30 Recreational Therapists Interview Questions & Answers
1. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you handle stress with ease. Tell the interviewer that you understand a recreational therapist's role can be stressful at times, but you will take it in stride! There are days when you may feel a bit overwhelmed, and you take steps to ensure these situations do not get the best of you. Share that you talk with friends in your field about challenging situations to gain wisdom, and remember that you are a part of a team filled with wise people who are willing to help you out when your workload is not attainable some days.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
2. Have you obtained your Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation?
How to Answer
Becoming a CTRS is not required by all facilities, but it is helpful to have. You will have more opportunities as a practitioner if you sit for your CTRS exam and receive the credentials. If you have this designation already, great! If not, you may want to investigate whether or not the place you're applying requires it. Some companies might even pay for your you complete! Do a little bit of research to learn more about it. You can talk to professors and other students to learn more if you are unfamiliar with this certification.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
3. While attending post-secondary studies, what was your best course? Least favorite course?
How to Answer
To complete your bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation, you will need to complete a certain number of supervised hours, either at an internship or community service. Share how your favorite experience equipped you for the job by teaching you valuable skills to help you optimize your time with patients. You may have learned about designing group activities or how to guide individuals with disabilities in dance, aquatics or even acting out a drama. Be specific and give examples to paint a clear picture for your interviewer.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
4. Do you have a bachelor's degree? Tell me about your education.
How to Answer
You have worked hard to get to this point, so talk about all the energy you put into your education! Explain your education by talking about the classroom and hands-on experience that shows how you meet the qualifications. In order to meet the basic standards, you'll need a bachelor's degree and your CTRS certification. Talk about the highlights of your training that prove you meet the qualifications and are willing to go above and beyond. You can share an example of a project you proudly completed or your favorite internship. Share what you enjoyed most and why.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
5. What is the greatest challenge you have faced so far? How did you overcome it?
How to Answer
Overcoming challenges shows you have perseverance and determination. It shows you can accomplish goals even in the midst of trying circumstances. Having a hard time thinking of a good example? You have accomplished a lot more than you realize! Think about the obstacles and challenges you have gotten through in order to make it to where you are! Maybe you took on a tough course load your first year in college. Or maybe you were asked to give your first presentation with little time to prepare. Once you identify the challenge, talk about what you did to overcome it. Focus on the lengths you took to make sure you finished your semester strong or how you researched and practiced to make sure you nailed the presentation. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer. Simply give an example that shows off your skills and instills confidence that you will continue to overcome obstacles in the future!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
6. What social activities have you created to help a patients social skills?
How to Answer
As we learn more information about autism and other disorders that affect a child's ability to connect socially, there is more research to support recreational activities to serve this population. Reflect on your training to think of a few games, crafts, sports or even community outings that would foster a supportive environment social activity. You can also further explain what you do as a facilitator to help start the conversation. Your presence as a therapist makes all the difference! Talk about how you hold the space for others to feel more comfortable interacting with one another.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
7. Tell me about a time you tailored an activity for a patient.
How to Answer
Your patients may have a wide variety of needs. Some will be more complex than others! Demonstrate that you are flexible to meet the needs of your patients. For example, you might have a patient dealing with a lifelong disability, like cerebral palsy. They may want you to help them improve their quality of life, but they don't necessarily know how. When you discuss how you assessed the patient, share how you took into account their interests and their physical strengths and weaknesses. You want to express that you meet each patient where they are, challenging them and encouraging them in each activity. You may have chosen to start with arts and crafts, to get to know the patient and see what they are able to do. Share from your experience!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
8. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
Think about what you want to do within the therapeutic recreation field. If you already have a population you prefer to work with, think about where you would want to work with them. For example, if you enjoy working with adults with disabilities, you may be interested in working for the VA helping war veterans. Also take into consideration where you are interviewing. How will this position help you reach your goal? If you're really not clear on your goals, make a timeline. You can start with thinking five years out and then pick a goal. It could be a place you want to work, or maybe you want to further your education by attending graduate school. Next, think backward to mark down the milestones it will take for you to get there. Companies love individuals who are driven and set out to achieve their goals. Show them you are a go-getter and willing to overcome the challenges ahead in order to reach your goals!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
9. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
Now is a time to show off how your skills and traits will make a difference on your new team. Consider answering this question by demonstrating how you have proven yourself in your past roles. For example, you could say, "My communication skills always help me get along with my team, no matter the challenge. I am a good listener, staying positive under pressure." You may also have extensive experience working with a particular population that will give you an edge over other candidates. Keep your strengths and examples relevant to what you may be expected to accomplish in this new role. Remember, you have so much to offer!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"My communication skills always help me get along with my team, no matter the challenge. I am a good listener, staying positive under pressure."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
