A guide to the recruitment process at Anchor - by Resourcing Advisor Shoqeeb

Whether you’re completely new to the care industry or looking for a new opportunity within your sector, we want your recruitment journey with Anchor to feel clear, straightforward and supportive from the very beginning.

In this blog, Shoqeeb Malik, one of our Resourcing  Advisors supporting care recruitment across the Central region takes you step by step through some of our key processes so you know what to expect.

Advice from an expert - Meet Shoqeeb

My role is all about connecting talented people with rewarding careers where they can make a real difference to older people's lives.

I've been with Anchor for nearly five years now, working closely with hiring managers and supporting  their entire recruitment journey – from reviewing applications and arranging interviews to welcoming new colleagues into the business.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is meeting people who genuinely care about improving the lives of our residents. I know not everyone looks forward to the prospect of going for interviews, but our friendly team are here to help you understand what you can expect throughout the recruitment process and feel confident about applying.

We offer a wide range of roles at Anchor across care, housing, property and resources, but the core recruitment process generally remains the same, and we’re going to take you through it step-by-step in this helpful guide.

A round-up of the recruitment process

• Finding the right vacancy: Search for roles by job title, department or location, and take a moment to check the location, commute, hours and shift pattern are right for you.
• Applying online: Complete our simple online application form, which usually takes around 10–15 minutes. We’ll ask for key details such as your contact information, right to work in the UK and CV.
• Pre-screen and interview: If your application is shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next stage. This may be a short telephone or video call, or a face-to-face interview depending on the role.
• Offer and onboarding: If you’re successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer and access to our onboarding portal. Completing your forms and checks promptly can help make this stage as quick and smooth as possible.
• Your first day and beyond: You’ll be welcomed by your manager and team, introduced to your workplace, supported through induction and training, and given regular opportunities to ask questions as you settle in.

Applying for a role at Anchor

Applying for a role with Anchor is quick, simple, and designed to be as straightforward as possible.

Search for vacancies by job title, department or location, with new and exciting opportunities added every day.

Once you've found a role that's right for you, simply complete our online application form. Within this you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your contact details
• Confirmation of your right to work in the UK
• Your CV
• Some optional diversity monitoring information

Most applications take just 10–15 minutes to complete! 
Helpful tip: Before you apply, it’s worth checking the role location, commute, hours and shift pattern so you can feel confident the opportunity is a good fit for you.

What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

Once you submit your application, it goes directly into our recruitment system where it is reviewed by a colleague at Anchor, either one of our Resourcing Advisors or the hiring manager.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for people who have the right values, attitudes, and passion for delivering excellent care and customer service.

While experience within the industry can be beneficial, it's not always essential. Through our Skills for Care approach, we're proud to welcome candidates who are new to the care sector and have the right mindset to learn and develop.

How long will it take for my Anchor application to be reviewed?

We aim to review applications as quickly as possible, and many candidates hear from us sooner. Some roles are reviewed by our central recruitment team, while others are managed directly by our homes or departments, so timescales can vary. Whatever the role, we’ll keep the process moving and will usually contact you by email with an update on the outcome of your application.

If your application is shortlisted, we'll invite you to the next stage of the process. Depending on the specific role, this could be either:

• A short telephone or video call to discuss the role, location, and working hours.
• A face-to-face interview at one of our locations.

Following this, you'll receive an email asking you to complete a follow-up form for references. We will only contact referees once you've provisionally accepted a conditional offer from us.

What to expect from your interview

Our interviews are about much more than just your CV. We want to get to know you as a person, understand what motivates you, and explore how your values align with those at Anchor.

Interviews may take place virtually or in person, depending on the role. If you're invited to one of our care homes, don't be afraid to:

• Ask questions 
• Show curiosity 
• Engage naturally with residents and colleagues

Seeing how candidates interact with others helps us understand the compassion, kindness, and empathy they'll bring to the role, especially those applying to work directly in one of our care homes.

What sort of questions will I be asked?

You'll have the opportunity to talk about your previous experience, transferable skills, and passion for the care sector.

Interviews typically include scenario-based questions, along with a short English and maths assessment where appropriate.

Other questions you might be asked include:

•    Why do you want to work at Anchor?
•    Can you tell us about a time you delivered excellent customer service or supported someone?
•    How would you handle a challenging situation?
•    How do you prioritise your workload when things get busy?
•    What does great care mean to you?

Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation. It's your opportunity to learn more about Anchor and decide whether we're the right fit for you too.
Helpful tip: Think about examples from work, volunteering or everyday life where you’ve supported others, solved a problem or shown kindness, patience and teamwork.

When will I know if I've been successful?

We aim to provide interview outcomes as quickly as possible once all interviews have been completed. If you're unsuccessful, feedback can be provided by the hiring manager to help support your future applications with us.

Receiving your offer and onboarding with us

If you're successful, you'll receive a conditional offer along with access to our onboarding portal.

Once you've accepted your offer, we'll guide you through every stage before your start date. This includes completing:

• Employment history checks
• Personal information
• Right-to-work verification
• References
• A DBS check, where required

Your manager and our recruitment team will keep in touch throughout the recruitment process, letting you know if any additional information or documentation is needed.
Helpful tip: Completing any required forms, checks and documentation as soon as you can helps us support a quicker and smoother onboarding experience.

Before, or shortly after joining, you'll complete mandatory training covering topics such as:

• Our values 
• Company policies 
• Health and safety procedures 
• The high standards of care we provide

Your manager will ensure you have everything you need to start your career with confidence.

Your first few days at Anchor

Starting a new role can feel daunting, but we make sure our colleagues feel welcomed from day one at Anchor.

You'll be introduced to your team, shown around your workplace, and given the opportunity to get to know your colleagues.

Your manager will explain your new role in depth and support you as you settle, and you'll also begin completing your e-learning and induction programme.

During your first few weeks, you'll:

• Continue training 
• Complete shadow shifts to find out how things work 
• Build meaningful relationships with residents, customers and colleagues depending on your specific role

Regular check-ins with your manager provide an opportunity to:

• Ask questions 
• Receive feedback on how you’re doing 
• Ensure you’re feeling completely supported in your new role

As your confidence grows over the following months, you'll have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility while continuing to receive guidance from your team.

Developing your career at Anchor

At Anchor, your learning and development doesn't stop once you've completed your induction.

We're committed to helping our colleagues build long-term, rewarding careers. After successfully completing your probation, you'll have opportunities to continue developing your skills through further qualifications, training, and internal career progression.

Many of our colleagues go on to take their next career step within Anchor, and we're proud to support them every step of the way.

Find your role today

Whether you're starting your career in care or looking for your next opportunity, we look forward to welcoming people who share our values and want to make a positive difference every day.

Explore our vacancies today and find out where you fit.