Top interview questions to expect

1. “Walk me through your experience as an occupational therapist.”
2. “What are your strengths and weaknesses as an occupational therapist?”
3. “Describe a time when you helped a patient regain their independence.”
4. “What are your thoughts on interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare?”
5. “How do you stay updated on the latest developments in occupational therapy?”
6. “What is your approach to working with patients with different cultural backgrounds?”
7. “Why are you interested in working at our clinic?”

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a simple yet effective method for answering interview questions by providing a concise and structured response. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

* Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which you faced a challenge or opportunity.
* Task: Explain the specific task or goal you were responsible for.
* Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation or achieve the goal.
* Result: Describe the outcome or positive impact of your actions.

Using the STAR framework helps you deliver clear, compelling answers that showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience in a structured and memorable manner.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. “Walk me through your experience as an occupational therapist.”

> Strong Answer:

> “As an occupational therapist, I’ve been dedicated to empowering individuals to regain functional independence and improve their quality of life. In my previous role at [Clinic Name], I had the privilege of working with patients across diverse conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, and orthopedic injuries. Through individualized therapy plans, I helped patients develop skills for daily living, manage pain, and prevent further injury. Beyond physical rehabilitation, I also focused on psychosocial and cognitive aspects to promote holistic well-being. I’m passionate about collaborating with patients and their families to set meaningful goals and achieve lasting outcomes, empowering them to live life to the fullest.”

> Explanation:

> This answer follows the STAR framework by providing a clear overview of the candidate’s experience as an occupational therapist. It highlights their dedication to empowering individuals, the diverse patient population they’ve worked with, and their focus on holistic rehabilitation. The candidate also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and setting meaningful goals, showcasing their patient-centered approach.

2. “What are your strengths and weaknesses as an occupational therapist?”

> Strong Answer:

> “My strengths as an occupational therapist lie in my strong clinical skills, empathetic nature, and collaborative approach. I’m skilled in assessing patients’ needs, designing tailored therapy plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions. My patience and compassion allow me to build strong rapport with patients and their families, fostering a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship. I’m also a team player who values interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive care for my patients. As for weaknesses, I would say that I sometimes tend to be a perfectionist, striving for the best possible outcomes for my patients. However, I recognize this as an area for growth and actively work on finding a balance between high standards and efficient care.”

> Explanation:

> This answer showcases the candidate’s strengths as an occupational therapist by highlighting their clinical skills, empathy, and collaborative approach. It also acknowledges a potential weakness—being a perfectionist—but frames it positively as a drive for excellence and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.

3. “Describe a time when you helped a patient regain their independence.”

> Strong Answer:

> “One memorable experience I had as an occupational therapist was working with a patient named Sarah, who had suffered a stroke that left her with limited mobility on her right side. Through a comprehensive therapy plan, I focused on improving her range of motion, strengthening her muscles, and teaching her compensatory strategies to perform daily tasks. With patience, encouragement, and a collaborative effort between the therapy team and Sarah’s family, she gradually regained her independence. She was able to return to her daily routine, including cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Witnessing Sarah’s progress and the joy it brought to her and her family was a truly rewarding experience for me.”

> Explanation:

> This answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s ability to help patients regain their independence. It provides a specific example of a patient, Sarah, who faced challenges due to a stroke. The candidate describes the tailored therapy plan they implemented, emphasizing their focus on collaboration and the positive impact it had on Sarah’s life. The answer highlights the candidate’s patient-centered approach and their commitment to empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives.

4. “What are your thoughts on interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare?”

> Strong Answer:

> “I believe that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in providing comprehensive and effective healthcare to patients. By working together, occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can share their expertise and perspectives to develop a holistic treatment plan that addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs. I’ve had the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams throughout my career, and I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration leads to better patient outcomes. I value the diverse skills and knowledge that each member of the team brings, and I’m always eager to learn from and contribute to the collective effort.”

> Explanation:

> This answer demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. It highlights the benefits of sharing expertise and perspectives to provide holistic care to patients. The candidate also emphasizes their experience working in interdisciplinary teams and their willingness to learn from and contribute to the collective effort. This answer showcases the candidate’s commitment to teamwork and their ability to work effectively with other healthcare professionals.

5. “How do you stay updated on the latest developments in occupational therapy?”

> Strong Answer:

> “I make a conscious effort to stay updated on the latest developments in occupational therapy through a variety of channels. I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to learn about new research, innovations, and best practices in the field. I also actively engage in continuing education courses and read peer-reviewed journals to expand my knowledge and skills. Additionally, I participate in online forums and professional networks to connect with fellow occupational therapists and stay informed about emerging trends and advancements in the profession. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge ensures that I provide my patients with the most current and evidence-based care.”

> Explanation:

> This answer highlights the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It demonstrates their proactive approach to staying updated on the latest developments in occupational therapy. The candidate mentions specific methods they use, such as attending conferences, workshops, and webinars, as well as reading journals and participating in online forums. This answer showcases the candidate’s dedication to providing patients with the best possible care by continuously expanding their knowledge and skills.

6. “What is your approach to working with patients with different cultural backgrounds?”

> Strong Answer:

> “When working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, I prioritize cultural sensitivity and competence. I take the time to understand the cultural beliefs, values, and norms that influence their health and well-being. I actively listen to their concerns and preferences, respecting their unique perspectives and experiences. I also educate myself about the cultural factors that may impact their rehabilitation process, such as communication styles, family dynamics, and healthcare practices. By embracing cultural diversity and adapting my approach accordingly, I strive to provide culturally sensitive care that empowers patients to actively participate in their rehabilitation journey.”

> Explanation:

> This answer demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to providing culturally sensitive care to patients. It highlights their willingness to learn about different cultures and their understanding of the impact of cultural factors on the rehabilitation process. The candidate also emphasizes the importance of active listening and respecting patients’ perspectives. This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to work effectively with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and their dedication to providing equitable and inclusive care.

7. “Why are you interested in working at our clinic?”

> Strong Answer:

> “I’m drawn to your clinic’s reputation for providing exceptional occupational therapy services and its commitment to patient-centered care. I align with your mission of empowering individuals to achieve their highest level of independence and well-being. The diversity of your patient population and the opportunity to work with a team of experienced and passionate occupational therapists truly excites me. I believe that my skills and experience would complement your team and contribute to the positive outcomes you strive for. I’m eager to learn from and collaborate with your team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients.”

> Explanation:

> This answer demonstrates the candidate’s enthusiasm for the position and their alignment with the clinic’s mission and values. It highlights their interest in the diversity of the patient population and their desire to contribute to the team’s success. The candidate also expresses their eagerness to learn and grow, showcasing their commitment to professional development. This answer leaves a positive impression and demonstrates the candidate’s genuine interest in the position and their potential fit for the clinic.