Preparing for Your Occupational Therapy Interview: A Guide for Early Career and New Graduate Therapists

So, you've finally earned your degree in occupational therapy and now it's time to tackle the next big step: the dreaded interview. Don't worry, we've got your back! In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to ace your interview and land that dream job in occupational therapy. Let's go!

Researching the Company

Before you even think about attending an interview, it's crucial to do your homework on the company. This will not only show your interest and commitment but also help you tailor your answers during the interview. Here are a few key steps to consider:

• Explore their website: Start by browsing the company's website. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and services they offer. Take note of any recent news or updates related to the company and their team.
• Check out their social media presence: Nowadays, most companies have an online presence. Look for their profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. Pay attention to the content they share and any community involvement they may have.
• Talk to current or past employees: Check out who's on their team, do you know any of them? Getting the inside scoop on a company via a colleague is golden. OT is a small world so if you are looking to join a company in your city, chances are you (or someone you know) will know the company. This helps to do a check on the culture and workplace, but also can serve as a head starts for interview prep.

Preparing Yourself

Once you've completed your research, it's time to focus on preparing yourself. Remember, authenticity and self-confidence are key! Here are some tips to help you shine during your interview:

1. Review common interview questions: Practice answering common interview questions specific to the occupational therapy role you're applying for. Consider questions related to your clinical experience, patient interaction, and teamwork skills. Reflect on your own experiences to provide thoughtful and genuine responses.
2. Highlight your strengths: Identify your strengths and think of clinical examples that demonstrate how these qualities have positively impacted your work as an occupational therapist (or student). Be ready to articulate these examples during the interview.
3. Prepare questions for the interviewer: Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street. Come prepared with a list of intelligent questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the company and opens up an opportunity for you to learn more about their expectations and workplace culture. Speaking of...??

Asking Intelligent Questions

Asking thoughtful questions can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are a few examples of intelligent questions to ask during your occupational therapy interview:

"Can you provide some insights into the team dynamics within the occupational therapy team/department?" "How does this organisation promote professional development and growth for its occupational therapists?" "What support systems are in place for a new grad/early career OT?" Can you tell me about the supervision structure and what that looks like here?

Remember, it's important to listen actively during the interview process. Based on the interviewer's responses, you can then ask follow-up questions or seek clarification if needed.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an occupational therapy interview may seem intimidating, especially if you're a new graduate or early career therapist. However, with thorough research, self-preparation, and asking intelligent questions, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any occupational therapy interview that comes your way. All the best with your future interviews, and don't forget to showcase your passion for helping others shine throughout the process!

If you found this article helpful, stay tuned for more tips, resources, and courses from?OTuition!