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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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: What kind of patients would you like to see?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have a variety of injuries and disabilities. They help patients get back to work and improve their quality of life. The therapist is patient and caring, and they are able to work with patients who don't progress at the same rate.

    Sample Answer: I would like to work with patients who have a variety of injuries and disabilities. I enjoy helping them get back to work and improving their quality of life. I'm patient and caring, and I'm able to work with patients who don't progress at the same rate.

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

  • Question: What kind of manager do you like to work with?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with a variety of managers who have different styles. They work with managers who are supportive and provide the therapist with the resources they need to complete their job. They also work with managers who are hands-on and provide guidance when needed.

    Sample Answer: I prefer to work with managers who are supportive and provide me with the resources I need to complete my job. I also like to work with managers who are hands-on and provide guidance when needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with supportive and hands-on managers
    • - Experience working with managers who provide resources
    • - Experience working with managers who provide guidance

  • Question: Can you tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know more about your personality and how you present yourself. They want to know if you are a good fit for the position. Answer the question with a brief description of your personal and professional life.

    Sample Answer: I am a hardworking individual who is dedicated to helping others. I am a team player who is always willing to help out in any way possible. I am very patient and understanding with patients and their families.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personal and professional life
    • - Personality

  • Question: How would you describe your time management skills?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are responsible for managing their own schedules and keeping track of their patients' appointments. They must be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that they are able to provide the best care for their patients.

    Sample Answer: I managed my time effectively by scheduling my appointments in advance and keeping track of my patients' progress. I was able to keep my patients on schedule and provide the best care possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of time management skills
    • - Ability to keep track of multiple appointments
    • - Ability to manage time efficiently

  • Question: How do you handle stressful situations?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are patient and compassionate when working with patients. They understand that patients are frustrated when they can't progress at the same rate. They remain calm and help patients to focus on their goals.

    Sample Answer: I remained calm when patients became frustrated with their progress. I helped them to focus on their goals and encouraged them to continue working toward their new objectives.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who are frustrated
    • - Calm demeanor
    • - Patient and understanding

  • Question: What school-based projects have you worked on?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients on a daily basis to help them progress toward their goals. They use school-based projects to help patients learn new skills and improve their abilities. The therapist creates plans for the patient to complete at home and in the workplace.

    Sample Answer: I created a school-based project for a patient who was unable to complete work tasks due to her injuries. I created a plan for her to complete the tasks at home and in the workplace. The project helped her regain her skills and helped her return to work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of school-based projects
    • - Examples of how the projects helped patients progress
    • - Overall subject knowledge and communication skills

  • Question: How do you resolve conflicts?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients who have different needs and abilities. They must be able to resolve conflicts between patients and their families, coworkers and employers. The therapist must be able to communicate effectively to resolve the conflict and keep the patient's best interests in mind.

    Sample Answer: I used a calm and professional approach to resolve conflicts between patients and their families, coworkers and employers. I remained patient and used my communication skills to explain the situation and help them reach a resolution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience resolving conflicts
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to communicate effectively

  • Question: What is your expected salary?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are paid based on their experience, education and the type of employer. The average salary is $67,000 per year.

    Sample Answer: My expected salary is $67,000 per year.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience
    • - Education
    • - Type of employer

  • 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 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