Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Physical strength
- Compassion
In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Occupational Therapy Assistant & Aide positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!
Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.
Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates
Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.
Adaptability
Why interviewers are interested in your adaptability:
Assistants must be flexible when treating patients. Because not every type of therapy will work for each patient, assistants may need to be creative when working with occupational therapists to determine the best therapy to achieve a patient’s goals.
Learn more about adaptability interview questions and how to answer them!
Compassion
Why interviewers are interested in how compassionate you are:
Occupational therapy assistants and aides frequently work with patients who struggle with many of life’s basic activities. As a result, they should be compassionate and have the ability to encourage others.
Related: Pediatric Occupational Therapist Interview Questions & Answers
Attention to detail
Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:
Occupational therapy assistants and aides must quickly and accurately follow the instructions, both written and spoken, of an occupational therapist. Aides must also pay attention to detail when performing clerical tasks, such as helping a patient fill out an insurance form.
Interpersonal skills
Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:
Occupational therapy assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients and, therefore, should be friendly and courteous. They also should communicate clearly with patients and with patients’ families to the extent of their training.
Related: Occupational Therapy Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
Physical strength
Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:
Assistants and aides need to have a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required to assist patients. Constant kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.
(source: bls.gov)
Occupational Therapy Assistant & Aide Job Interview Questions & Answers
During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:
- Employment history
- Skills and abilities
- Accomplishments
- Job qualifications
- Educational background
- Career goals
- Personality
Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.
Examples Of General Occupational Therapy Assistant & Aide Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- How would you describe yourself?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What interests you about this position?
- Walk me through your resume.
- What motivates you?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Describe your work ethic.
- What is your greatest strength?
- How does your experience qualify you for this job?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
- What are your expectations for this position?
- What are your career goals?
- Why should we hire you?
- What did you like most about your last position?
- What did you like least about your last position?
- How do you handle stress?
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!
Examples Of Specific Occupational Therapy Assistant & Aide Behavioral Interview Questions
Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.
- Give me an example of a work experience that demonstrates your flexibility when treating patients.
- What is your approach to reviewing the physical and psychological needs of a patient?
- Tell me about a time you demonstrated adaptability during your work.
- Describe a challenging situation you experienced while helping a patient.
- How would you approach a situation where a patient resists care?
- Working as an occupational therapy assistant can be physically demanding. How do you stay in shape to ensure that you are able to care for patients?
- Give me an example of how you plan, organize, and prioritize your workday.
- What do you consider your greatest accomplishment, working as an occupational therapy assistant?
- Describe a work situation that demanded a great deal of patience.
- Walk me through a situation in which you engaged family members and caregivers in a patient’s care plans.
Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.