Occupational Therapist Interview Questions (NHS)
What questions are asked in an NHS occupational therapist interview?
Expect questions on why occupational therapy, person-centred goal setting, assessment and intervention, mental capacity, safe discharge, risk, working with families and teams, caseload management and professional standards. Every panel writes its own questions, so practise the themes, not word-for-word answers.
Band 5 posts usually focus on safe core practice and learning. Band 6 posts usually add supervising, leading and complex cases. Read the person specification.
How do you answer OT questions?
Show a clear process (assess, set goals with the person, intervene, review), link it to occupation and function, and name the professional standards you work to.
What do panels look for?
Person-centred reasoning, creativity, safe risk-taking, teamwork and reflection. Know the HCPC standards, and that the RCOT sets professional standards for the profession.
Practice questions with short model answers
These are original practice questions. Use your own experience, not these words.
1. Why occupational therapy?
Model answer: "I like that it focuses on what matters to the person and helps them do the things they want and need to do. On placement I saw an OT adapt a task so a patient could make a cup of tea again, which changed his confidence."
2. How do you set goals with a patient?
Model answer: "Ask what matters to them, agree specific achievable goals in their words, break them into steps, review progress together and adjust."
3. A patient wants to go home but you have safety concerns. What do you do?
Model answer: "Assess the home and functional risks, discuss options with the person, check capacity for the decision, involve the family and team, and explore support or equipment. Where they have capacity, I respect their choice while documenting the discussion."
4. How do you assess capacity?
Model answer: "I presume capacity, make support available, assess for the specific decision at the specific time, and follow the Mental Capacity Act in England and Wales. Where needed, I record my assessment and involve the team."
5. What does discharge planning involve?
Model answer: "Early planning with the patient, family and team, assessments of function and home, equipment, referrals, clear communication and follow-up. I follow the local discharge process."
6. How do you prioritise a caseload?
Model answer: "By urgency and risk, discharge deadlines and patient goals. I communicate with the team and negotiate when demand exceeds capacity."
7. How would you adapt an activity for someone with cognitive impairment?
Model answer: "Break it into short steps, reduce distractions, use visual prompts, give time and build on familiar routines."
8. Describe a time you worked with other professionals.
Use a real example with physiotherapy, nursing or social care.
9. Tell us about a time you reflected on your practice.
Use a real example with what you learned and changed.
10. How do you use evidence in practice?
Model answer: "I look at guidance and research, discuss it in supervision and audit, and apply it with the person's preferences in mind."
Quick facts
Occupational therapists in the UK are regulated by the HCPC. Check current HCPC standards.
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists publishes professional standards and guidance.
Interview format varies. Your invitation should say what to expect.
The practice questions here are original, not leaked or official.
Healthcare Interview Prep is independent of the NHS.
This is general interview preparation, not clinical or professional advice.
Practise OT questions
The Occupational Therapy question bank has 40 original practice questions with full model answers. The first 8 are free to read. The full bank is £4.99, one-off, with 12 months' access and no subscription.
Related guides:
Frequently asked questions
Is there a presentation?
Some posts include one. Your invitation should say.
What is the difference between Band 5 and 6 answers?
Band 6 answers usually show more leadership, supervision and complex decision making. Check the person specification.
How long should my answers be?
About two minutes for most questions.
Healthcare Interview Prep is independent of the NHS and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the NHS. This guide cannot promise any interview result.
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