10. Do you have any experience with addiction? Explain.
How to Answer
If you are interviewing to work at an inpatient hospital or a residential facility, you may be working with individuals dealing with addiction. Consider some of the challenges you face with these particular individuals in a group setting. They may not want to participate in the activities. They may relapse. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle the challenges. Share some tools or examples from your experience that you think will be helpful when addressing addictive behaviors. You may want to list some activities that have been helpful in the past.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
11. How would you motivate patients who were not participating?
How to Answer
Here's an example:
"When I worked with an elderly man who was recovering from a hip injury, it was difficult to get him to go for walks or do any physical activity because he was so nervous about reinjuring himself. I was willing to work with him at his pace, taking baby steps towards more physical activity as we spent more time together."
This example shows that you are sensitive to the needs of your patients. It also demonstrates an understanding that everyone is different and that recovery happens more quickly for some and takes more time for others. Show that you are understanding and proactive to keep your patients motivated.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"When I worked with an elderly man who was recovering from a hip injury, it was difficult to get him to go for walks or do any physical activity because he was so nervous about reinjuring himself. I was willing to work with him at his pace, taking baby steps towards more physical activity as we spent more time together."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
12. What has been your favorite experience working in therapeutic recreation so far?
How to Answer
Think about a positive you had with a patient that impacted you. Let's say you completed an internship with children with autism. While you were there, you worked with a specific child who was completely anti-social and by the end of the semester, they were more willing to talk to you and others, participating in games that they would not have tried before. Talk about the tools you used and the conversations you had that made a difference. Share how this experience impacted you and why.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
13. How would your former employer describe you?
How to Answer
Think about positive traits others use to describe you. Focus on the characteristics that are most valued in the workplace.
"My old boss says I'm easy to work with because I have a good attitude, even when I have a heavy workload. At the adult day care program I had several difficult patients. Even though I worked longer hours, I learned how to address behavioral issues and really got to help my patients by spending more intensive time with them. I maintained in good spirits and I didn't let the challenges overwhelm me."
Explain why your coworkers think you have these traits or an experience that shows off these characteristics. Prepare three examples that you can use when you interview. These examples can also be applied when talking about your strengths, another potential interview question.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"My old boss says I'm easy to work with because I have a good attitude, even when I have a heavy workload. At the adult day care program I had several difficult patients. Even though I worked longer hours, I learned how to address behavioral issues and really got to help my patients by spending more intensive time with them. I maintained in good spirits and I didn't let the challenges overwhelm me."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
14. What characteristics make you a great fit for this role?
How to Answer
Look over the job description before your interview to notice the qualities the company is looking for. Now think about how you embody some of those traits. Recreational therapists need to have excellent communication skills and people skills. You will also need to be patient and flexible. Make a list of your top five characteristics that would help you meet the criteria for the role. Show off your strengths to prove to the interviewer that you are the best fit for this role!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I am compassionate, patient, have great excellent communication skills, and dependable."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
These are all valuable strengths and align closely with the role of the recreational therapist! I have created a slightly restated response in the "Revised Answer" section, to improve detail and clarity.
