Top HCA Interview Questions + Key Skills and Qualities You Need to Get the Job (UK Guide)
Are you applying to become a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in the UK and feeling nervous about the interview? Don’t worry — you’re not alone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
What an HCA, or Support worker, does
Where you’ll work
The 15 most common HCA interview questions
And the top 10 skills and qualities interviewers are looking for, with tips on how to show them
What Is a Healthcare Assistant (HCA)?
A Healthcare Assistant (HCA) supports nurses, carers, and medical teams by providing hands-on care to patients. Your day might include:
Helping with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
Assisting patients to eat and drink
Taking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, etc.) if competent
Supporting mobility (walking, moving from bed to chair)
Providing emotional support
HCAs are the backbone of the NHS and private care settings. You’ll work in places like:
Hospitals
Care home
GP Surgeries
Community clinics
Home care (domiciliary care)
Top 15 HCA Interview Questions & Best Sample Answers (UK)
These questions may vary depending on the company
- Why do you want to be a Healthcare Assistant?
“I enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives. I’m naturally caring and patient, and I want to support others in their time of need.”
- What do you understand about the role of an HCA?
“It involves personal care, supporting daily needs, monitoring health, and helping nurses deliver safe, compassionate care.”
- Tell us about a time you showed empathy.
“I supported a friend’s elderly mother during her recovery. I checked on her daily and helped with meals and errands — it reminded me how small acts mean a lot.”
- How would you handle a confused or upset patient?
“I’d stay calm, speak softly, try to find out what’s wrong, and involve the nurse if needed. Patience is key.”
- What would you do if you saw poor care being given?
“I’d report it to the senior staff straight away. It’s important to protect patients and follow safeguarding policies.”
- How do you manage stress?
“I stay focused, take deep breaths, and remind myself I’m doing my best. I also believe in supporting each other as a team.”
- Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.
During a volunteer placement, I worked with carers and cleaners. We divided tasks, supported each other, and made sure everyone got the help they needed.”
- What would you do if a patient refuses care?
“I’d listen to their concerns, explain the importance of the care, and involve a nurse. I’d never pressure anyone.”
- What does confidentiality mean to you?
“It means keeping patient information private and only sharing it with the right people in the care team.”
- Are you comfortable with personal care tasks?
“Yes. I understand it’s part of the job, and I’ll always do it with respect and dignity.”
- What are your strengths?
“I’m calm, reliable, and observant. I notice small changes in people and act quickly when needed.”
- What would you do if a patient refused medication when working as a domiciliary worker?
“I’d stay calm, explain why it’s important, and if they insist not to take it ,I would not force them I would document it and you will let your manager know
- Why should we hire you?
“Because I care deeply, I’m reliable, and I want to make a positive impact every day.”
- Do you have any questions for us?
“Yes — what support or training do you offer for new HCAs?”
Top 10 Skills and Qualities Every Great HCA Needs
(And how to show them in your interview)
- Compassion – Care from the heart
Being a Healthcare Assistant isn’t just about doing tasks — it’s about genuinely caring for people at their most vulnerable. Whether someone is recovering after surgery or struggling with long-term illness, HCAs must treat them with compassion, respect, and kindness. In interviews, speak from the heart and explain how you go the extra mile to make people feel safe, seen, and valued.
- Patience – For confused, elderly, or emotional patients
Patience is one of the most essential HCA skills, especially when working with dementia patients, elderly individuals, or people in pain. You’ll face situations where patients may refuse care, get upset, or move slowly, and it’s your job to remain calm, understanding, and supportive. Employers want to hear that you won’t rush or get frustrated, even when things are challenging.
- Communication – Clear, calm, respectful
As an HCA, you’ll need to communicate clearly with patients, nurses, family members, and other carers. This includes spoken English and often written English for reporting or filling out care logs. Whether it’s explaining personal care to someone anxious or reporting a patient’s health changes to a nurse, being able to speak gently, respectfully, and clearly is essential. If English isn’t your first language, that’s okay — but you’ll need to show you can speak and understand it well enough to deliver safe care.
- Teamwork – Work closely with nurses and carers
Healthcare is never a one-person job. HCAs must be able to work alongside others, take instructions, help their team when things get busy, and create a positive working environment. Teamwork also means being supportive — if a colleague is struggling, you step in. Share examples of times when you helped others or worked well in a team, even outside of healthcare.
- Time Management – Prioritising under pressure
In busy settings like care homes or hospital wards, time goes fast, and tasks pile up. HCAs need to stay organised, calm, and focused — even during pressure. Good time management means knowing what tasks matter most (for example, helping someone in pain before tidying a room) and not forgetting anything important. Employers love hearing that you can stay on top of your duties without panicking.
- Observational Skills – Spotting small health changes
HCAs are the eyes and ears of the care team. You’ll often be the first person to notice if a patient looks unwell, if their skin changes colour, if they’re refusing food, or if their mood suddenly shifts. Being observant — and reporting those changes quickly — can save lives. In interviews, explain that you pay close attention to detail and take note of how patients look, feel, and behave and please report it to the nurse immediately
- Physical Stamina – Long shifts, moving patients
This job can be physically demanding. You may work 12-hour shifts, assist with lifting or transferring patients, and stay on your feet for most of the day. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be ready for active, hands-on work. Let the interviewer know you understand this and are physically prepared for the realities of the role. And also follow your local policy and procedures when handling patient , keep up to date with your manual and handling training
- Respect for Privacy and Dignity – Personal care with compassion
Whether it’s washing someone, helping them to the toilet, or changing their clothes, personal care should always be done with gentleness, discretion, and dignity. This is one of the areas where HCAs truly make a difference. Speak about how you protect people’s privacy and never rush or shame anyone during these intimate tasks.
- Reliability – Turning up on time, every time
HCAs play a critical role in the care team, and if one person doesn’t show up, it affects everyone, especially the patients. Being reliable means arriving on time, completing tasks appropriately, and being someone others can count on. Many care companies also prefer HCAs who have a valid driving licence, especially for domiciliary care jobs, where you visit clients in their homes. If you drive, definitely mention it.
- Willingness to Learn – Always open to training and feedback
No one is perfect, and healthcare is constantly changing. The best HCAs are those who stay open to learning, take feedback well, and actively look for ways to improve. Whether it’s infection control training or learning how to use a hoist properly, you should be eager to grow. In fact, most hospitals won’t hire HCAs unless they have at least 6 months of experience in domiciliary care or have volunteered in a hospital. Starting in the community is a common first step, and it’s a great way to gain skills before applying to NHS jobs.
Tips: If you’re just starting, don’t be discouraged. These skills can be learned, and what matters most is that you care deeply and consistently. Show your genuine passion, your willingness to grow, and your ability to treat every patient with dignity. That’s what makes a truly great HCA.
