20 NHS Band 5 Occupational Therapist Interview Questions and Expert Answers

If you’re preparing for an interview as a Band 5 Occupational Therapist within the NHS, congratulations! You’ve reached an exciting and critical point in your healthcare career. Band 5 roles are typically entry-level positions for qualified occupational therapists and form the essential backbone of multidisciplinary care teams across the UK. This role offers hands-on clinical experience with diverse patient groups and is vital to improving patients’ independence, health outcomes, and quality of life.

A Band 5 OT may work in a range of settings such as hospitals, community health, mental health units, social care services, or paediatrics. They assess, plan, implement, and evaluate treatment programmes using evidence-based approaches, all while promoting patient-centred care.

As of 2025, Band 5 NHS salaries in England typically range from £28,407 to £34,581 depending on experience and location, with additional pay enhancements for high-cost areas like London. With strong demand for occupational therapy professionals, competition for NHS roles remains high—making interview preparation essential.

Here are 20 common Band 5 OT interview questions with sample answers to help you stand out.

1. Tell us about yourself.

Answer: “I’m a newly qualified Occupational Therapist with a passion for holistic care, especially in neurorehabilitation. During my placements, I worked across acute wards and community rehab, where I developed my assessment, care planning, and communication skills. I’m excited about this opportunity to grow professionally within a supportive NHS team.”

2. Why did you choose occupational therapy?

Answer: “I chose OT because it combines science, creativity, and empathy. Helping individuals regain independence in meaningful tasks resonated deeply with me, especially after shadowing an OT team supporting stroke survivors.”

3. What do you understand about the role of a Band 5 Occupational Therapist?

Answer: “A Band 5 OT provides assessments and interventions under the supervision of senior colleagues. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver personalised care plans and are responsible for documenting progress, safeguarding, and continuing professional development.”

4. How do you prioritise your caseload?

Answer: “I use a combination of clinical urgency, patient needs, discharge goals, and team input. I’d start with high-risk or time-sensitive cases and re-evaluate priorities during daily handovers or supervision.”

5. How would you handle a patient who refuses therapy?

Answer: “I would explore their concerns using active listening, validate their emotions, and try to understand their reasoning. I’d adapt the intervention to be more meaningful or accessible and, if necessary, consult the wider team or involve family.”

6. Describe a time you worked under pressure.

Answer: “During a hospital placement, I covered extra patients due to staff absence. I stayed calm by managing my time with a clear to-do list, prioritising urgent cases, and communicating with colleagues for support.”

7. What’s your experience working in a multidisciplinary team?

Answer: “In community rehab, I worked alongside physiotherapists, nurses, and social workers. I contributed OT insights during team meetings and collaborated on joint home visits to create cohesive discharge plans.”

8. How would you handle conflict with a colleague?

Answer: “I believe in open, respectful communication. I’d address the issue privately, seek to understand their perspective, and aim for a mutually agreeable solution. If unresolved, I’d follow escalation policies professionally.”

9. What assessment tools are you familiar with?

Answer: “I’ve used tools like the Barthel Index, COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure), and MoCA for cognitive screening. I understand the importance of selecting tools appropriate to the client’s needs and setting.”

10. How do you ensure patient-centred care?

Answer: “By involving patients in goal-setting, respecting their values, and adapting interventions to their daily routines and preferences. I also reflect on feedback and cultural considerations.”

11. What are your strengths as an OT?

Answer: “Empathy, adaptability, and clear communication. I’m good at building rapport and quickly identifying patients’ occupational needs.”

12. What are your areas for development?

Answer: “I’d like to build more confidence with complex equipment assessments and increase my experience with mental health-specific interventions, both of which I’m actively working on.”

13. How do you handle safeguarding concerns?

Answer: “I’d follow the NHS Trust’s safeguarding protocol—documenting concerns clearly, informing the safeguarding lead or supervisor, and ensuring patient safety throughout.”

14. Describe your understanding of risk assessments.

Answer: “Risk assessments are vital for ensuring safety. I consider physical, environmental, and psychological risks, using formal tools and clinical judgment. I document all risks and mitigation strategies clearly in care plans.”

15. How do you manage your own stress?

Answer: “I use reflective practice, supervision, and self-care strategies like exercise and mindfulness. I recognise early signs of burnout and seek support when needed.”

16. Tell us about a time you received constructive feedback.

Answer: “A supervisor once noted I could improve how I structure my treatment notes. I took this on board by studying good examples and now consistently use SOAP format to ensure clarity and compliance.”

17. How would you contribute to service development?

Answer: “I’d engage in audits, attend service meetings, and suggest improvements based on evidence or patient feedback. I’m also keen to take part in quality improvement projects.”

18. Are you familiar with the HCPC and its role?

Answer: “Yes. The HCPC regulates Occupational Therapists, ensuring we meet professional standards and maintain public safety. Registration requires continued CPD and ethical practice.”

19. How do you keep your clinical knowledge up to date?

Answer: “I regularly read journals like the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, attend webinars, and engage with CPD courses. I also reflect on practice to align with evidence-based care.”

20. What would you do in your first few weeks in this role?

Answer: “I’d familiarise myself with the team, policies, referral pathways, and patient group. I’d shadow colleagues, attend supervision, and review caseloads to understand service priorities.”

Final Words of Encouragement and Interview Tips

Preparing for an NHS Band 5 Occupational Therapist interview can be daunting, but remember—you’ve already done the hard work by qualifying and gaining practical experience. Now, it’s about confidently presenting your skills and potential.

Here are a few final tips:

• Research the Trust’s values and reflect on how your practice aligns with them.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

• Practice speaking your answers aloud or do mock interviews with friends.

• Bring a few questions to ask the panel at the end—this shows genuine interest.

You’ve got this. Stay authentic, stay patient-focused, and let your passion for occupational therapy shine through.

Best of luck with your NHS OT journey!

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