Adult support worker interview prep when someone wants different help

Practise everyday support decisions in England. Ask what the person wants and say what the shift lead can confirm.

What companies say they’re looking for

01 Ask how the person wants help

“At Sense, we work closely with each person to identify preferred methods and how to maximise understanding and expression.” (opens the source)

Sense, Communication guide reviewed in April 2026 · Sense, Undated

Use the words and pace the person asks for. Check how much help they want.

Adult support worker interview · Choice of helpHow much help does Lee want?Example

02 Carry the current choice into the handover

“Demonstrate how to keep records that are up to date, complete, accurate and legible” (opens the source)

Care Certificate standards, March 2025 induction standards, item 14.1c · Skills for Care, NHS England and Skills for Health, Undated

This is an induction objective. In the exercise, separate a request to ask again from an agreement.

Adult support worker interview · HandoverWhat did Noor actually agree to?Example

03 Use an experience you can explain

“Our interviews are competency-based, which means they’re based on our values and the job description.” (opens the source)

Sense Careers, Candidate guidance, second-stage interview · Sense Careers, Undated

Sense asks for examples. A volunteering or customer-facing example can show how you listened.

For most roles, Sense describes a short phone stage followed by a second stage that may be in person or virtual. Sense candidate guide.

Adult support worker interview · Interview exampleWhich volunteering example shows you listened?Example

04 Check what the person wants to share

“We will support you to live with privacy, independence, choice and inclusion.” (opens the source)

Sense, Adult residential and supported living services · Sense, Undated

Ask what the person wants to share now and who they want to send it.

Adult support worker interview · PermissionWho should send Daniel’s update today?Example

05 Keep the person’s goal in view when a plan changes

“engage with the local community, maintain social connections, and enjoy meaningful activities tailored to their interests and goals.” (opens the source)

Royal Mencap Society, Haywards Heath Support Worker advert 37019 · Royal Mencap Society, Undated

Ask what mattered about the activity before you offer an alternative.

Adult support worker interview · Change of plansWhat matters after the music group is cancelled?Example

Check what your interview will ask

Skills for Care recommends giving candidates “different opportunities to demonstrate their values and behaviours” (Skills for Care, Skills for Care, opens the source). Its examples include interviews, scenario discussions and practical exercises. Follow the invitation for your interview.

Sources

Sense, Communication guide reviewed in April 2026, at the time. Sense, “Total communication”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Care Certificate standards, March 2025 induction standards, item 14.1c, at the time. Skills for Care, NHS England and Skills for Health, “Care Certificate standards”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Sense Careers, Candidate guidance, second-stage interview, at the time. Sense Careers, “Application tips and advice”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Sense, Adult residential and supported living services, at the time. Sense, “Residential and supported living services”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Royal Mencap Society, Haywards Heath Support Worker advert 37019, at the time. Royal Mencap Society, “Support Worker - Haywards Heath”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Skills for Care, Employer guidance for adult social care in England, at the time. Skills for Care, “Assess”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.

Last reviewed Nov 11, 2026