Common OT Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Interviewing for a school-based occupational therapist (OT) position is an important opportunity to showcase both your clinical expertise and your ability to support students in real-world learning environments. Schools are looking for OTs who can adapt interventions, collaborate with teachers, and help students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common school OT interview questions and provide practical tips for answering them with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first school role or exploring new opportunities, this VocoVision blog will help you navigate the interview process and highlight the impact you can make as a school-based OT.

School-Based OT Interview Questions and Sample Answers

1. Tell us about your experience working with students with diverse abilities.

Why it’s Asked: Schools want to know that you can support students with a variety of learning, sensory, and motor challenges. They’re looking for evidence of adaptability and experience.

How to Answer: Highlight specific examples of working with students who have different physical, cognitive, or sensory needs. Explain strategies you used to adapt activities or interventions to ensure students could participate fully.

2. How do you collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff?

Why it’s Asked: Successful school-based OTs must be able to work as part of a team to ensure consistent support for students across settings.

How to Answer: Discuss your communication strategies, such as planning sessions with teachers, providing resources, or training staff on therapeutic techniques. Emphasize teamwork and the positive impact of collaboration on student outcomes.

3. How do you determine goals for students on your caseload?

Why it’s Asked: Schools need OTs who can create meaningful, measurable goals aligned with IEPs and students’ academic needs.

How to Answer: Explain how you assess student skills, consult with teachers and families, and use data to set achievable, functional goals. Include an example of a goal you developed and the results you observed.

4. How do you handle challenging behaviors during therapy sessions?

Why it’s Asked: OTs often encounter students who may be frustrated, distracted, or resistant, and schools want to know you can respond effectively and safely.

How to Answer: Describe strategies like positive reinforcement, clear instructions, and calm redirection. Emphasize your ability to stay patient, follow approved protocols, and maintain a safe learning environment.

5. Can you provide an example of modifying an activity for a student with specific needs?

Why it’s Asked: Schools are looking for practical examples of your ability to adapt lessons or therapy activities for accessibility and success.

How to Answer: Share a concrete scenario where you adjusted materials, tasks, or the environment to accommodate a student’s needs. Highlight the outcome and how the modification helped the student achieve the goal.

6. How do you measure student progress?

Why it’s Asked: Tracking outcomes ensures that interventions are effective and helps inform IEP updates.

How to Answer: Discuss your approach to data collection, such as using logs, observation notes, or digital tracking tools. Emphasize consistency, accuracy, and collaboration with teachers and families to monitor progress.

7. How do you prioritize your caseload or multiple responsibilities?

Why it’s Asked: School OTs must balance time between direct therapy, consultation, and paperwork efficiently.

How to Answer: Explain your organizational strategies, such as scheduling sessions strategically, setting priorities, or using tracking systems. Show that you can manage multiple tasks without compromising quality of care.

8. How do you incorporate technology or adaptive tools into your sessions?

Why it’s Asked: Schools want OTs who can leverage assistive technology to support learning and independence.

How to Answer: Share examples of tools you’ve used, such as adapted writing devices, communication aids, or sensory equipment. Explain how you assess needs, train students, and integrate these tools into therapy effectively.

9. Tell us about a time a student didn’t respond to your intervention. How did you adjust?

Why it’s Asked: Schools value problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt therapy when progress is slow.

How to Answer: Describe the situation, how you analyzed the data or observed challenges, and what adjustments you made. Emphasize collaboration with teachers and ongoing evaluation to improve outcomes.

10. Why do you want to work as a school-based OT?

Why it’s Asked: Interviewers want to gauge your motivation and understanding of the school OT role.

How to Answer: Highlight your passion for helping students succeed academically and socially. Mention your interest in collaboration, supporting functional skills, and making a lasting impact on student learning.

Additional Tips for School OT Interviews

Preparing for common school OT interview questions is only one part of the process. Keep these best practices in mind to make a strong impression:

• Research the district or school: Understand their approach to special education, inclusion, and therapy services.
• Know the systems: Familiarize yourself with IEP processes, RTI/MTSS frameworks, and any technology or documentation platforms used for therapy tracking.
• Show adaptability: Highlight your experience working in various environments, including classrooms, small groups, or remote/virtual sessions.
• Demonstrate collaboration: Emphasize teamwork with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other specialists to support student goals.
• Share success stories: Use examples that show measurable impact on student skill development, independence, or classroom participation.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Inquire about caseload size, therapy resources, or professional development opportunities.
• Be enthusiastic: Show genuine passion for helping students succeed academically, socially, and functionally.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note to reinforce your interest and highlight a key takeaway from the interview.

Start Your School OT Journey with VocoVision

School-based occupational therapists play a vital role in helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. At VocoVision, we connect dedicated OTs with schools nationwide to provide flexible, impactful services.

If you’re ready to advance your OT career, explore our school-based and remote OT openings today and make a meaningful difference in students’ educational journeys.