Starting your career as a new graduate occupational therapist (OT) can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Securing your first interview is a crucial step, and being well-prepared can make all the difference. In this blog post, I’ll explore essential tips, advice, and a comprehensive list of interview questions to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Tips for Success

• Be Confident:
  • Project confidence in your abilities and knowledge.
  • Showcase your passion for occupational therapy.
• Dress to Impress:
  • Dress professionally to make a positive first impression.
• Research the Company:
  • Understand the company’s values and culture.
  • Investigate any potential red flags through employee reviews.
• Know Your Worth:
  • Research the starting salary for new grad OTs in your state/area.

Questions You Should Ask During Your Interview

Daily Responsibilities and Support:

• What does a typical day for a full-time occupational therapist look like?
• What mentorship opportunities are available for new graduates? How is support provided?
• Will you collaborate with other disciplines, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, physicians, or behavioral therapists?
• Does the role require coverage in areas beyond the one you’re interviewing for? (For example, if interviewing for an acute care position in a hospital, would you be expected to cover other areas such as inpatient or outpatient?)
• Will there be supervisory responsibilities?
• Is there financial support for continuing education?
• Are there leadership opportunities or chances for career growth?

Documentation and Scheduling:

• Which documentation system does the company use?
• How is scheduling managed within the organization?
• How are missed, canceled, or refused treatments handled?

Benefits and Leave:

• How is Paid Time Off (PTO) accumulated, and does it roll over?
• What health insurance plans are available? Health benefits are a huge factor for me as I have an ongoing medical condition that requires ongoing coverage. Ask about long/short-term disability and sick leave. 

Pay Structure:

• Can you elaborate on the compensation structure? (Salary, hourly, per unit, per visit)
• Is compensation provided for documentation time?
• If interviewing for a hospital position: does low census affect pay? Low census means there are fewer patients in your facility or on your floor than usual, whether you expected it or not. This may result in unexpected cutting of hours for therapists. Make sure to ask.

Home Health Specifics:

• Is scheduling flexible, and are therapists expected to manage their own schedules?
• When should evaluations or daily notes be completed and submitted?
• Is mileage reimbursed, and does the company offer a vehicle?
• How are missed visits handled?
• Are therapists provided with their own standardized assessments?
• What areas would you be expected to cover?

Personal Touch:

• May I connect with current OTs within the company for additional insights? I’ve found this strategy to be the most effective in figuring out whether I want to accept a position since other therapists will usually be upfront and honest with you. And if the company is not supportive of you contacting one of their current employees, then I would definitely mark that as a red flag. 
• Would I be able to shadow or observe another therapist before accepting an offer?
• Make sure to tell the company you are interviewing for what is important to you in a job. For example, I always highlight that I am looking for a flexible position, that allows me to be independent, and has a good work-life balance- hence, why I chose to work in a home health setting. 

Questions Interviewers May Ask:

• Tell me about yourself. (Make sure to highlight relevant experience such as your schooling, previous jobs, or fieldwork experience.)
• What are your career goals for the next five years?
• Describe a time when you handled a challenging patient or caregiver. How did you overcome the situation?
• How do you approach unfamiliar patient diagnoses?
• What diagnoses do you have experience with or feel most comfortable treating? Outline your experience with specific diagnoses from fieldwork or prior relevant work.
• What standardized assessments are you familiar with or comfortable with performing?
• Highlight a time when you went above and beyond for a patient or task.
• How would you describe yourself? (Highlight qualities such as organized, hardworking, motivated, flexible, etc.)
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• How would you approach a situation in which you did not agree with a co-worker or had a difference in opinion on how to treat a patient?
• Why did you choose a career in occupational therapy? Why are you interested in this setting?

Remember, interviews are not just an opportunity for employers to assess you, but also for you to evaluate the company. Use these questions to gain insights into the workplace culture, expectations, and growth opportunities. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a successful occupational therapist!