Preparing for an occupational therapy job interview takes time and thoughtful planning. Interviewers look for candidates who demonstrate confidence, self-awareness, and genuine passion for helping others. The best way to stand out is to practice answering occupational therapy interview questions with strong responses that show clinical skills, teamwork, and motivation to grow in the field.
This guide covers the most common interview questions for occupational therapists, practical sample answers, and expert tips to approach the next interview with confidence.
Preparation for an interview is key to performing well and showing confidence from the start.
Before the interview, review the job description carefully to understand what the facility expects and how previous experiences align with their goals.
Identify key skills and qualifications such as pediatric therapy, documentation experience, or caseload management. Employers value candidates who can adapt quickly to the work environment. For example, if the position involves a skilled nursing facility, prepare examples that show effective caseload management and accurate documentation.
Tip: Create a short list of three strengths that directly match the employer’s needs.
Researching the facility demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in the position. Visit the company website, review its programs, and learn about the patient population it serves. This information can help shape answers to fit the organization’s priorities.
If the employer focuses on outpatient rehabilitation, use examples from fieldwork experiences that highlight helping a patient overcome mobility challenges and achieve a positive outcome.
Professional resources like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Career Center also provide insights into hiring trends and expectations.
Practicing with a friend or family member helps refine responses and build confidence. Rehearsing mock interview questions aloud improves tone, pacing, and clarity. Recording practice sessions can help identify areas to adjust before the actual interview.
Practicing in advance also makes it easier to handle unexpected follow-up questions when an interviewer asks for more detail or clarification.
If you’re ready to apply what you’ve practiced and explore rewarding roles, Flagstar Rehab connects occupational therapists with trusted healthcare facilities across the U.S. Visit the Occupational Therapist Staffing Agency page to discover flexible contract, temp-to-perm, and full-time positions that match your career goals.
Interviewers often begin with general questions to assess a candidate’s background, motivation, and personality.
| Question | Purpose | How to Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself. | To understand the candidate’s background and motivation. | Summarize education, experiences, and reasons for choosing occupational therapy. |
| What is your greatest strength? | To evaluate confidence and self-awareness. | Share a strength related to communication, organization, or patient care. |
| What is your greatest weakness? | To assess honesty and willingness to improve. | Mention an area being developed and describe the improvement plan. |
| Why did you choose occupational therapy? | To understand passion and long-term commitment. | Provide a brief story about what inspired the decision to pursue occupational therapy. |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | To identify career goals and direction. | Highlight goals such as professional growth, specialization, or leadership. |
Answers should remain concise and supported by measurable examples rather than repetition of resume details.
These questions allow employers to evaluate clinical reasoning, adaptability, and how past experiences translate into effective patient care.
Interviewers often ask about clinical skills and fieldwork experiences.
Common questions include:
When answering, describe the settings worked in, such as hospitals, schools, or outpatient centers, and explain how documentation, evaluations, and treatments were balanced. Highlight specific cases that demonstrate strong planning and measurable positive outcomes.
Handling a difficult patient or family member is one of the most common interview questions. Hiring managers want to evaluate communication and professionalism.
Sample Answer:
During clinical rotation in a rehabilitation setting, a patient became frustrated after a hand injury, and the family was anxious about progress. The therapist explained the treatment plan clearly, demonstrated gradual improvements, and encouraged active participation. The family became more supportive, and the patient regained confidence as progress continued.
This type of response shows empathy, composure, and communication, qualities valued by any hiring manager.
Employers value candidates who demonstrate self-awareness. Interviewers may ask “How would your friends describe you? How would your enemies describe you?” or “Tell me about a time you felt proud to be an occupational therapist.”
For the first question, describe personal traits honestly, such as dependability, organization, or teamwork. For the second, share a situation where a patient overcame a challenge or where advocacy for occupational therapy made a meaningful difference.
These questions help interviewers assess professionalism, problem-solving, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Interviewers often ask how candidates manage pressure and challenges.
Example Question: “How do you manage stressful situations or a heavy workload?”
Sample Answer: Organizing daily tasks by priority and communicating with team members when unexpected challenges arise helps maintain efficiency. In one inpatient setting, the therapy team coordinated session adjustments during high patient volume, ensuring continuity of care and positive outcomes.
