Commonly asked Occupational Therapist interview questions

If you're pursuing a fulfilling career as an Occupational Therapist, preparing for interviews is a critical step to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for helping individuals achieve their full potential.

In this blog, we explore five commonly asked interview questions and provide tips to help you stand out as a candidate.

1: What motivated you to pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist?

How to answer:
Start by sharing your genuine interest in the field of occupational therapy, emphasising any personal experiences or observations that inspired your career choice. Highlight your desire to empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals. Discuss the skills and qualities that make you well-suited to the role, such as empathy, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. Conclude by emphasising your long-term passion for the profession and your commitment to positively impacting your clients' lives.

2. Can you provide an overview of your experience and background in occupational therapy?

How to answer:
Begin with a brief summary of your educational background, including relevant degrees, certifications, or training programs in occupational therapy. Highlight key roles where you have worked directly with individuals, focusing on diverse client populations or specialised areas of practice. Share specific examples of interventions, techniques, or programs you’ve implemented that provided positive outcomes. End by expressing your enthusiasm for continuing to bring value and innovative approaches to your practice.

3. How well do you work under pressure?

How to answer:
Acknowledge that occupational therapy often involves high-pressure situations, such as managing complex cases or adapting quickly to unexpected challenges. Share a specific instance where you remained composed under pressure, describing the steps you took to manage the situation effectively. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks, collaborate with team members, and maintain a focus on client outcomes. Wrap up by emphasising your commitment to self-awareness and ongoing growth in managing high-pressure scenarios.

4. Can you describe a challenging situation you have faced as an Occupational Therapist and how you handled it?

How to answer:
Start by providing a concise overview of the challenging situation, ensuring the interviewer understands the context. Explain your role, the objectives you aimed to achieve, and the strategies you employed to address the challenge. Highlight your use of problem-solving skills, therapeutic techniques, and collaboration with colleagues, clients, or families. Conclude with the positive outcome, any lessons learned, and how the experience has enhanced your professional development.

5: How do you stay informed about new developments, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in occupational therapy?

How to answer:
Explain the importance of staying current in occupational therapy to provide the best support for your clients. Discuss your commitment to professional development through attending workshops, conferences, or webinars, and mention any memberships in relevant organisations. Share examples of how you’ve integrated new knowledge into your practice, such as adopting evidence-based interventions or tailoring programs based on emerging research. End by expressing your dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Looking for Occupational Therapist Opportunities?

At Archer Resourcing, we specialise in connecting skilled Occupational Therapists with exceptional opportunities across the UK. Click here to explore our latest roles.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our dedicated healthcare team today at 01473 939670, and one of our specialist consultants will guide you in securing your next exciting role.