Physiotherapist
Interview Questions.
15 practice questions across 11 skills — each with what the interviewer is really listening for. Prepare with intent, not guesswork.
Free · No signup · Grouped by skill
How to use this page
Don't memorise answers. For each question, read what the interviewer is looking for, then practise answering out loud in your own words with a real example. The notes describe strong answers and common red flags — they are for your prep, not a script.
Patient Assessment
2 questionsWalk me through how you assess a new patient presenting with lower back pain.
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong answers take a history, screen for red flags, and perform a structured objective exam before concluding, ruling out serious pathology. Jumping to treatment without assessment or missing red-flag screening is a serious red flag.
How do you stay within your scope while advocating for what a patient needs?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong candidates know their limits, refer when appropriate, and advocate through the right channels. Overstepping scope or failing to refer are red flags.
Musculoskeletal Assessment
1 questionHow do you screen for red flags that mean a patient needs referral rather than physiotherapy?
AdvancedWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for knowing serious signs (e.g. cauda equina, fracture, malignancy indicators) and referring promptly. Treating a red-flag presentation as routine is a serious patient-safety red flag.
Treatment Planning
1 questionHow do you set a treatment plan and adjust it when a patient is not progressing?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong candidates set measurable goals, reassess regularly, and change approach or refer if there is no progress. Repeating the same treatment despite no improvement is a red flag.
Manual Therapy
1 questionHow do you decide which manual therapy technique is appropriate for a patient?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for matching technique to findings, considering contraindications, and combining it with active rehab. Applying the same technique to everyone or ignoring contraindications is a red flag.
Exercise Prescription
1 questionHow do you prescribe exercises a patient will actually do at home?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong answers tailor to the patient's ability and goals, keep it manageable, and check understanding and adherence. Handing over a generic sheet with no personalisation is a red flag.
Electrotherapy
1 questionHow do you choose and safely apply electrotherapy modalities?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for evidence-based use as an adjunct, checking contraindications, and not relying on it in place of active rehab. Overusing passive modalities without justification is a red flag.
Patient Education
2 questionsHow do you explain a diagnosis and plan to a patient who is anxious about their pain?
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong candidates use plain language, reassure without dismissing, and empower the patient in their recovery. Using jargon or dismissing concerns is a red flag.
A patient wants a passive treatment (like massage) but evidence favours active exercise. How do you handle it?
IntermediateWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong candidates educate on the evidence, find a middle ground that keeps engagement, and steer toward active recovery. Simply giving in to passive-only treatment is a red flag.
Empathy
1 questionHow do you build rapport with a patient who is frustrated and losing motivation?
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for genuine listening, validating their experience, and collaborative goal-setting. Being dismissive or purely clinical is a red flag.
Rehabilitation Techniques
1 questionWalk me through how you progress rehabilitation for an athlete returning from injury.
AdvancedWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong answers use criteria-based progression, load management, and return-to-sport testing rather than a fixed timeline. Rushing return based on the calendar alone is a red flag.
Clinical Documentation
1 questionHow do you document assessments and progress accurately and legally?
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for timely, objective, complete records that support continuity and are legally sound. Vague or backdated notes are a red flag.
Communication
1 questionHow do you work with doctors and other clinicians in a patient's care?
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for clear communication, appropriate referral, and respecting scope of practice. Working in isolation or overstepping scope are red flags.
Behavioural & role-general
2 questionsWhy physiotherapy, and how do you keep your clinical knowledge current?
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Look for genuine motivation and evidence-based practice with ongoing learning. No habit of keeping up with evidence is a concern.
Tell me about a challenging case and how you adapted your approach.
BasicWhat the interviewer is looking for: Strong answers show clinical reasoning, reassessment, and patient-centred adaptation. A rigid approach with no adaptation is a red flag.