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Questions to practise
What made you want to do support work?
They want to know what matters to you and if you care about the people you support.
Give one honest reason. Say what you enjoy, like helping people live their own way. Add a short real example from work, family or volunteering, without private details. Keep it short and warm.
How do you help someone make their own choices?
Respecting choice is the heart of this job. They want to see you do not decide for the person.
Say you always ask the person first. Give a small, concrete example: 'I show her two shirts and ask which one she wants today.' Explain that small choices matter every day.
Tell me about a time you supported someone to do something for themselves.
They want to see that you build independence, not do everything for the person.
Describe one task, like making tea or choosing food in a shop. Say what you did, for example breaking it into small steps and waiting patiently. End with the result and how the person felt.
Tell me about a hard moment with someone you supported, and exactly what you did.
They want proof that you stay calm, keep everyone safe and follow the plan.
Use three parts: what happened, what you did, how it ended. For example: 'He got upset in the shop. I stayed calm, spoke quietly, and we went somewhere quiet.' Say what you reported afterwards.
You arrive alone at a client's home. The door is open, and nobody answers. What do you do first?
They are checking that you think about safety and get help, not act alone in risky situations.
Speak step by step. Say you would not go in alone if it feels unsafe. You would call out, contact your manager, and follow your workplace safety plan and emergency steps.
How do you stay safe when you work alone?
Support workers often work alone. They need to trust that you check in and ask for help.
Name clear steps: 'I text my team when I arrive and when I leave.' Add that you follow the support plan, call if you are unsure, and report any concern the same day.
Why are routines important, and how do you keep them?
Routines help many people feel safe and calm. They want to see you respect them.
Say routines give people comfort and control. Explain that you read the support plan, keep times and steps the same, and ask the person before any change. Mention telling the team about changes.
How do you communicate with someone who does not use many words?
People communicate in different ways. They want to know you are patient and flexible.
Give real methods: pictures, gestures, simple words, or showing objects. Say you watch the person's face and body, give time to answer, and check the plan to learn how they like to communicate.
What do you do if a person says no to something in their plan?
They want to see you respect the person's choice and do not push or force.
Say you respect the answer and do not force it. You can offer another time or another way, gently. Then you write it down and tell your manager or team, as the plan says.
Do you have any questions for me?
Your questions show interest and that you care about doing the job well.
Ask one or two simple questions, for example about training, how the team checks in when working alone, or how you will meet the people you support. Thank the manager at the end.
Let me think of a real example.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me think of a real example.
I always ask the person first, before I help.
If I am not sure, I check the support plan and ask my manager or team.
I stayed calm and spoke quietly.
I text my team when I arrive and when I leave.
I respect their choice, and I write it down.
Common questions
I am still learning English. Is that a problem?
Clear, simple English is fine. The manager wants to understand how you work. Speak slowly, use short sentences, and give real examples. If you do not understand a question, it is okay to say, 'Could you say that again, please?'
What if I do not have paid experience?
You can use examples from volunteering, caring for someone, or other jobs where you helped people. Say what happened, what you did, and what you learned. Be honest. A real small example is better than a big general answer.
How long should my answers be?
Most answers can be about one minute. Start with a short answer, then give one example, then the result. If the manager wants more, they will ask. It is fine to pause and think before you speak.