Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Use these questions to determine how a candidate handled situations in the past
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills
Why this matters
This helps you learn about a prospective hire’s evaluation methods and ensure they employ the proper critical skills when working with a new patient.
What to listen for
- Look for an answer that centers around evaluating a patient’s comprehensive history to quickly get to the root of the problem.
- Candidates should have a toolkit of effective macro- and micro-level questions to ask patients to identify ailments and their causes.
Why this matters
A solid answer can demonstrate that a candidate is not only knowledgeable, but they can use this knowledge to solve the most complex physical therapy problems.
What to listen for
- Listen for the use of current, validated therapies for patient challenges.
- A candidate should demonstrate they can take a rational approach when things aren’t working—and solve problems based on their experience and understanding of the human body.
Why this matters
This question demonstrates a candidate’s basic skills and experience, and it helps you gauge if their typical treatment strategies align with those used at your practice.
What to listen for
- Collaboration, communication, and intelligent plan design are skills of a strong physical therapist.
- Listen for signs that a candidate takes a comprehensive approach to care and sets patients up for long-term success.
Why this matters
When working with certain populations or individuals, a physical therapist may find that a patient is resistant to their suggestions. A candidate’s conflict resolution style and ability to work with difficult patients can indicate if they will have long-term success at your organization.
What to listen for
- Clear communication skills are paramount for a physical therapist: be sure that a candidate can explain the “how” and “why” behind their methods to help patients better understand.
- Flexibility in a candidate’s answers—this tells you they are willing and able to adapt.
Why this matters
While physical therapists work with patients independently, they’re part of a larger entity. Teamwork and collaboration are cornerstones of the job. There may be instances where a physical therapist doesn’t have all of the answers or needs another opinion about a certain patient—this is when strong teamwork can be a valuable asset.
What to listen for
- Ideally, you want a candidate who is empowered by being part of a team as well as confident working independently.
- A willingness to work with others and share ideas, solve problems, and learn from colleagues are all signs of a great hire.
Why this matters
Depending on the care setting, physical therapists may be dealing with hundreds of patients—and potentially caregivers and family members, too. Can your candidate manage communication and provide status updates when needed? How do they handle the pressure of so many patients? This is an important aspect of providing comprehensive care.
What to listen for
- Look for signs of attention to detail, proactivity, and self-motivation in a candidate’s response.
Why this matters
Patient motivation is an integral part of what a physical therapist does. To a degree, patient success influences the success of your organization—so you need an individual who is willing to support your patients outside of their one-off appointments.
What to listen for
- Regular check-ins, inspiring emails, and thoughtful answers to patient questions.
- A patient-first approach: your candidate should prioritize the feelings and needs of their patients and sense the differing communication needs and support levels for each individual.
Why this matters
This question shows what type of outcomes a physical therapist strives for and the metrics/criteria they use to self-evaluate their own success in treating patients.
What to listen for
- Compassion and empathy are key values of a physical therapist—look for someone who values their patients’ success on a personal level.
- Listen for a shared approach goal setting and a personalized approach to each person in the candidate’s care.
Why this matters
This type of question gives you insight into a candidate’s personality and learn what excites them about the role. It also provides you an opportunity to see if their goals align with the organization’s goals at large.
What to listen for
- Patient success and career growth are things a motivated, driven candidate may strive for.
- Has the candidate thought about their long-term success? Does it seem like they actually see themselves at your practice? Make sure it’s the right fit for both of you.
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