Occupational Therapist Interviews

Occupational Therapist Interview Questions

Occupational therapists help patients regain skills and return to work after an injury. In an occupational therapist interview, expect to answer questions that test your problem-solving, communication and planning skills. Be prepared to discuss previous work experience and specific therapy methods during your interview.

1,029 Occupational Therapist interview questions shared by candidates

Top Occupational Therapist Interview Questions & How to Answer

Here are three occupational therapist interview questions and tips on how to answer them:

Question No. 1: How do you deal with a large workload?

How to answer: Occupational therapists often have busy schedules caring for a large number of patients. This question allows the interviewer to understand your time and stress-management skills. List and discuss time-management strategies that you use on the job. If possible, discuss previous work experience and how you handled a busy schedule.

Question No. 2: How do you handle complaints from a difficult patient or patient's family?

How to answer: Occupational therapists must be able to communicate and create positive working relationships with patients and their families. This question allows an interviewer to assess your communication and relationship-building skills. Discuss tactics you use for communicating with difficult patients as well as strategies that increase positive outcomes for struggling patients.

Question No. 3: What are the steps you take when setting patient goals?

How to answer: As an occupational therapist, you must work with patients to set goals and create a plan to reach those goals. This question allows employers to assess your ability to set achievable client goals and involve clients in the goal-setting process. Discuss how you create individual occupational therapy goals with patients and their families.

Top Interview Questions

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Interface Rehab
Occupational Therapist was asked...30 September 2015

How much are you expecting to get paid?

4 Answers

At least $23 an hour

$30 to $35

At least $45 /hour plus benefits

Show more responses
Visiting Nurse Association of Kansas City

How would you describe yourself in one word?

2 Answers

Relatable

Helpful

William Osler Health System

You are walking a patient, and someone else requires your immediate help. What do you do?

3 Answers

I want to help that person first

I want to help that person first

If I can safely transfer the patient back to their room to be able to help, I would. Otherwise, I would suggest the other individual find someone else to help. Less

The Dream Works

How do you know ——?

3 Answers

I worked with her once before.

I don't know?!

I always know

Tender Touch Rehab Services

How comfortable are you in the long-term care setting?

3 Answers

They honestly asked me no questions of significance- they were desperate for a therapist Less

Yes

Very comfortable

Kaleida Health

What is your level of education

2 Answers

Master's Degree

Physical therapist assistant

United Cerebral Palsy

What type of population have you worked with before?

2 Answers

I listed the types of populations that I worked with.

I have worked with children with developmental Delays, autism, and cerebral palsy as well as ADHD. Less

Mountain Land Rehabilitation

Do I respect and feel I can learn from Physical Therapists with only a bachelor's degree.

2 Answers

If the PT "only has their bachelor's degree", then they have something much more valuable than the degree that a new grad bought. It's called experience. I have my Masters, and 17 years experience and that should trump any new grad with a "higher" degree. The real world is a much bigger place than the scholastic world. Less

Whoever posted the response on April 27 should understand that the person leaving the review didn't ask it, Mountain Land asked it. They're trying to say that was a poor question, and I agree. Why would anyone be sensitive enough about their lower degree to actually ask that question? A perfect illustration of the mindset at Mountain Land. Less

The Stepping Stones Group

Situational questions about cases.

2 Answers

With as much detail as possible.

I like situational questions. I am able to show positive personality to employers. Less

Speakeasy Therapy Services

What is one thing you’re looking for as a new hire?

2 Answers

Mentorship and the opportunity for professional development.

Consistency and growth in new opportunities.

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