Healthcare assistant jobs interviews are divided into 5 key components: safeguarding, working under pressure, patient risk assessment, client-centered care, and following rules and procedures.
Q1. Why do you want to be a Healthcare Assistant, what can you bring to the role and what do you understand by the term 'safeguarding'?
"I want to be a Healthcare Assistant because I get immense satisfaction from taking care of people, especially those who are vulnerable. Some of the skills and qualities required to become a competent Healthcare Assistant include an ability to identify the needs of a client, be able to remain calm and act with integrity at all times, make difficult and challenging decisions and also improve the lives of those who are in your care. Those skills are the ones I believe I possess, and I feel I can contribute positively within this role. Having also studied your organisation, I believe your values and care standards are in line with the type of company I would like to work for. In terms of safeguarding, this is a significant part of the Healthcare Assistant role and I understand how important it is within this position. Safeguarding was highlighted as part of the 2014 Care Act and it is in relation to the protection of a client's health, wellbeing and human rights, whilst also keeping them safe from harm, abuse and neglect. Clients who receive care are, more often than not vulnerable, and protecting them through a robust framework is absolutely imperative."
Q2. How would you handle an upset or confused client who was in your care?
Q3. Q. Have you ever cared for anyone before? Either a loved one or in a voluntary capacity?
Q4. Describe a time when you had to adapt your communication style to get your message across?
Q5. What qualities do you have that would be a good fit for our organization?
Q6. Can you give an example when you demonstrated a commitment to the quality of care?
Q7. How would you perform a client needs assessment?
Q8. What are your main strengths?
Q9. What's your biggest weakness?
Q10. What would you do if you didn't get on with someone in your team?
Q11. When have you worked as part of a team to complete a difficult task?
Q12. Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it?
5 TIPS FOR PASSING THE HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT INTERVIEW!
TIP #1 - During the Healthcare Assistant interview, we strongly advise you demonstrate the competencies of providing exceptional, patient-centred care; an ability to work whilst following strict rules and procedures; applying manual handling and health and safety protocols whilst working with clients and patients; an ability to work calmly whilst under pressure and always putting the needs of your patient/client above everything else.
TIP #2 - For each of the behavioural interview questions that are posed during the Healthcare Assistant interview, we recommend you structure you answers by using the S.T.A.R. technique, which includes explaining the situation you were in, the task that needed to be performed, what action you took, and finally, the result of the situation following your actions. This evidence-based approach will ensure you answer the questions specifically and thoroughly.
TIP #3 - Prior to attending the interview, we advise you understand what safeguarding is and how this is applicable to the Healthcare Assistant role.
TIP #4 - An ability to remain calm whilst under pressure is an extremely important aspect of this role. At times, you will be dealing with and providing care for people who are upset, confused and sometimes angry. Through effective communication skills, demonstrating empathy and understanding, you will be able to meet the needs of the client's and patients who are under your care.
TIP #5 - At the end of your Healthcare Assistant interview, we advise asking the interview panel the following two questions:
- What future plans do you have for the company and how would I fit into those as a Healthcare Assistant?
- What are the specific needs of the clients you tend to deal with, and is there anything within this role that you would like me to focus on more?
