5 Things to find out about a care home before your activity coordinator interview

An activity coordinator interview can make even the most confident person feel wobbly.

Whether you’re an experienced Activity Coordinator looking for a new role, or a hopeful wannabe trying to step into the sector for the first time, it’s easy to walk in thinking:

I just hope they like me.

STOP!

Here’s a gentle reframe, it’s not just about them choosing you.

You are choosing too.

You are choosing the environment where you’ll pour your energy, creativity and compassion. And when your role is centred around residents’ wellbeing and daily joy, that choice matters enormously.

Before you step through those doors, here are five important things to find out.

1. Check the latest CQC report

Go to the CQC website and read the most recent inspection report for the home. Don’t just glance at the rating, read the detail.

Pay particular attention to:

• The overall rating

• The Responsive section

• Any comments about activities, engagement or person-centred care

  
  

Does the report talk about meaningful interaction? About staff knowing residents well? About personalised support? Or does it mention limited stimulation or inconsistent engagement?

This isn’t about judging.

It’s about understanding the culture you might be stepping into.

You can even reference it in the interview:

That shows professionalism, preparation and that you understand how important quality of life is, not just tasks.

Ask yourself quietly:

Would I feel proud working in a home with this report?

2. Understand who lives there

Not in terms of names, but in terms of needs. The activities role looks very different depending on who lives in the home.

Try to find out:

• Is it residential, nursing or mixed?

• Is there a dementia unit?

• Are there residents living with advanced dementia?

• Are there younger residents?

• Are most people independent, or mostly bed-based?

A home with largely independent residents who enjoy group quizzes and outings will feel very different from a home where most residents need one-to-one sensory engagement at bedside.

Neither is better. But they are different.

Understanding this helps you prepare practically and emotionally.

It also helps you reflect:

Does this match the kind of work I feel drawn to right now?

3. Look at their website and social media

Have a proper look, not just a quick scroll.

• Do they regularly share photos of activities?

• Are residents actively engaged?

• Is there variety?

• Do families comment positively?

Photos can reveal a lot about culture.

Are residents participating or just watching? Are activities varied or repetitive? Do staff look involved?

If there’s very little evidence of activities online, that’s useful information too.

It may mean the role needs building up, which could be exciting, but also challenging.

Use what you find as conversation starters:

It shows interest and initiative.

And quietly ask yourself:

Can I imagine myself building on what’s already here?

4. Read the job description carefully

Language matters more than we sometimes realise.

Does the advert say:

• “Plan and deliver meaningful person-centred activities”

• “Contribute to care planning”

• “Promote wellbeing”

Or does it simply say:

• “Keep residents entertained” ?

The wording gives clues about how seriously the role is viewed.

Also look for practical details:

• Is there mention of a budget?

• Will you work weekends?

• Is it a lone role?

• Are you expected to complete documentation?

• Who will you report to?

  
  

If it sounds vague, prepare a few gentle questions:

• “How are residents’ preferences recorded and reviewed?”

• “Is there an allocated activities budget?”

• “Is planning time built into the rota?”

The answers will tell you a great deal about whether the role is valued, or simply seen as an add-on.

5. Find out what support you’ll have

This one is especially important if you’re new to the sector.

Passion is wonderful. But support is essential.

Try to find out:

• Is there more than one activities staff member?

• Will you have supervision?

• What training is offered (especially around dementia and safeguarding)?

• Who do you report to?

• Is there time for planning and paperwork?

A role where you are expected to just get on with it with no budget, no backup and no structure can quickly lead to burnout.

Whereas a role with clear expectations, supportive management and proper time allocation allows you to thrive.

Ask yourself:

Will I be set up to succeed here?

Go into your activity coordinator interview with confidence

If you’re reading this and feeling nervous about interviews, let me remind you of something important.

You are not just the activities person.

Take a breath.

Remember what you are bringing into that home.

You are someone who understands that wellbeing is built through connection, purpose and small meaningful moments. You are someone who sees the person behind the diagnosis. You are someone who notices who hasn’t spoken, who hasn’t smiled, who needs a quieter approach.

That matters.

Walk in knowing that your role has value.

Ask thoughtful questions.

• Expect clarity.

• Expect respect.

• Expect support.

Because meaningful activities don’t happen by accident, they happen when confident, compassionate people are given the space to do their work well.

If you'd like more support with your activity coordinator role, consider joining the Activity Coordinators Toolbox.