Occupational Therapy Interviews

The Interview - Group Discussion

• Introduction: You'll join a group discussion with fellow applicants and course team. This is a great chance to meet others and share your thoughts.
• Purpose: We'll help you consolidate and confirm your understanding of the course.
• Questions: Feel free to ask any questions you have about the course.
• Discussion: Together, we'll discuss the considerations and challenges the course may present for you and your peers.
• Get Comfortable: Take your coat off if you need to, have a drink, and try to relax.
• Join In: Think about how you can join in the conversation and don’t be afraid to participate.
• Be Positive and Open: Listen, be friendly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whilst this is part of your interview, it is not a test.

Moving rooms

You will move room or building to go to the second part of your interview, this can be a great opportunity to reset and prepare for the next part. Here are some quick tips to make the transition smooth:

1. Stay Calm: Take a few deep breaths to stay relaxed and focused.
2. Quick Review: Glance over your notes or key points for the upcoming interview segment.
3. Hydrate: Have a sip of water to stay refreshed.
4. Stretch: A quick stretch can help you feel more comfortable and energized.
5. Positive Mindset: Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements.

Individual Station Interviews

Format: Our interviews are conducted in a fun "multi mini modal interview" format.

Stations: You'll rotate through 8 different stations. eight interview stations. At each station you will have:

• 2 minutes to read and consider a question (at the inner / centre station in red). Use this time to read the question and jot down your thoughts.
• 5 minutes Interview: You'll then discuss your ideas, answers, and opinions with the interviewer with an Occupational Therapist (OT) or guest (at the outer white stations).

Process: you will start at a numbered station, when time is up, you will move clockwise rotation to the next station. This process continues until you have completed all eight stations.

Time Keeper: Our time keeper will signal when it's time to move to the next station.

Station 8 - This is your chance to ask any remaining questions, and for the course team member to get to know you better as an individual.

Understand the course and your time management

1. Know how you're going to manage your time and how you’ll balance studying with other commitments - try and speak to someone who has studied part time to understand expectations.
2. What are you looking forward to most about the course?
3. Know why you want to do this course and what's going to drive you through the challenging times - show why you're passionate.

• Why do you want to become an occupational therapist?
• What inspired you to consider this profession?
• Why do you think you are well-suited to become a future occupational therapist?

4. Awareness of professional responsibilities and values

• What is the expectation of service-users from occupational therapists?

1. What do you think an occupational therapist does?
2. What skills do occupational therapists need?
3. Make sure you can clearly explain what occupational therapy is and what makes it special. Good websites to read are Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) websites. You could use social media - follow occupational therapists on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for real-world insights. This will help you confidently demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the profession.

4. Look at the Occupational Therapy course page for topics covered in the interview.
5. Be clear on why you want to study occupational therapy and what will keep you motivated.

1. Understand Occupational Therapy in Practice - Follow occupational therapists on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for real-world insights.
2. Gain First-Hand Experience - If possible, speak with an occupational therapist or visit an occupational therapy department.
3. Review relevant legislation and the policy framework - Research Welsh Government policies and current Health and Social Care legislation.
4. Connect with the University - Attend open days and contact university staff with any questions.

• There is a steep hill between the Elaine Morgan building, and this may need to be navigated on the day of interviews. If you require support, it is worth asking or discussing on arrival. Or make sure you have someone that can assist you.
• Knowing the potential time between buildings and how long the process takes from start to end is important.
• There are lifts and accessible toilets in all buildings.
• Ask if you require any reasonable adjustments or requirements for the day.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the University or the Occupational Therapy Course team [email protected]