Top Occupational Therapist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Occupational Therapist interview by going through these most asked Occupational Therapist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What is your experience as a therapist?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have physical and mental disabilities. They conduct assessments to gauge the individual's abilities and create plans to help the workers complete daily tasks required for their preferred jobs. The plans include rehabilitative services related to the individual's injuries and the best practices for getting them back into the workforce.

    Sample Answer: I worked as an occupational therapist for several years. I conducted assessments on patients and created customized rehabilitation plans to help them regain lost skills. I helped patients who had suffered from injuries or disabilities return to work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working as an occupational therapist
    • - Examples of skill cultivation in previous patients
    • - Overall subject knowledge and communication skills

  • Question: Tell me about a difficult client you had and how did you address the issue.
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have a variety of injuries and disabilities. They must be patient and understanding as they treat patients who don't progress at the same rate. They are also required to manage care for injured workers on a daily basis.

    Sample Answer: I worked with a patient who had a permanent disability that prevented him from progressing at the same rate as other patients. I was patient and understanding as I worked with him to achieve new goals. I also managed his care on a daily basis and coordinated with his physician to ensure he received the best treatment possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with varying injuries
    • - Organizational skills
    • - Patient and understanding demeanor

  • Question: What is it about this setting that interests you?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with injured workers to help them regain their skills and return to their jobs. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices and more. The therapist must be able to work with patients who have varying injuries and disabilities.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in helping people recover from injuries and get back to their jobs. I'm interested in working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices and more.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with varying injuries and disabilities
    • - Interest in working in a variety of settings
    • - Interest in working with patients who have physical and mental disabilities

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are in high demand in the workforce. They are needed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practices. They work with patients with a variety of injuries and disabilities. The therapist is dedicated to helping patients recover and get back to work.

    Sample Answer: I see myself working as an occupational therapist in a private practice. I will continue to help injured workers recover from their injuries and get back to work. I will also continue to help patients with disabilities achieve their goals and live more independent lives.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Dedication to helping patients recover
    • - Commitment to helping patients get back to work
    • - Career goals that include helping patients and the community

  • Question: What was the most difficult situation you've been in at work?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have a wide range of injuries and disabilities. They must remain patient and understanding as they help patients recover from their injuries. They need to remain calm and focused when the patient is frustrated or angry.

    Sample Answer: I worked with a patient who was frustrated after his injury and had difficulty accepting his new limitations. He was angry and upset with his situation and lashed out at me. I remained calm and focused on helping him understand the importance of his recovery and how it would help him get back to work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who are frustrated
    • - Calm demeanor
    • - Ability to remain focused under pressure

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had conflict with your supervisor.
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have varying injuries and disabilities. They must be able to work with patients who don't progress at the same rate. They must also be patient and well-organized when treating patients. The therapist understands what it takes to manage care for injured workers on a daily basis.

    Sample Answer: I had a conflict with my supervisor when I disagreed with her about the patient's treatment plan. I felt that the patient wasn't progressing at the same rate as others and wanted to change the treatment plan. I presented my case to her and she agreed that we should change the plan.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with varying injuries
    • - Organizational skills
    • - Patient and understanding demeanor

  • Question: What do you do to provide exceptional patient care?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are patient and understanding when working with patients. They provide the best care possible and help patients achieve their goals. They are compassionate and dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries and return to work.

    Sample Answer: I provided exceptional care by being patient with my patients and helping them achieve their goals. I was compassionate and understanding when working with them, and I helped them recover from their injuries and return to work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience providing exceptional patient care
    • - Dedication to helping patients achieve their goals
    • - Compassionate and understanding demeanor

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient.
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have a variety of injuries and disabilities. Some patients are more challenging than others, and the therapist must remain patient and calm when working with them. They must also be able to identify the patient's needs and provide the best care to meet those needs.

    Sample Answer: I worked with a patient who was very frustrated with his progress after his injury. He was unable to complete the tasks that he needed to do to return to work. I remained calm and patient as I worked with him to set new goals that were more realistic for his current abilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who have a variety of injuries and disabilities
    • - Patient and understanding demeanor
    • - Dedication and care toward patient success

  • Question: Can you tell me more about your experience?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have suffered injuries and disabilities. They help patients regain their abilities and return to the workforce. They conduct assessments to gauge the individual's progress and create plans to help the workers complete daily tasks required for their preferred jobs. The plans include rehabilitative services related to the individual's injuries and the best practices for getting them back into the workforce.

    Sample Answer: My rehabilitation plans started with a complete assessment of the individual's skills set. I built plans to strengthen weaknesses and enhance the individual's strengths. I compared their benchmark results with the current requirements for their preferred job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience creating tailored-to-fit rehab plans
    • - Examples of skill cultivation in previous clients
    • - Overall subject knowledge and communication skills

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know what you consider your strengths and weaknesses. You should be prepared to discuss both.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to remain patient with my patients. I have worked with many people who have been through a lot, and I understand that it takes time to recover from injuries. My greatest weakness is my lack of knowledge in the medical field. I have always been interested in medicine, but I have not had the opportunity to study it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of your strengths and weaknesses
    • - Explanation of how you have used your strengths to overcome your weaknesses

  • Question: What are your strengths in the long-term care setting?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have chronic conditions. They help patients manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. The therapist helps patients with daily activities and teaches them how to maintain their health.

