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/weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know how you view yourself. This is your chance to highlight your strengths and explain any weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths include my ability to work with people and my ability to remain calm in stressful situations. I am a quick learner and have a good memory. My weakness is that I am not good at multitasking.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Ability to self-evaluate

  • 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 challenges have you faced in your career?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists face challenges when working with patients who have permanent disabilities and are unable to return to their previous jobs. They must work with the patient to create new goals and find a suitable job for them. They must also work with the patient's employer to help them find a suitable position for the patient.

    Sample Answer: I worked with patients who had permanent disabilities that prevented them from returning to their previous jobs. I helped them create new goals and find suitable positions for them. I worked with employers to help them understand the patient's limitations and find positions that matched their abilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with patients who have permanent disabilities
    • - Experience working with employers to find suitable positions for patients
    • - Dedication to helping patients achieve their goals

  • Question: What type of experience do you have in working with children who have special needs?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with children who have special needs. They help children develop their skills and participate in activities that they enjoy. They work with children who have physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. They help children learn new skills and adapt to their disabilities.

    Sample Answer: I worked with children who had disabilities that affected their motor skills. I created fun activities that helped them develop their fine motor skills and participate in the activities they enjoyed. I used toys that were easy to manipulate and adapted games to the child's abilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with children with special needs
    • - Knowledge of how to adapt activities to the child's abilities
    • - Ability to create fun activities for children

  • 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: What are your shortcomings?
  • Question Overview: The occupational therapist is responsible for the patient's overall progress and must be honest about their shortcomings. They must be able to admit when they are unable to provide the best care for a patient and refer them to a specialist.

    Sample Answer: I am not able to provide the best care for patients with severe mental disabilities. I am not able to provide the best care for patients with severe mental disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty about shortcomings
    • - Ability to recognize when they are unable to provide the best care for a patient
    • - Ability to refer patients to specialists when necessary

  • Question: What is an ethical dilemma that you've been put in and how did you overcome it?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists are responsible for the care of patients with a variety of conditions. They are responsible for the patient's well-being and must make decisions that are in their best interests. The therapist must also be aware of the patient's rights and be able to defend their decisions to others.

    Sample Answer: I was faced with an ethical dilemma when a patient's family member wanted to take over care for the patient. I was aware of the patient's rights and was able to explain my position to the family member and defend my position.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with ethical dilemmas
    • - Ability to defend decisions
    • - Ability to make decisions in the best interest of the patient

  • Question: How can you say that you are a team player?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with patients and doctors to create plans for rehabilitation and recovery. They work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for the patient. They also work with employers to help them understand the patient's needs and help them re-enter the workforce.

    Sample Answer: I worked with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for my patients. I also worked with employers to help them understand the patient's needs and help them re-enter the workforce.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of working with other healthcare professionals
    • - Examples of working with employers
    • - Examples of working with patients

  • Question: What kind of people have you worked with?
  • Question Overview: Occupational therapists work with a variety of people. They help patients with varying injuries and disabilities. They provide rehabilitative services to patients who have suffered from strokes, car accidents, amputations and other injuries. The therapist helps patients regain their abilities and return to work.

    Sample Answer: I worked with a variety of patients who had suffered from strokes, car accidents, amputations and other injuries. I helped them regain their abilities and return to work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with a variety of patients
    • - Experience working with patients who have suffered from strokes
    • - car accidents
    • - amputations and other injuries
    • - Ability to work with a variety of people