Interview Questions to Ask a Occupational Therapist Candidate
Questions that surface real evidence of functional independence outcomes, not just session counts — plus what to actually listen for in the answer, not just whether they say the right buzzwords.
1. How would you set goals with a stroke survivor who wants to cook dinner again for the family?
What to listen for: Look for client-centred goal setting, task breakdown, adaptive equipment ideas, caregiver involvement, and a way to measure real-life function rather than only strength.
2. Describe how you would assess a home before a patient is discharged after a hip replacement.
What to listen for: A good answer covers stairs, bathroom, bed height, trip hazards, equipment recommendations, and checking that the patient and family can actually use what is suggested.
3. A parent disagrees with your recommendation to stop a sensory activity their child enjoys. How do you respond?
What to listen for: Expect respectful listening, evidence-based explanation, a compromise that protects the child, and clear documentation instead of either giving in or dismissing the parent.
4. Tell me about a time an intervention was not working and how you recognised it.
What to listen for: Honest reflection, use of outcome data or observation, willingness to change approach, and consultation with colleagues rather than defending the original plan.
5. What would you do in your first 30 days in this occupational therapist role?
What to listen for: Whether their plan is grounded in the role's actual must-haves (patient assessment and treatment plan development) or generic ("get to know the team"). Specificity here signals real understanding of the job, not just interview prep.
6. Why are you leaving your current role, and why this one specifically?
What to listen for: Forward-looking motivation tied to something concrete about this role, versus badmouthing a past employer or vague dissatisfaction. Watch for whether their reasons actually match what this role offers.
A warning sign in this interview
The candidate describes therapy as a standard set of exercises and never adapts the task, the environment, or the goals to the individual client's daily routine.
What to look for on the CV before the interview
The client group, the settings and any specialist training.
Confirm before you make an offer
The registration or licence required where you hire.
People who may apply under another title
This job is also called OT, Occupational Therapy Practitioner, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation OT. A candidate with one of those titles can be a strong match, so ask the same questions and judge the answers, not the title.
Frequently asked questions
How many of these questions should I ask in one interview?
3-4 is realistic for a 30-45 minute interview once you leave room for follow-ups and the candidate's own questions. Divide competencies across panel members rather than every interviewer asking all of them — see the Interview Scorecard tool for a structured version of this.
How is this different from the Interview Scorecard tool?
This page is a generic starting point for the occupational therapist role. The tool generates a full panel-ready kit — competency-grouped questions, a 1-5 rating rubric, and strong/weak answer examples — tailored to your actual job description and competencies.
What is a red flag when interviewing a occupational therapist?
The candidate describes therapy as a standard set of exercises and never adapts the task, the environment, or the goals to the individual client's daily routine.
What should I confirm before offering a occupational therapist the job?
The registration or licence required where you hire.
Hiring a occupational therapist? The rest of the toolkit
- How to write the job description →
Titles, must-haves, credentials and a starting posting.
- Search strings to find candidates →
Five searches from broad to narrow, with exclusions.
- Run the whole hire in one place →
Jobs, CV review, interviews, offers and checks together.