Preparing for your job as an occupational therapist will require a master’s degree and a state license. All that work and you’re ready for your first job, which means you’ll need to step up your interview skills. You can have all the right qualifications on paper, but if you can’t convey that to the hiring team, you probably won’t get the job.
You should be able to boast a bit about your skills, talk about your strengths and share your career goals. You should also have some thoughtful questions to ask of your interviewer and be ready to answer their questions with real examples.
Hone Your Skills
That all seems a bit broad so here are some interview questions you should be ready to answer. Remember to have real-life examples at the top of your mind; you might not have the ability to recall instances at the moment due to nerves:
What contributions can you provide to our team?
Talk about a situation where you had to make a judgment call and how it turned out?
How would you respond to someone who is verbally abusive to you?
Describe a time when you delivered a positive experience for the patient.
Discuss how you deal with temperamental co-workers?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why are you looking for a new position?
How long did you stay at your last job?
Why did you leave your last position?
What is a long-term goal you have for yourself?
Interview Tips
Research the company, interviewer, and top, recent contributions. You want to demonstrate your company knowledge right off the bat to show you are interested in what they have to offer. It shows a level of commitment and attention to detail that companies love to see.
Anticipate the questions and concerns. You may not have the certifications, the steadiest job history, or the most experience in comparison to other candidates. Do your best to explain your position. You may not have the most education but you graduated top of your class and as the most recent graduate, you have the most up-to-date education, etc.
Arrive on time, in the appropriate attire, and practice your best manners. This might be understood but don’t let these simple actions keep you from getting your dream job.
Practice. Take the time to practice your speaking skills and general small talk. Have some lighthearted topics in mind for the small talk that will help you connect to the interviewer. When you meet them, you’ll be able to decide which one is the best choice for the situation.
As an occupational therapist, you have a wealth of knowledge from your education alone. Use the interview to show off your people skills and how you would add value to the team. You should be seen as a team player, who is excited to provide quality care to every patient. For help finding your ideal job, contact the professional staffing team at WSi Healthcare. We will guide you to the best jobs in your area and help you work on your interview skills so you can land the job you really want.