Occupational Therapist Interview Preparation Guide

Before any interview, you should do your research. Flattering them will grant you brownie points. For example, tell them you learned about them being named the #1 rehabilitation facility in the region and would be honored to join such a winning team. Or, share a personal story about a friend or family member who got top-notch treatment there if you have one. They'll love your connection you feel with them. Just don't lie and don't kiss their butt too much or you will come off as insincere. There's a fine line there.

Some occupational therapy patients might not be thrilled to be receiving your services, no matter how dedicated or devoted you are to providing the best possible treatment and care. You might be the nicest or friendliest therapy assistant, yet for some reason, certain patients will resist your efforts to help. Your interviewer might directly ask you how you handle difficult or resistant patients, or he may give you a case example and ask how you would work with a specific type of patient. You should be prepared to explain how you would handle a resistant patient, such as trying to gain insight into why the patient is refusing services or seeking guidance from your supervising OT.

This has to be handled with care - you don't want to offend anyone and regarding placements - you want to show how your positive and negative experiences have informed you choice to apply for this role - for me a rotational post would extend the practice experience I lacked in my placements.

What is the one thing people repeatedly commend you for? Think back to past performance reviews. What common themes have been there? Think about things your family has praised you for. What common things do they say you are good at? You will find your answer to this question in these things! Start off by telling the interviewer your strength, and share how other people have told you this is your strength. You might say, "My strength is organization. My past manager wrote this in my past two performance reviews, and my family always comments about how I am one of the most organized people they know!"

Forward planning is always good to do - but they are looking for some commitment, not for you to be using this job as a mere stepping stone.

Isn't is funny how we would assume that no one would be better than us at knowing ourselves? But, it can get super tricky when put on the spot to share about our free time or interests. It seems so simple that many people neglect preparation on it. Many people feel like they don't have hobbies when they really do and have trouble remembering it when placed on the spot. Don't be too honest if you spend 5 hours on Facebook or Instagram a day, but don't be a liar and say you volunteer at soup kitchens when really you did that once 5 years ago. This question is to see what you're like outside of your professional role and to gain some insight about your personality. Maybe you are an avid golfer, spend weekends in the garden, love hunting for antiques, or even joyfully belt out karaoke every Friday night. Think about it ahead of time and you'll be fine.

What opportunities can you gain - how would you expect to learn i.e. through CPD opportunities, experiential leanring?

This question is hard because an ideal candidate would not be someone that could readily become confrontational with management directive. However, they want to know that you are able to stand up for what you know is right, but handle it in a positive way. One way would be to explain that in a situation where you felt their choice wasn't in the best interest of the facility or a patient that you hoped their decision would be reconsidered.

Occupational therapy assistants have a wide range of personal and professional reasons for entering the field. Many have a desire to help others overcome physical and mental obstacles to well-being and independent living, while others may have had positive experiences with occupational therapists in their private lives. The answer you provide to this question can give the interviewer insight about your personality, motivation and dedication to the profession. Think carefully about the reasons that you wanted to become an occupational therapy assistant. There's nothing wrong with sharing some personal information and history, if applicable, but you should also take care that you don't go overboard.

An occupational therapist can work in

► Community centers
► Educational establishments
► GP practices
► Hospitals
► Housing associations
► Clients homes
► Prisons
► Residential and Nursing homes
► Social services and council departments
► Schools