How to Conduct an Effective Interview for an Activities Assistant Role
Looking to hire an activities assistant? This guide will walk you through how to plan and run an engaging, effective interview—one that helps you identify the right person to bring energy, creativity, and compassion into your care setting.
Why Activities Assistants Matter
Activities assistants are more than just organisers—they're mood boosters, companions, and a vital part of wellbeing in residential care. Choosing the right candidate means finding someone who can balance planning, creativity, inclusivity, and a great sense of humour.
Step 1: Preparation Before the Interview
Before you sit down with candidates, take time to clarify:
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What the role involves in your specific setting
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The types of activities you currently run
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What your residents respond to—and what they don’t
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The goals of your activities programme
Having a clear picture of your needs will shape better interview questions and help you identify the right fit.
Step 2: Structuring the Interview
Break the interview into clear topic areas. This ensures you cover everything while allowing for a natural, open conversation. Below are some suggestions, we've also built a bigger list in our free downloadable Crib Sheet of Activities Assistant Interview Questions
Key Interview Topics and Questions
1. Background and Experience
“Can you tell us about your background and experience working in activities or recreational roles?”
2. Creativity and Adaptability
“What creative flair can you bring to this role?”
3. Inclusivity and Engagement
“What strategies would you use to make activities inclusive for all residents?”
4. Planning and Organisation
“Do you go with the flow, or prefer a structured plan when supporting activities?”
5. Communication and Support
“How do you communicate activity plans to residents with limited mobility or those who are bed-bound?”
6. Reflection and Improvement
“How would you handle a situation where an activity didn’t go as planned?”
7. Scenario-Based Questions
“If a resident becomes upset during an activity, what would you do?”
8. Training and Development
“What training have you completed to support your role in delivering activities?”
9. Understanding Resident Needs
“How would you assess the interests and preferences of residents before planning activities?”
10. Teamwork and Collaboration
“How do you work with other staff members to enhance the activities programme?”
11. Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity
“How would you incorporate cultural diversity into your activity planning?”
12. Using Technology
“How do you think technology can be used to enhance activities for residents?”
Download our free Crib Sheet of Activities Assistant Interview Questions
Step 3: What Not to Do in the Interview
Avoid common pitfalls like:
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Asking yes/no questions with limited insight
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Going off-script without purpose
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Focusing too much on the CV and not enough on conversation
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Forgetting to listen and follow up with thoughtful questions
Step 4: Discussing Boundaries and Expectations
Use the interview to set clear expectations around:
Time Management
Reinforce that it’s okay to say no and that work-life balance matters.
Financial Boundaries
Make it clear that staff aren’t expected to spend their own money on resources—encourage budget-friendly, creative thinking instead.
Working Hours
Let them know what flexibility looks like in your setting, while still respecting personal time and wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an activities assistant is about more than filling a schedule—it's about finding the right person to uplift and engage your residents. With thoughtful preparation, a clear structure, and an open, friendly approach, your interviews can be both productive and enjoyable.
Want More Support?
Check out our Dementia-Friendly Activities Resource Hub for inspiration, or explore our training courses for deeper support in activity planning and dementia care.
Explore Our Dementia Training Courses
If you're an activity provider, volunteer, or caregiver looking to deepen your knowledge, check out our dementia training courses:
Dementia Knowledgeable
Dementia Knowledgeable Course
