Health Science
Occupational Therapist Interview Questions and Answers
Occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in daily activities, from self‑care to work and leisure. They assess physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, and design interventions to improve independence and quality of life.
20 practice questions with explanations and sample answers.
1. Why did you choose occupational therapy?
What the interviewer is looking for
Show passion for helping people regain independence.
Sample answer
I love helping people do the things that matter to them. Occupational therapy focuses on meaningful activity and independence.
2. Describe your approach to assessing a patient's functional abilities.
What the interviewer is looking for
Use standardised assessments and observation.
Sample answer
I use a combination of standardised assessments, observation, and patient interviews to evaluate function.
3. How do you develop a treatment plan for a patient with a stroke?
What the interviewer is looking for
Focus on ADLs, motor skills, and cognition.
Sample answer
I focus on retraining activities of daily living, mobility, and cognitive strategies.
4. Describe a time you helped a patient return to a meaningful activity.
What the interviewer is looking for
Show impact.
Sample answer
I helped a patient with a hand injury return to playing the piano by modifying techniques and using adaptive equipment.
5. What is your experience with adaptive equipment and home modifications?
What the interviewer is looking for
Assess and recommend.
Sample answer
I recommend equipment like grab bars, reachers, and chair lifts to improve safety and independence.
6. How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals?
What the interviewer is looking for
Share goals and coordinate care.
Sample answer
I work with physiotherapists, doctors, and social workers to coordinate patient care.
7. Why do you want to work at our facility?
What the interviewer is looking for
Mention their patient population or approach.
Sample answer
Your facility has a strong focus on community reintegration. I share that vision.
8. What is your long‑term career goal?
What the interviewer is looking for
Become a clinical specialist or OT manager.
Sample answer
I aim to become a specialist in hand therapy or lead a rehabilitation team.
9. How do you stay current with occupational therapy research?
What the interviewer is looking for
Read journals and attend conferences.
Sample answer
I read the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and attend AOTA conferences.
10. Describe a time you had to motivate a patient who was not engaging.
What the interviewer is looking for
Use patient‑centred goals.
Sample answer
I discovered what was meaningful to them – gardening – and used that to motivate their rehab.
11. What is your approach to cognitive rehabilitation?
What the interviewer is looking for
Use strategies and compensatory techniques.
Sample answer
I use memory aids, problem‑solving exercises, and environmental modifications.
12. How do you assess and manage work‑related injuries?
What the interviewer is looking for
Functional capacity evaluations and job site analysis.
Sample answer
I use functional capacity evaluations and ergonomic assessments.
13. What is the most important quality for an occupational therapist?
What the interviewer is looking for
Creativity or patience.
Sample answer
Creativity – finding unique ways to help patients participate in meaningful activities.
14. Describe a time you worked with a paediatric client.
What the interviewer is looking for
Show development and play‑based approaches.
Sample answer
I worked with a child with developmental delays, using play‑based therapy to improve skills.
15. How do you document progress and outcomes in OT?
What the interviewer is looking for
Use standardised measures and goals.
Sample answer
I use outcome measures and document progress towards patient goals.
16. What is your experience with sensory integration therapy?
What the interviewer is looking for
If applicable.
Sample answer
I have training in sensory integration and use it with children with autism.
17. How do you manage a heavy caseload?
What the interviewer is looking for
Prioritise and use efficient documentation.
Sample answer
I prioritise patients, use efficient note‑taking, and delegate where appropriate.
18. Describe a time you made a home visit for a patient.
What the interviewer is looking for
Assess home safety and function.
Sample answer
I visited a patient's home to assess safety and recommend modifications for fall prevention.
19. How do you support families in the rehabilitation process?
What the interviewer is looking for
Educate and involve them.
Sample answer
I educate family members and involve them in the patient's therapy.
20. What is your approach to discharge planning?
What the interviewer is looking for
Plan early and involve the patient.
Sample answer
I plan discharge from day one, setting goals with the patient and arranging community supports.