Landing Your First Job, From A to Z

Updated and Edited by Kiera Mooney, OTR/L, Kenzie Hiler, OTR/L, and Julamy Serrano Arocho, OTR/L

Whether you are still in OT school, studying for the NBCOT® exam, or going through the interview process, it is never too early to start thinking about how to land a job that is the right fit for you. After all, finding a job where you can make an impact and feel successful is important, especially as a new practitioner in the field. But where do you begin? Here are step-by-step tips and considerations to guide you through choosing the best practice setting, applying for jobs, acing the interview, and landing the OT job you’ve always wanted.

Step 1: Narrowing down your employment options

Ask yourself: how do you feel about the practice setting? What kind of support do you need to be successful? Is the work environment a good fit? What are your priorities? Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your employment options. Does the setting make you feel as though you are making a difference? Would you benefit from mentorship and daily collaboration, or do you prefer to work alone? Think about how the environment and setting match your skills and interests. What opportunities are offered for continuing education? Also, remember to consider your personal priorities, such as pay and benefits, relocation, and the size of the setting.

Step 2: Applying for the job

Search for job listings in OT Practice, OTJobLink, your state association website, and other online job portals. Attend job fairs and national and state conferences to establish connections. Reach out to your network of practitioners and students; utilize email and social media. Contact your former fieldwork site and inquire about opportunities. 

You may ask yourself: how do I best present myself in my application? Spend time updating your cover letter and résumé to make your application stand out. Cover letters should be brief and not a regurgitation of your résumé or life story. State your objective, the reason why you are interested in the position, why you are the best candidate for the job, and describe any unique skills or strengths that relate to the job requirements. Résumés should be no more than 1-2 pages in length and tailored to each job. If you have little to no occupational therapy work experience, expand your definition of experience to include other jobs, community service projects, leadership experience, organizational involvement, advocacy activities, etc. 

Step 3: Acing the Interview

Research the organization and be prepared to articulate your familiarity with the facility or setting. Brush up on specific interventions, clients, and diagnoses relative to the setting. Reflect on relevant fieldwork or school experiences and how you would discuss them. Additionally, create a list of questions to ask and have them with you during the interview. Some topics to ask about include what a typical day would look like, caseload and productivity expectations, available assessments and equipment, opportunities for observations before accepting an offer, the orientation process, growth and mentorship opportunities, and whether the company reimburses for CEUs, or for AOTA and state association memberships.  

Start practicing mock interview questions with family or friends. Questions such as: What are your strengths and areas for improvement? What are your special skills? What are your personal and professional goals? Why should I hire you? are all a good place to start! To help ease your nerves during the interview, treat the questions like a conversation. Keep your professionalism in mind and the impression you want to make. Articulate your interest in the position and your passion for occupational therapy. Express your skills and strengths, along with what makes you stand out from other candidates. Also, be specific when responding to questions and avoid straying from the topic. 

Treat each interview as important as the next. Arrive about 15 minutes early and be prepared by bringing any necessary items including your application materials. Dress professionally, leave your phone in the car or turn it off, and make sure you are not chewing any gum. Make a lasting impression post-interview by sending an email or handwritten thank you note, even if you know this is not the job for you. 

Step 4: Making your decision

Landing your first job is not always an easy and straight forward process. Try to begin early by exploring opportunities and connections at your Level II fieldwork site. Be open to different practice areas to expand your options and meet your priorities. Do your research and compare different companies on their benefits, leadership opportunities, and mentorship. Lastly, practice makes perfect! Each interview will help prepare you for the next, so don’t be afraid to complete multiple in your employment journey. It may take a few tries, but eventually you will find a job that is the right fit. You are at the beginning of an exciting, rewarding, and life-long career–anything is possible!

Kylie O’Connell, MS, OTR/L, adapted this article from the PowerPoint presentation, “How to Land Your First Job—A to Z” by Maureen Peterson, MS, OT/L, FAOTA. Kylie is an AOTA Emerging Leader working in a skilled nursing facility in Denver, CO.

Kenzie Hiler, OTD, OTR/L, currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the OT Student Pulse and works as an occupational therapist in the acute care setting at a level I trauma center in Middle Tennessee. She completed her OTD in May 2025 from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. Kenzie enjoys reading books and spending time with family and friends.

Julamy Serrano Arocho, OTR/L, is a 2025 graduate from Brenau University’s Hybrid MSOT Program. She currently serves as the Senior Editor of the OT Student Pulse and works at an outpatient pediatric clinic and her career interests are still torn between neurodevelopmental disorders in pediatrics and inpatient care. Outside of occupational therapy, Julamy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching true crime shows.