1. Can you tell us is there anyone you just could not work with?

No. Well, unless you're talking about murderers, racists, rapists, thieves or other dastardly characters, you can work with anyone. Otherwise you could be flagged as someone who's picky and difficult if you say, "I can't work with anyone who's a Bronco's fan. Sorry."

2. What is paracetamol?

An effective over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. Also known as acetaminophen or APAP.

3. What is recovery Position?

Part of first aid treatment where an unconscious, yet breathing person is placed in a position that will ensure clear and open airways and make sure that possible vomit or fluid will not cause them to choke. For first aid training, refer to Managed Training Services.

4. What is tetanus?

A bacterial disease that is characterized by spasm of voluntary muscles usually brought through a wound or puncture by a contaminated object, such as rusty nails. Clostridium Tetani is the bacterium that caused an infection that generally enters through the skin.

5. Can you tell us what Do You Like to do in Your Free Time?

This question also does not require any preparation and it is not necessary that your reply should be related to your job. You can simply quote your hobbies or interests like reading novels, playing any kind of sports, or anything that you are interested in.

6. Tell us what Challenges are You Looking for in This Occupation?

This question is asked to know what exactly you are looking for in the new job. You can tell what kind of patients you want to handle and on what kind of project you want to work. You can also twist the answer by saying those challenges that would effectively utilize your abilities, skills, and experiences and help for the betterment of life of disabled.

7. Tell us what do You Dislike about Occupation Therapy?

This is not an easy question as it seems. Only an incompetent therapist assistant would dislike the job. You can reply in a positive way by saying that if you dislike anything, you would not have chosen this field as a career option.

On the other hand, if you are a fresher, you can say I haven't worked as an OT before so I cannot say anything.

8. Can you tell us are you good at working in a team?

Unless you have the I.Q. of a houseplant, you'll always answer YES to this one. It's the only answer. How can anyone function inside an organization if they are a loner? You may want to mention what part you like to play in a team though; it's a great chance to explain that you're a natural leader.

9. Tell us are you willing to put the interests of X Company ahead of your own?

Again, another nasty question. If you say yes, you're a corporate whore who doesn't care about family. If you say no, you're disloyal to the company. I'm afraid that you'll probably have to say yes to this one though, because you're trying to be the perfect employee at this point, and perfect employees don't cut out early for Jimmy's baseball game.

10. What is overdose?

Taking an excessive dose of drugs, whether prescribed by the doctor, legal or illegal and over the counter drugs, which leads to a serious health condition, or worse, death. Check Alsco'sFirst Aid for Overdose to learn how to take care of yourself in case you get the symptoms.

Download Interview PDF

11. What is primary Survey?

A quick initial assessment of a patient's health, injuries or conditions.

12. What is secondary Survey?

An assessment of a patient with a more detailed content that involves patient observation and checking for injuries.

13. What is thermometer?

A device that is used to measure temperature.

14. What is wound?

An injury to living tissues usually characterized as skin cut or broken, typically open or closed.

15. Tell me when Have You Demonstrated a Great Deal of Patience in the Work Place?

The question is different from other questions as the recruiter wants to test whether you are patient or not through this question. To respond to this question, you have to give an example from your working experience. Here's a dummy situation.

I once had a patient who was refusing services and was constantly disturbing everybody else. He was not ready to undergo the treatment procedure set for him. At that time when no other assistant was able to tackle the situation, I somehow managed to persuade him to continue with the therapy and treatments set out for him.

16. Can you explain a suggestion you have made that was implemented?

It's important here to focus on the word "implemented." There's nothing wrong with having a thousand great ideas, but if the only place they live is on your notepad what's the point? Better still, you need a good ending. If your previous company took your advice and ended up going bankrupt, that's not such a great example either. Be prepared with a story about an idea of yours that was taken from idea to implementation, and considered successful.

17. Can you tell me would you rather be liked or feared?

I have been asked this a lot, in various incarnations. The first time I just drew a blank and said, "I don't know." That went over badly, but it was right at the start of my career when I had little to no experience. Since then I've realized that my genuine answer is "Neither, I'd rather be respected." You don't want to be feared because fear is no way to motivate a team. You may got the job done but at what cost? Similarly, if you're everyone's best friend you'll find it difficult to make tough decisions or hit deadlines. But when you're respected, you don't have to be a complete bastard or a lame duck to get the job done.

18. What is pharmacy?

Science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs. It is also where prescription medication and drugs are sold to the public.

19. What is salbutamol?

A medicine that used to relieve bronchospasm. It is used to relieve asthma and COPD.

20. What is trauma?

Can be a physical or emotional injury resulting from a terrible event or accident.

21. What is x-ray?

High-energy radiation in the form of electromagnetic. X-ray is used to make images of the internal part of the body like lungs that help to diagnose diseases and treat cancer.

22. Tell us have You Faced Any Difficult Situation in Treating Patients?

The answer to this question depends on the candidate. First of all, if you are a fresher, you will not face this question. If you are not, then the answer depends on your work experiences. You can tackle it like:

I have treated a number of patients but once I had a kid as my patient who was injured severely. He got injured again while playing in the hospital and started crying and yelling with pain. Unfortunately, his family members were not there, and I had to give him medical aid and emotional support at the same time. This was one of the difficulties I faced as an OTA.

23. Can you tell us has anything ever irritated you about people you've worked with?

Of course, you have a list as long as your arm. But you can't say that, it shows you as being negative and difficult to work with. The best way to answer this one is to think for a while and then say something like "I've always got on just fine with my co-workers actually."

24. Tell us do you have any questions to ask me?

I'll finish the way I started, with one of the most common questions asked in interviews. This directly relates to the research you've done on the company and also gives you a chance to show how eager and prepared you are. You'll probably want to ask about benefits if they haven't been covered already. A good generic one is "how soon could I start, if I were offered the job of course." You may also ask what you'd be working on. Specifically, in the role you're applying for and how that affects the rest of the company. Always have questions ready, greeting this one with a blank stare is a rotten way to finish your interview. Good luck and happy job hunting.

Download Interview PDF

25. What is personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

The equipment that is worn to minimize exposure to hazards. It can be clothing, goggles, helmet or anything that protects the body from hazard at work and minimises risk to health and safety.