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Read the job advert carefully

Take time to read the advert thoroughly - especially the section where we explain what we’re looking for. 

• Assess your Transport: Can you travel to the service advertised? Will you be using public transport? Does it work for you?  
• Tailor your CV to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualities that match the role. 

Showcase your soft skills

You might not have had a job before, or maybe you’ve been out of work for a while - don’t let that knock your confidence. 

At Lifeways, we value qualities like communication, flexibility, problem solving and empathy.

Above all, we’re looking for people who are Wired to Care - those who understand what it means to support others and want to make a difference. 

Pay attention to the details

A clear, professional CV helps us get to know you better. 

• Use a spell checker 
• Check formatting (keep it neat and consistent) 
• Save your CV with your name (e.g., Jane Smith_CV.pdf) 

Keep it concise

Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages. It should be easy to read, focused, and relevant to the role. 

Include transferable experience

If you’re new to care, that’s okay. Think about other experiences that show who you are and how you work, such as volunteering, supporting a friend or family member, and hospitality or customer service roles. These all demonstrate the kind of caring, responsible attitude we look for. 

Connect your experience to the job

Whether you're writing a cover letter or completing the “motivation for applying” section: 

• Link your experience and strengths directly to the role 
• Use examples that show how you meet the requirements 

Be clear and confident 

Keep it short and positive - one page is ideal. 

End with a call to action, such as “I’d love the opportunity to bring my skills to Lifeways and look forward to hearing from you.”

Show your commitment 

If you're interested in a long-term career in care, let us know! 

We love to hear from people who want to keep learning, whether it’s through The Care Certificate, NVQs and apprenticeships, or ongoing development and training.

At Lifeways, we believe you’re not just anyone - you’re someone who can make a real difference. Be ready to share how your unique experience can enrich lives.

Research and understand the role 

• Explore our culture and values - Caring, Honest, One Team, Innovative, Courageous, and Equal - and see if they align with your own. If they resonate with you, then Lifeways could be the perfect place for you to thrive.
• Visit our LinkedIn page to learn more about our mission and person-centred approach to care.
• Go beyond the job description by thinking about the expectations around teamwork, empathy, and flexibility, and how the role supports our wider purpose. 
• Check your transport options. This seems basic but check the location of the job, if you will be using public transport, does it run to the shift times you discussed with the recruiter?  
• Familiarise yourself with the 6 Cs of care - Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. Reflect on how your own values and experience align. 
• Discover our services and people by taking a look at our stories to gain insight into the real impact our teams make every day. 

Prepare thoughtful questions 

Show your interest by preparing a few questions in advance - you might ask about team dynamics, training opportunities, support for career growth, or how we live our values in practice. 

The process may vary slightly depending on the role you’ve applied for, but one thing remains constant - you’ll always have a dedicated contact within our recruitment team. 

In the first instance, you’ll receive a call from your Recruiter or Recruitment Partner. They’ll introduce themselves, talk you through the role briefly, and arrange a convenient time for a telephone interview. 

This is where all your preparation really pays off! During the call, they’ll ask you a series of questions to understand how well you align with the job advert and the specific service they’re recruiting for. It’s also your chance to ask questions - whether it’s about the team, shift patterns, training, or anything else that’s important to you. 

Interview support

As a Disability Confident employer, if you need any adjustments to the interview process due to a disability, neurodivergence, or any other reason, please let us know and we'll adapt our process as much as possible. We’re here to ensure you have what you need to perform at your best. 

Prepare your answers

Think about common interview questions and practice describing your experience, skills, and why you’re interested in joining Lifeways. We want to hire people who share our values, so be sure to mention what stands out to you about our organisation and why you feel we’re the right fit. 

Try a mock interview

Practice with a friend, family member, or even in front of a mirror. This helps build confidence, sharpen your responses, and reduce nerves on the day. 

Use the STAR method

Some questions will ask you about your experiences to date - for example "tell us about a time when you worked in a really effective team" - or, if you don't have that experience, how you think you would behave in that situation. Structure your answers using the STAR technique: 

• Situation: Set the scene 
• Task: Explain your responsibility 
• Action: Describe what you did 
• Result: Share the outcome 

Whenever possible, add what you learned or what you’d do differently next time - this shows reflection, growth, and self-awareness. 

Prepare for scenario-based questions

You may be asked how you’d handle specific situations, such as “What would you do if a person you support refused medication?” or “How would you respond to a safeguarding concern?”. Use the STAR method here too, and focus on safety, empathy, and good communication. 

Bonus tip

Write down a few strengths or achievements you’re proud of. These can help centre your thoughts, boost your confidence, and give you useful examples to draw on in the moment. 

Want to know more about care standards?

Visit the Skills for Care A Question of Care tool. It’s a great resource for understanding what’s expected in adult social care roles, including best practice, career routes and more. 

Face-to-Face or Video interviews 

• Dress appropriately. Even for video interviews, a professional appearance makes a great first impression. You don't have to wear a suit but you should be clean, tidy and presentable. 
• Check your tech. If you're having a video interview, test your Microsoft Teams link, test your microphone, camera, and internet connection beforehand to avoid last-minute hiccups.
• Be mindful of body language - smile, maintain eye contact, and sit up straight to show confidence and engagement.

Remember: the interview isn’t designed to trip you up - it’s a conversation, not a test. We want to get to know you and find the right person for the role. Be yourself and share your passion for what we do at Lifeways, and how you can help us do it even better.

Some roles may include group activities or practical scenarios – these give us a sense of how you work with others and respond in real-life situations.

If you’re feeling nervous, take a deep breath and remember: we’re looking for people with the right heart and mindset – not perfect answers.

How to leave the interview well 

• End on a positive note. Thank your interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more.
• Ask questions. This shows interest and helps you decide if we’re the right fit for you.
• Confirm next steps. Ask when you can expect feedback or what the next stage of the process looks like.

After the interview

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to show appreciation and reiterate your interest.
• Reflect by noting down what went well and what you might do differently next time.
• Be patient, but proactive. If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe discussed, it’s okay to follow up politely.
• Keep track of the examples you used. They can help you in future interviews or even once you start the role.

Interviews are just conversations to get to know each other better. Here are some example questions and tips to help you share your story confidently and cover practical details with ease.

“Tell me about yourself” 

Keep it focused and relevant. Highlight your key skills, experience, and what excites you about the role or sector. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch.

“What are your weaknesses?” 

Be honest, but show growth. Choose something you’re actively working on and explain what you’re doing to improve.

“Why do you want to work for Lifeways?” 

Talk about what drew you to us. Refer to our values and how they align with your own reasons for applying—whether that’s making a difference, supporting others, or building a meaningful career.

“Describe a time you handled a difficult situation”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answer clear and structured. The scenario doesn’t have to be dramatic—what matters most is how you made decisions and what you learned.

Be honest and grounded in your examples. It’s okay if things didn’t go perfectly—what we care about is your mindset and how you handle challenges.

Discussing practical considerations 

These conversations are part of making sure the role works for you as well as for us: 

• Shift patterns and availability - be upfront about any shifts you can’t commit to. We’ll do our best to accommodate.
• Planned holidays - mention any upcoming breaks early to avoid conflicts later.
• Notice period - let us know when you could realistically start, so we can plan accordingly.