    Sample Answer: I worked with patients who had chronic conditions that affected their daily activities. I helped them manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. I helped them with daily activities and taught them how to maintain their health.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with chronic conditions
    • - Knowledge of how to manage chronic conditions
    • - Knowledge of how to improve quality of life

  • Question: How would you deal with non-compliant or unmotivated clients?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are patient and understanding when working with patients. They understand that not all patients will progress at the same rate. They are dedicated to helping patients achieve their goals and keep them motivated. They work with patients to create realistic goals that are based on their current abilities.

    Sample Answer: I worked with non-compliant or unmotivated patients by creating a plan that was realistic for their current abilities. I used positive reinforcement to keep them motivated and encouraged them to continue working toward their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with non-compliant or unmotivated patients
    • - Patient and understanding demeanor
    • - Dedication and care toward patient success

  • Question: What made you decide to move on from your current position?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapist work with patients who have suffered injuries and disabilities that prevent them from returning to their previous jobs. The therapist helps the patient find a new job that matches their abilities and interests. The therapist must be patient and understanding as they help the patient transition into a new career.

    Sample Answer: I decided to move on from my current position because I wanted to work with patients who had suffered injuries and were unable to return to their previous jobs. I wanted to help them find new careers that matched their abilities and interests.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who have suffered injuries
    • - Dedication to helping patients find new careers
    • - Good communication skills

  • Question: What does operating at the highest level of your license mean to you?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are licensed by the state to practice their profession. They are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license. The therapist must also meet the state's standards for professional conduct and ethics.

    Sample Answer: I have maintained my license by completing continuing education courses and meeting the state's standards for professional conduct and ethics. I have also provided information about my license to my patients and employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience maintaining a state license
    • - Experience with professional conduct and ethics
    • - Knowledge of how to meet the state's standards for professional conduct and ethics

  • Question: What is your experience in this field?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients to help them regain their skills and achieve new goals. They work with the doctor to create a plan for the patient's recovery and rehabilitation. They are patient and well-organized when treating patients. The therapist understands what it takes to manage care for injured workers on a daily basis.

    Sample Answer: In the role, I worked with patients with varying conditions that required me to remain patient and keep them at ease. I developed extensive organizational skills as I managed multiple patients daily, and I remained determined to find patients the best job position for which they qualified.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with varying injuries
    • - Organizational skills
    • - Patient and understanding demeanor

  • Question: What are good traits to have as an OT?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are patient, caring and compassionate. They are dedicated to helping patients achieve their goals and are willing to work with them on a daily basis. They are organized and detail-oriented, and they understand how to manage their time effectively.

    Sample Answer: I helped patients achieve their goals by being patient and understanding of their needs. I was organized and kept detailed records of their progress. I was dedicated to helping them achieve their goals and worked with them on a daily basis.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients
    • - Dedication to patient care
    • - Organizational skills

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you failed or had a shortcoming on one of your previous jobs.
  • Question Overview: Employers want to know that you have the ability to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. They want to know that you have the ability to accept criticism and learn from it.

    Sample Answer: I had a shortcoming on one of my previous jobs when I didn't follow the patient's progress closely enough. I didn't notice that the patient's condition had worsened and they were unable to continue with their rehabilitation plan. I learned from this experience and now keep detailed records of my patients' progress and update them after each visit.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of how you learned from past mistakes
    • - How you have improved your work performance
    • - How you have grown as a professional

  • Question: Why did you choose to work at Healthsouth?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have suffered injuries and are recovering. They help patients recover their skills and return to the workforce. They work with patients who have physical and mental disabilities.

    Sample Answer: I chose to work at Healthsouth because I wanted to help patients recover from their injuries and get back to work. I wanted to work with patients who had physical and mental disabilities. I was interested in helping them achieve their goals of returning to the workforce.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Interest in helping patients recover from injuries
    • - Interest in helping patients return to the workforce
    • - Interest in working with patients with physical and mental disabilities

  • Question: What is your comfort level with a flexible working schedule?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have injuries or disabilities that prevent them from working a standard schedule. They must be flexible with their hours to accommodate the patient's needs and help them progress. The therapist must be willing to work overtime when necessary and be available for emergencies.

    Sample Answer: I was comfortable with a flexible schedule because I knew it was necessary for my patients. I was willing to work overtime when necessary and available for emergencies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who have injuries or disabilities
    • - Flexibility with working hours
    • - Willingness to work overtime

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this environment?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices and nursing homes. They work with patients who have physical and mental disabilities. The therapist must be patient and understanding when working with patients who have different abilities and progress at different rates.

    Sample Answer: I want to work in this environment because I enjoy helping people overcome their physical and mental disabilities. I enjoy being patient and understanding when working with patients who have different abilities and progress at different rates.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients with varying abilities
    • - Dedication to patient care
    • - Knowledge of the environment