"I possess many valuable characteristics that make me a great fit for this work. I have a deep passion for the elderly population, and I am compassionate, patient, and dependable. Additionally, I have exceptional communication skills."
15. Where do you see the future of therapeutic recreation headed?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to find out if you think about the future. As a recreational therapist, you are setting up programs and facilitating activities with the goal of assisting your patients in their recovery process. Think about some of your professional goals and how you intend to meet them in the next five years. Try to think of ways that the company and this position will help you to achieve your goals. For example, you may want to work at a substance abuse center as a recreational therapist. Focus your response on ways that the position you're interviewing for will help you to achieve this goal. Think about some of the other steps you'll need to take in order to get there. Identify how this position will equip you with the skills and experience you need to be successful!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
16. Where do you see the future of therapeutic recreation?
How to Answer
As the elderly population is on the rise, recreational therapists are becoming increasingly higher in demand. There is more and more research backing up the value you lowering stress levels through a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"I am hopeful of the outlook of this profession, as there is a greater need for good practitioners in the field. I think that therapeutic recreation could help even more people, and be incorporated in the public school systems as well."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I am hopeful for the outlook of this profession, as there is going to be a greater need for more practitioners as the elderly population growing and I think rec could even help more people and incorporated in school systems."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Great outlook; I have suggested a slight restating of this response to increase clarity and detail.
"I am hopeful for the outlook of this profession, as the elderly population is growing and there will continue to be an increased need for more practitioners. My hope is that therapeutic recreation services will increase in the future and be offered to more individuals. I am also hopeful that the fundamentals of recreational therapy will be incorporated into school systems."
17. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
It can be difficult to know which weakness to share. Maybe it's not the best time to talk about your communication challenges with your partner or how you need to work on your golf game. Instead, focus on your professional life. Talk about a skill or quality that you are proactively working to improve. You can talk about how you are a perfectionist, often getting caught up in the tiny details that can cause you to have difficulty finishing projects on time. Now you set alarms throughout the day to remind to keep you on task and remind yourself of deadlines. You might also allow others to proof your work so that you don't get too stuck in the details. You could also talk about a skill, like multi-tasking, quickly changing gears between tasks. Before your interview, practice by writing down three examples of weaknesses so that you can answer this question with confidence!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
18. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
Think of a trait that your family members praise you for time and time again. Is might be something you have worked at for years or is could be a quality that comes naturally to you. Strengths can be skills or qualities that can help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths will help you to complete your to-do list, understand patient or client needs, and apply what you have learned in your training every day. Being perceptive and observant will assist you with your interactions with others. Attention to detail will help you notice and correct mistakes. Consider the strengths that make you exceptional at your job and write them down to prepare for your interview.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
19. Where would you like your career as a recreational therapist to go?
How to Answer
Most people choose recreational therapy because they like to help people. Although there is planning and coordination involved, the majoring of your time will be spent with patients. You may enjoy facilitating games with elderly patients. Or maybe you enjoy seeing the results after several sessions with a patient. Show your excitement about the job! Talk about what motivates you and keeps you going, even on the challenging days.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
20. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Think about all of the other recreational therapists who may be applying for the job. Consider the qualities you have in common. You're all certified, have some experience and a passion for assisting your patients in their recovery. Beyond the basic qualification, take some time to write down accomplishments and traits that exceed the basic responsibilities. Share qualities that will help you to be a better therapist. Your communication skills and knowledge about the demographic you serve will make you an asset. If you have any techniques or accomplishments that will stand out to the interviewer, share them!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
21. What do you wish someone would have told you before you started working as a recreational therapist?
How to Answer
When you consider working in a new field, it's important to do your research. If you have not already spoken with other recreational therapists about their jobs, you might want to take some time to ask around. You can talk with your professors or contact practitioners in your area. It's important to know what you want out of the job and be clear on your goals. If you're already working in the field, think of some of the challenges you've faced so far. It could be that you had no idea the schedule could be so hectic, or that you would have as much paperwork to do. Share what you have learned so far.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I did not know there'd be that much of paperwork and just like any other job schedule can be so hectic."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
That's an honest observation! I have suggested a slight restating of this response in the "Revised Answer" box to improve detail and clarity.
