What makes you the best candidate for this position?
The interviewers ask this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the NHS and how you will benefit them if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing the interviewers you have all the qualifications they require. When researching the NHS's website, you will see 'must-have skills' listed on the occupational therapist webpage. In addition to the academic qualifications needed for the job, they also say that you must be a natural 'people person' who can make everyone feel quickly at ease. They also say that creativity and the ability to balance patience with enthusiasm are required, along with the ability to think fast on your feet while enjoying working on a multi-disciplinary team.
It is also recommended to review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the NHS seeks in an occupational therapist. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet their job requirements, the interviewers will see that you are highly qualified and place you high on the candidate list.
"While I am sure you have many qualified candidates applying for this position, I am the best candidate because I meet and exceed your qualifications. I have over five years of volunteer experience as a patient befriender and active responder with the NHS, and I am Health Professions Council registered with two years of clinical experience. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which all my references will attest to. I am excellent at problem-solving, am empathetic, have strong leadership skills, and work extremely well under pressure. I guarantee you will not regret hiring me for this position as I will be a valuable asset to the NHS."
