Interview scorecard template

Occupational Therapist interview scorecard

Evaluate Occupational Therapist candidates across 4 weighted areas: clinical competence, patient safety and protocol, patient communication, and working in a clinical team. Clinical competence leads at 35%, so check registration (HCPC, NBCOT or state licence) and depth with standardised tools: COPM, AMPS, MoCA, FIM. Ask which caseloads they carried: neuro, hand. Use the rubric to compare role-specific evidence consistently.

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TL;DR
For clinical competence, look for evidence the candidate names specific assessments used weekly, explains scoring and how findings translated into graded activity plans and measurable functional goals. For patient safety and protocol, look for evidence the candidate describes concrete risk assessments completed, escalation to MDT or safeguarding leads, and equipment prescribed to remove a named hazard. Apply the written 1–5 anchors to every answer, record the evidence behind each rating, and use the factor weights to reach a consistent overall assessment.
Complete evaluation framework

What to assess and how to score it

Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.

01
Evaluation factor

Clinical competence

35% weight

Check registration (HCPC, NBCOT or state licence) and depth with standardised tools: COPM, AMPS, MoCA, FIM. Ask which caseloads they carried: neuro, hand therapy, paediatrics, community.

Evidence to listen for

  • Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
  • Holds current registration or certification
  • Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
  • Recognises when a case is outside their scope

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.

2
Needs Improvement

Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.

3
Satisfactory

Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.

4
Very Good

Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.

5
Excellent

Names specific assessments used weekly, explains scoring and how findings translated into graded activity plans and measurable functional goals.

02
Evaluation factor

Patient safety and protocol

30% weight

Probe moving and handling competence, falls risk screening, pressure care, and how they document contraindications. Ask about a home visit where they judged discharge unsafe.

Evidence to listen for

  • Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
  • Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
  • Escalates deterioration early
  • Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Casual about protocol; would not report an error.

2
Needs Improvement

Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.

3
Satisfactory

Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.

4
Very Good

Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.

5
Excellent

Describes concrete risk assessments completed, escalation to MDT or safeguarding leads, and equipment prescribed to remove a named hazard.

03
Evaluation factor

Patient communication

20% weight

Assess how they explain fatigue management, joint protection or splint wear to patients with aphasia, dementia or low motivation, and how they set goals collaboratively.

Evidence to listen for

  • Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
  • Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
  • Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
  • Works with families and carers

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.

2
Needs Improvement

Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.

3
Satisfactory

Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.

4
Very Good

Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.

5
Excellent

Gives real examples of reframing goals around what the patient values, with evidence of improved engagement or adherence.

04
Evaluation factor

Working in a clinical team

15% weight

Look for work with physiotherapists, social workers, OT assistants and equipment suppliers; ask about MDT rounds, discharge planning meetings, and delegating to rehab support workers.

Evidence to listen for

  • Hands over cleanly and completely
  • Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
  • Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
  • Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.

2
Needs Improvement

Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.

3
Satisfactory

Reliable team member; handover adequate.

4
Very Good

Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.

5
Excellent

Cites specific handovers and joint sessions, shows they chased funding or equipment delivery to keep a discharge date.

Evidence-led prompts

Interview questions for a Occupational Therapist

Use these prompts to surface evidence for the weighted factors above and compare candidates against the same role-specific criteria.

  1. 01

    Can you discuss your experience conducting patient assessments?

  2. 02

    How do you build treatment plans tailored to a patient's needs and abilities?

  3. 03

    Do you have experience with specific patient populations?

  4. 04

    Have you used assistive devices in treatment, and which ones?

  5. 05

    What is your approach to developing home programmes for patients?

See the complete Occupational Therapist question set
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