"I am very passionate about the field of recreational therapy. but I do wish someone had told me how much paperwork would be involved! I entered the profession unaware of how much paperwork and documentation happens behind the scenes. Like any other job, the schedule can be hectic. Over time, I have learned to adjust to these unexpected aspects of the work."
22. How do you establish relationships with your patients?
How to Answer
Therapeutic recreation is extremely relational. You are always working either one-on-one or in a group, helping your patients maintain or improve their physical, social and emotional well-being. Talk to the interviewer about your style.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I'm outgoing and sensitive to my patients."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Great start, but I suggest adding some additional details here to deepen your response. What exactly doe this look like in your role? Do you strike up a conversation, share aspects of your own life, and take time to learn what your patients enjoy? How do you build rapport? If you're able to provide a specific example, that would be very helpful.
23. How do you incorporate families and loved ones?
How to Answer
Recreational therapists work with both the client and their families to provide community resources and include specific interests into their therapy program. A good therapist will take time to assess the patient's needs and interests, getting to know the client and the family before choosing a plan of action.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"I sit down with the family and the client to find out how I can be the most helpful. By taking the time to address their concerns and find out what activities they enjoy, I am able to design a program that will help that specific individual move closer towards recovery."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I sit down with the family and the client to find out how I can be most helpful. By taking time to address their concerns and find out what activities they enjoy, I am able to design a program that will help the residents to recovery."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It's evident that incorporating families and loved ones into the treatment process is really important to you. I have included a suggested way to restate this response in the "Revised Answer" box in hopes of adding a bit more clarity and detail to your response.
"As a recreational therapist, incorporating families and loved ones into the treatment process is critical. To do so, I sit down with the family and client together and open a dialogue with them, so I can find out how I can be most helpful. By taking time to address their concerns and find out what activities they enjoy, I am able to design program that be meaningful and help individuals on their unique path to recovery"
24. What is the greatest challenge recreational therapists face?
How to Answer
Here's an example to get you thinking:
"Setting healthy boundaries with patients is one of the most challenging and important aspects of my job. I strive for compassion first, boundaries second."
As with any therapeutic relationship, you will be tested by your client in many ways. You may deal with anger issues or feel like your patient is pushing the boundaries to get what they want. Express to the interviewer that you stand firm in your values and principles. Regardless of the challenge, explain that you are focused on helping patients recover and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"Setting healthy boundaries with patients is one of the most challenging and important aspects of my job. I strive for compassion first, boundaries second."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"Setting healthy boundaries with a resident is one of the most challenging aspects. I strive to be compassionate first and set boundaries second."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response, but you may wish to consider adding a few more details here to make your answer really stand out. What does setting healthy boundaries with your residents look like? How do you go about achieving this?
25. What sort of game would you suggest for a group of adults who could not walk?
How to Answer
As a recreational therapist, you will have a stash of resources you keep handy for planning time with your patients. If you haven't worked with a group who could not use their legs, get creative. Think about some of the games you have used for other handicaps. You will want to be prepared to answer questions like these in your interview. You may be drilled about a variety of scenarios. To make sure you are prepared, review the games and activities you have learned so far and be sure you are prepared to suggest activities for the demographic of your future healthcare facility.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
26. Tell me about your assessment skills.
How to Answer
You will work collaboratively with doctors and other therapists to help your patients achieve their goals. Reviewing doctors notes and assessing the patient's physical ability will help you to choose the most appropriate plan of action. Here's one way to approach this question:
"I work with the therapy team and patient families to find out the needs, goals and desires of the patient in their recovery. I have the patient complete specific exercises and I take the time to get to know them. Over time I like to track their progress, checking in with the other therapists and doctors."
