Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Personal Support Worker Roles – 2025

Preparing for a personal support worker job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your empathy, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience working with individuals in need of care. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, nursing home, or private residence, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous experience as a personal support worker?
  Answer: I have been working as a personal support worker for the past five years in a nursing home. I have also volunteered at a hospital for two years before that. I have experience working with a variety of clients, from the elderly to individuals with disabilities.
• 2. What inspired you to become a personal support worker?
  Answer: I have always had a passion for helping others, and after volunteering at a hospital, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. As a personal support worker, I am able to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need of care.
• 3. How do you handle challenging behaviors from clients?
  Answer: I believe the key is to remain calm and patient. I try to understand the underlying cause of the behavior and approach the situation with empathy and compassion. I also follow the care plan and communicate effectively with the client to de-escalate the situation.
• 4. How do you maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your clients?
  Answer: I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality in this line of work. I always follow privacy protocols and refrain from discussing any sensitive information about my clients with anyone outside of the care team, unless authorized by the client or their legal guardian.
• 5. What do you think is the most important quality for a personal support worker to possess?
  Answer: In my opinion, empathy is the most crucial quality for a personal support worker. It allows us to put ourselves in the client's shoes and truly understand their needs and preferences. With empathy, we can provide the best care and support for our clients.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you share a challenging experience you faced while caring for a client and how you resolved it?
  Answer: In my previous job, I worked with a client who had Alzheimer's and would often become agitated and resist care. I spent time getting to know the client and established a routine that they were comfortable with. I also used therapeutic communication techniques and involved the client in their care, which helped to reduce their agitation and increase cooperation.
• 7. How do you prioritize tasks when caring for multiple clients?
  Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and the needs of each individual client. I also communicate with my colleagues and work together to ensure that all clients receive the necessary care and support.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult coworker or supervisor.
  Answer: In my previous job, I had a coworker who was often uncooperative and would not follow protocols. I addressed the issue with them privately and attempted to find a solution together. When that didn't work, I brought the matter to our supervisor, but also made an effort to maintain a professional working relationship with the coworker.
• 9. Have you ever made a mistake while administering medication? How did you handle it?
  Answer: Thankfully, I have not made a major mistake while administering medication. However, there was one instance where I almost gave the wrong dosage to a client. I immediately recognized my mistake, double-checked the prescription, and notified my supervisor. The client's doctor was also informed, and we followed the necessary protocols to ensure the client's safety.
• 10. How do you handle emotional or stressful situations with clients and their families?
  Answer: I make sure to always approach these situations with empathy and understanding. I actively listen to the client and their family's concerns and validate their feelings. I also provide emotional support and involve the appropriate resources and care team members to help manage the situation.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you suspect a client is being abused, what steps would you take?
  Answer: I would first document any evidence or observations and report it to my supervisor. If necessary, I would also involve the appropriate authorities and support the client in finding a safe and appropriate living situation.
• 12. What would you do if a client refused to take their medication?
  Answer: I would first try to understand the reason behind the refusal and address any concerns the client may have. If necessary, I would involve the client's doctor or pharmacist to discuss alternative options or medication management strategies.
• 13. How would you handle a client who becomes aggressive during personal care tasks?
  Answer: I would first ensure the safety of myself and the client by creating a physical distance. I would then try to understand the underlying cause of the behavior and use therapeutic communication techniques to de-escalate the situation. If necessary, I would involve other members of the care team to assist with the task.
• 14. Suppose a client with limited mobility needs to be transferred from a bed to a wheelchair. How would you approach this task?
  Answer: First and foremost, I would assess the client's capabilities and involve them in the transfer process as much as possible. I would also follow proper lifting techniques and use any necessary equipment, such as a mechanical lift, to ensure the safety of both the client and myself. I would also communicate with the client throughout the transfer to ensure their comfort and security.
• 15. If a client with dementia insists on leaving the residence, how would you handle the situation?
  Answer: I would first try to redirect the client and distract them with an activity or task. If that doesn't work, I would involve the client's family or support team to help calm the client. If a client becomes agitated and insists on leaving, I would ensure their safety and follow the care plan for handling wandering behavior.

Technical Knowledge

• 16. What is your knowledge of medication management and administration?
  Answer: I have extensive knowledge and experience in medication management and administration. I am familiar with common medications and their uses, dosage calculations, and proper administration techniques, including oral, topical, and injection routes.
• 17. How would you handle a client with a feeding tube?
  Answer: I have experience and training in managing feeding tubes. I am familiar with the different types of feeding tubes, their purposes and complications, and proper feeding protocols. I would always follow the care plan and monitor the client for any potential issues.
• 18. How do you handle and prevent the spread of infection?
  Answer: I follow proper infection control and prevention protocols and maintain a clean and safe environment for my clients. I regularly wash my hands, use personal protective equipment, disinfect equipment and surfaces, and follow isolation precautions if necessary. I am also familiar with the signs and symptoms of infection and would report any concerns to my supervisor.
• 19. What is your experience with caring for clients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or COPD?
  Answer: I have experience caring for clients with various chronic conditions, including diabetes and COPD. I am familiar with their care needs, medication management, and potential complications. I also keep an open line of communication with the client's healthcare team to ensure the best care for the client.
• 20. What would you do in case of an emergency, such as a client experiencing a seizure or heart attack?
  Answer: I have undergone first aid and CPR training, and I would immediately call for help and follow the appropriate emergency protocols. I would also stay calm and provide any necessary care, such as administering medication or performing CPR, until emergency services arrive.