So you have invites to your Occupational Therapy University Interviews ? What do you do next?
First off … DON’T PANIC! The whole point of Occupational Therapy university interviews is to make sure the course is a good fit for you. AND that you are a good fit for the course. The interviewers will understand that you might be nervous. They are also interested in seeing the ‘real you’ that will turn up every day, not just the ‘interview you’ that turns up on interview day. So, the first thing to remember is ‘be yourself’. However, make sure that this is the best bits of yourself. Next, think about what it is the interviewers are looking for from their perspective. Get under the skin of the interviewer and you are
half way there. Finally, prepare for the common questions and practicals that might come your way on the day – the interview itself, group discussions or practical tests.
Be yourself but not too much of yourself!
Professional, caring careers like Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing and the like need to find students with the ability to work in demanding professional environments. So, at your Occupational Therapy university interviews make sure that you are able to see how you may be perceived from someone across the desk from you. This might mean toning down your sense of humour or personal style. Yes you have the right to be individual. And yes OT as a profession is focused on helping everyone we work with to be included. However, you will need to show that you have the self awareness to moderate yourself to fit into the environments you will be experiencing during your training.
One mouth but two ears!
Nothing is going to put off potential admissions tutors more than a candidate who has no opinions of their own. Your ideas may be a bit left field, but if they are clearly reasoned and particularly if they demonstrate that even if you do the wrong thing you do it for the right reason you won’t go far wrong. However, be alert to challenges and the thoughts of others particularly if you are in a group discussion. Many OT courses use group learning as a fundamental part of their teaching, so the ability to listen as well as contribute are key skills to demonstrate. Make sure that in the run up to your interview you are reading national newspapers, particularly any health supplements and if you are super keen try and get hold of professional OT journals or monthly news magazines. They will give you plenty to think and opine about.
The 5 Ps
Put simply Plentiful Preparation Prevents Poor Performance! There is a sixth P, but we left that out for the sake of decency! I know this is dull and if you are in the middle of coursework this is probably the last thing that you want to hear, but it really does make a difference. Find out about the university and particularly the course that you are applying to. Practice your interview technique, think about sample questions and group discussion skills. Spend time in Occupational Therapy departments if you can. If you feel you need extra help have a look at the sorts of things we can do to help.
Have fun … No really!
Your university time will be one of the best times of your life. I had the luxury (I think) of going through the university entrance process twice. Once for my undergraduate degree and then for my postgraduate Occupational Therapy course. Even though, the pressure was significantly greater the second time around (I really needed to sort out some career direction by that point), I was more able to enjoy the process as an experience rather than a test. Have a look at some of our other advice about managing stress and nerves if you think it will help you do the same.
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