Relevant for all occupational therapist roles, worldwide. With UK 'Band 5' positions in mind.
Top tips
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.
Possible questions
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?
Best of luck with your interview! Jessie, Student Engagement Lead
Further to @Jessie's handy tips and questions above, we recommend you also visit the following page on the Hub:
This is home to an 'OT Career FAQ', including '13 Essential Characteristics of Occupational Therapists' - which you might like to consider when going for interviews!
Also take a look at The Guardian's piece:
Occupational therapist job interview tips: eight questions and answers.
Good luck in your interview(s)! The Occupational Therapy Hub Team
hubteam@theOThub.com
Thank you for sharing! Very useful tips