Interviews can be extremely daunting for care workers. First, they have to think about wearing the right clothes, and then they need to ensure they have done enough research on the organisation.
However, they aren’t the only ones who have a lot to consider. According to Monster, 58% of candidates said that they’d turn down a position if the level of banter wasn’t very good in the interview.
While this isn’t necessarily the most important element, it is something to think about.
You see, the key to interview success is establishing a relationship and a level of trust between the candidate and the employer.
The more successful you are in doing this, the better the first impression will be and the more open the candidate will be with you.
By asking icebreaker interview questions, you’ll help relax the care worker and showcase your organisation’s colourful side too.
Here are a few of our favourites to get you started.
What sort of holidays do you like to go on?
This interview question is very open-ended, so expect quite a broad spectrum of answers.
Nonetheless, the candidates’ responses will give you a clear indication of what kind of person they are. For instance, if they like to go away to party destinations, this suggests that they’re fun and social – which could be quite an important trait in the care industry.
Alternatively, someone who likes to take in the culture and experience new things means they enjoy learning new things and are inquisitive. Again, this could be very useful if the candidate is inexperienced, but is intelligent and willing enough to learn the ropes.
Naturally, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer here. It’s just a case of getting to know the candidates’ personalities.
What’s your favourite colour?
You’ll get some strange looks with this interview question, so it might be worth pre-warning them about the randomness.
Nonetheless, colours can tell you a lot about an individual.
According to knoji, there are four distinct colours to look out for:
- Yellow – this is commonly associated with someone who is optimistic, enthusiastic and has the desire to help others.
- Red – this is commonly associated with someone who likes to get results, makes quick decisions and will accept challenges.
- Green – this is commonly associated with someone who is a good listener, loyal, supportive and likes to develop personal relationships.
- Blue – this is commonly associated with someone who is disciplined, precise, diplomatic with people and plans carefully.
The right answer should be determined by the nature of the job and its requirements.
What was your dream job when you were young?
If the candidate says a care worker, then happy days. However, don’t hold it against them if they say something else – this shouldn’t be treated like a trick question.
The ideal answer here is someone who mentions a job which requires similar attributes. For example, a police officer is similar to a care worker in the sense that they want to help other people and are required to think on their feet.
At the other end of the spectrum, you may come across some more ambitious folks who say that they wanted to be a footballer or actor.
In these particular cases, use it to ask supplementary questions, such as:
- What stopped you?
- Were you any good?
Both of these questions can test whether they remain positive in their answer and to see how modest they are.
You could also use this interview question to start a conversation about hobbies and interests, which will enable you to find some common ground with the candidate.
What would you do with £1million?
This is certainly a fun and creative way of starting an interview. There’s no real right or wrong answer here, just an opportunity to get to know your candidates.
Some strong answers can include investing their money or donating some to charity, as this shows a sense of logic and kindness.
You may also get the odd keen traveller who would take the cash and gallivant around the world. This suggests that they’re open-minded and have a desire to see or experience new things.
Within the workplace, this open-minded approach will enable them to listen and respect patients’ opinions. It takes a special kind of person to have that sort of mentality.
What’s your favourite film of all time? And which character do you relate with the most?
A double question that’ll tell you a lot about a candidate.
This will not only make candidates smile, but it’ll certainly allow them to tap into their own personal opinion.
The most common issue with interviews is that candidates programme their minds to respond with a set of premeditated answers, which can come across as robotic.
But getting them to discuss a subject that is hugely based on personal preference could make them feel as if they’re allowed to talk openly for the rest of the interview.
It’s a powerful question!
Final thoughts
Whether you choose a handful of these icebreaker interview questions or just one, the main thing is to give them a go.
A good care worker is an open and honest one, so break the ice and get them to show the real them.
Alternatively, if you’d like to leave this process to a care worker recruitment specialist, register your details today and we’ll be in touch.