You can share that you are detail-oriented and thorough in your notes as well. Share the steps you take to assess a patient and develop a plan of care.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"I work with the therapy team and patient families to find out the needs, goals and desires of the patient in their recovery. I have the patient complete specific exercises and I take the time to get to know them. Over time I like to track their progress, checking in with the other therapists and doctors."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I work with the therapy team and res family to find goals, needs, goals and desires of the res care plan. If I'm assessing res for the rec care plan, I take time to know them. Over time, I like to track their progress and checking in with other team members and dr and family members."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It's clear that you have assessment experience within the therapeutic recreation setting. I have suggested a slight rewording for your response, to improve detail and clarity.
"To utilize my assessment skills, I collaborate with the therapy team and the resident's family to clarify the goals, needs, and desires of the resident's care plan. If I'm assessing the resident for the recreational care plan, I take time to get to know them and learn a little more about their interests. Over time, I like to track and evaluate their progress by checking in with other team members, the doctor, and family members to ensure that goals are being met."
27. What aspects of therapeutic recreation do you least enjoy?
How to Answer
First thing's first, you don't want to sound like you're complaining about the job. There may be some annoyances or tasks that you simply find tedious, but overall you still love your job. Think about some of the challenges, like dealing with a patient who is resistant or defiant. You may not enjoy filling out the paperwork at the end of the day. Or maybe you are working with a doctor that you disagree with, which makes your job more difficult. Be honest, but focus on what you are doing to cope. Show that you are resilient and positive, no matter the challenge!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"The least enjoyable part of my job is dealing with residents who are resistant or defiant."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Good start, but to strengthen your response, you should add a bit more detail, in addition to emphasizing your ability to engage in all aspects of the work, even those you don't enjoy. I have included an example of how this could be restated in the "Revised Answer" section.
"My least favorite aspect of therapeutic recreation is dealing with patients who exhibit resistance or act defiantly. While this is challenging for me, I recognize the importance of being able to work effectively with all types of patients, and I tend to take these types of behaviors in stride."
28. What types of activities would you use with a child recovering from a broken arm?
How to Answer
Think back on your education and all of the thousands of games you learned. You may want to clarify questions about the situation by asking how old this hypothetical child is. You may want to simply suggest a game that you have found works well for small children recovering from broken bones. Mainly, you want to express that you treat each child as an individual, understanding they have each have different needs. Tell the interviewer about the activity you would suggest and then explain why you chose it. Think about how will be effective in achieving the goal for that particular individual's recovery.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
29. What types of experiences do you have working with the elderly population?
How to Answer
Give examples of times you coordinating recreational activities with elderly patients. You may have limited experience, but that's okay. Share what you know. You can share how you overcame obstacles, like getting everyone involved even though several patients were resistant to the activity. Address what you did to overcome the obstacle. Maybe you motivated everyone by having a positive attitude, or maybe you made jokes and helped people to lighten up and be silly. Show that you are competent to handle working with any population!
Written by Elisabeth Walter
30. What is your favorite population to work with? Why?
How to Answer
One of the coolest aspects of recreational therapy is that you have options to work with a diverse demographic of groups and individuals. Your may enjoy geriatric care or the challenge of mental health issues. You may like helping individuals with developmental disabilities. Or maybe you prefer working with young children. Now share what you enjoy about working with your favorite population.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
Answer Example
"I enjoy working with individuals struggling with mental health issues because it is a cause that is close to my heart. I have supported family members in the past, and I know how much play and incorporating fun activities into their lives made such a difference! My goal is to be able to help my patients in the same way."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
User-Submitted Answer
"I enjoy working with elderly/individuals patients with dementia because it is a cause that is close to my heart. I have planned and designed activities for these individuals and I know these activities can make such a difference in their lives. My goal is to help make a difference in the same way!"
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response; working with individuals with dementia presents unique opportunities and challenges, and it's wonderful that you're so passionate about this population!