Teamwork and collaboration questions are common in an occupational therapy interview.
Examples include:
A strong answer emphasizes respect, open communication, and problem-solving to benefit the patient.
Interviewers may ask questions about advocacy and ongoing professional development, such as “Describe a time you had to advocate for occupational therapy” or “Do you have a professional development plan?”
When responding, highlight examples that show commitment to advancing the field and improving patient care. Discuss participation in continuing education, mentorship programs, and certification goals that demonstrate dedication to growth and long-term contribution to the profession.
The following examples illustrate how to structure responses clearly and demonstrate problem-solving, teamwork, and clinical judgment during an occupational therapy interview.
| Question | Sample Answer |
|---|---|
| Tell me about a time you helped a patient overcome a challenge. | During fieldwork in a rehabilitation center, a patient recovering from a stroke struggled with dressing. Adaptive tools and sequencing practice were introduced, and after two weeks, the patient regained independence, improving confidence and quality of life. |
| What makes you the ideal candidate for this position? | Strong clinical skills, adaptability, and a commitment to patient-centered care make this candidate a valuable addition. Experience in multiple therapy settings supports flexibility and effective outcomes. |
| How do you stay current on new techniques or research? | Participation in continuing education, professional courses, and collaboration with peers helps maintain current best practices and clinical knowledge. |
| How do you handle feedback? | Feedback is viewed as an opportunity for improvement. When documentation feedback was received, more detailed outcome data were included, strengthening reports and clinical communication. |
| Tell me about a time you faced a conflict with a colleague. | When a disagreement arose over patient goals, a joint review of the case led to clear objectives that met both therapy and patient needs. The collaborative approach resulted in steady progress. |
These examples display problem-solving ability, accountability, and professionalism.
If you’re preparing for interviews and looking for your next occupational therapy role, Flagstar Rehab can help. Our staffing experts match qualified therapists with healthcare employers seeking talent nationwide. Explore current openings on the Occupational Therapist Staffing Agency page and take the next step in your professional journey.
When the interviewer asks if there are additional questions, thoughtful follow-ups demonstrate genuine interest in the position.
Suggested questions include:
Asking clear, relevant questions helps determine if the position aligns with career goals and values.
Standing out in an occupational therapy job interview involves more than technical ability; it requires confidence, clear communication, and a strong understanding of patient-centered values.
Mention certifications, software proficiency, or bilingual communication skills that can benefit the team and patients. These additional qualifications show adaptability and a commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and inclusive care across diverse clinical settings.
Show understanding of personal strengths and areas for growth. Reflect on lessons learned and improvements achieved through feedback and continued learning.
Send a thank-you message within 24 hours of the interview. A professional message should:
This simple follow-up demonstrates professionalism and reinforces interest in the position.
Hiring managers value preparation, professionalism, and clear communication. Their feedback often highlights what separates successful candidates from the rest.
Every interview is an opportunity to grow. Preparation, reflection, and honest communication go a long way. Stay focused on your passion for patient care and your ability to work effectively with a team. Your education and fieldwork experiences have already prepared you to succeed. Approach each interview as a chance to show your skills, professionalism, and compassion.
If you’re an occupational therapist or therapy assistant looking for new opportunities, Flagstar Rehab connects qualified professionals with healthcare facilities across the country. Whether you’re interested in contract, temp-to-perm, or full-time roles, we match your skills with the right work environment. Visit Flagstar Rehab’s Occupational Therapist Staffing Agency page to explore current openings and start your next career step today.
To prepare for an occupational therapy interview, research the employer, review the job description, and practice common interview questions.
Quick preparation checklist:
The seven pillars of occupational therapy define the profession’s key values and focus areas:
These pillars guide occupational therapists toward high-quality care and professional growth.
The best questions to ask in an occupational therapy job interview show curiosity and help determine if the position fits well:
These questions demonstrate genuine interest and provide insight into the work environment and expectations.
When answering, focus on motivation, values, and patient impact.
Sample Answer: “I chose occupational therapy because it combines science and compassion. During my education, I witnessed how therapy helps patients rebuild independence after injury. Helping someone return to daily routines gives me a strong sense of purpose.”
Interviewers ask this to assess passion, self-awareness, and commitment to the profession.