to a Support Worker Interview

Knowing what to wear to an interview gives you the opportunity to present your best self to a prospective employer. For a support worker role, it’s important to dress neatly and conservatively, showing that you understand the responsibilities of the position. The right outfit can make a strong first impression and help you feel confident. Even if the workplace has a relaxed dress code, it’s best to choose smart, clean and professional clothing for your interview.

Below is a simple list of what to wear to an interview:

A blouse or shirt with a professional appearance and in a neutral, solid colour or simple pattern. Long sleeves are preferable and curved-hem shirts should be tucked in.
A plain, fitted jumper (not oversized or baggy).
Smart trousers, chinos or dress pants in black or navy.
A knee-length or longer skirt in a professional silhouette (pencil or A-line).
Closed-toe shoes, such as flats, pumps, low heels or brogues in neutral colours like black, navy, brown or cream. Shoes should be clean and free from scuffs.
Sheer or neutral colour tights or socks in a simple pattern and neutral colour.
Minimal, tasteful jewellery, such as small studs, chains or bracelets.
A smart belt that matches your shoe colour.

Clothing you should avoid wearing to an interview includes:

Short skirts or dresses.
Shorts.
Denim jeans.
Polo shirts.
Clothes that reveal too much skin, such as low necklines or cropped tops.
Flip-flops, sandals or trainers.
Heavy perfume or cologne.

For those interested in following a career in health and social care, preparing well for an interview can make you stand out from other candidates and impress future employers. This means taking a look at some of the common support worker interview questions ahead of time and preparing your answers thoroughly, considering all of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills. Doing your research in this way will ensure you make a great first impression.