Career Development & Leadership

Relevant for all occupational therapist roles, worldwide. With UK 'Band 5' positions in mind.

• Organise and update your CPD file

• Review HCPC guidelines (or other bodies) for structure

• Research conditions in the area of OT you are applying for

• Take a copy of your CV/application form and CPD file

• Relate each question to occupational therapy

• Try and use clinical examples

• Research the Trust or organisation you will be working for; find out what the its values and goals are

• Research changes in the NHS - or if it is a private organisation, research the company

• Review the job specification/description and compare it to you; refer to this in the interview - what skills enable you to be a desired candidate?

• Keep a copy of you DBS documents, such as passport, driving licence and a bill from the last 3 months

• Dress formally to the interview. No harm in keeping it simple - shirt and formal trousers. If heels are worn, be aware they may want to give you a walk around tour.

1. Tell me something about yourself?

Discuss personal qualities and skills to have obtained in relation to occupational therapy. The answer will be a mix of qualities and traits which you display that are required to be a good occupational therapist.

Example answer:

• I am a caring individual and I enjoy supporting others to fulfil their potential

• I have spent X amount of years in a hospital setting… Why? Because you have a caring mentality? What did the role involve and what did you like about it? Are you inspired by other professionals? Do you enjoy seeing others progress with rehab?

• I communicate well within an MDT and work well individually with my duties

• I am eager to build my skills and develop myself, so that I can treat my patients to the best of my abilities

• I am good at time management and prioritise my case load effectively

• Think about past experiences as an OT or student - was there a time where you were flexible and helped other teams?

• I am a great listener; I enjoy taking a holistic approach and create goals which are specific to my patients/clients

• I am hard working and motivated by positive patient feedback

Qualities of an occupational therapist:

• Empathetic

• Highly motivated

• Great listener

• Good work ethic

• Dependable

• Flexible

• Honesty

• Confident

• Hard working

• Passionate

• Kind

• Supportive

• Team player

• Verbal and written communication

Keep answers related to OT if possible. Use examples from placements.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Review professional growth

• Discuss opportunities the role may open up

• Reflect on your own personal goals

• Goals connected with the position in relation to OT

• How will the position enable them to reach these goals?

• The interviewer may want to know if you will be staying in the location/in the same trust

3. How would you describe the role of OT within this setting to a student nurse?

• Passionate about occupational therapy during the conversation

• Discussing the OT role - what interventions can an OT complete?

• Seeing this as positive and discussing outcomes, e.g. how MDT members refer more appropriately, future practitioners understand the role and encourage patients to maintain independence with their ADLs

4. Describe a difficult situation that you have had with a patient and explain how you handled it

• Reflecting - maybe refer to a reflection in your CPD folder

• Keep it as simple as possible; the key details, but describe how you built a rapport

• Ensure your example demonstrates supporting patient to the best of your abilities and an outcome that worked well for the patient

• How did you help them achieve their goals?

• Use of active listening, to calm a situation down?

• Demonstrate clinical reasoning

5. How would you manage when you have lots of patients handed over, to be seen in the morning handover?

• Prioritise - ensure you see medically fit patients first

• Make a list? If this is something that helps you, check you have completed all tasks in relation to each patient. For example, on a busy day you may be between a few patients; a check list enables you to clarify what was completed.

• Ask for support from your senior if required - working as a team works both ways

• Use an example

• Discuss it as a learning curve but remain positive

• Remain calm and efficient with caseload

6. Condition-related questions / scenario questions

• If you have applied for a role, you should research relevant conditions

• If you have not come across the condition, break it down via the occupational therapy process, gather information, research the condition and discuss with a senior prior to an intervention
  

7. ...And do you have any questions for us?

• What opportunities for professional development are available?

• What is your supervision schedule like?

• What are the working hours?

• Does uniform have to be worn?

• Is there an in-service programme or peer support?