A physical therapy interview is not just about proving your skills. It’s about showing how you think about care, teamwork, and growth. The best interviews are genuine conversations between professionals who share the same purpose: helping people move better and live better.
Before you walk into the room or join the call, remind yourself that you are not trying to flatter them or prove something. You are trying to see if this clinic’s values, approach, and people align with how you want to practice. This small mindset shift changes how you carry yourself.
Know what matters most
Not every clinic or physical therapy brand values the same things, which can lead to different work environments over the long term. It’s important to understand your own internal values match up with the values of the clinics you’re applying to join.
But as a new physical therapist, typically the most important things a hiring manager will be looking for are:
- Clinical competence: Show that you can reason through treatment decisions.
- Collaboration: Show that you work well with patients, colleagues, and referring providers.
- Commitment to growth: Show that you value learning and ongoing development.
If you can communicate and/or demonstrate these three aspects clearly, you are already ahead.
Prepare your story
The strongest candidates don’t just recite their résumé. They use stories to show who they are and how they work. Think through a few examples that highlight your experience and character:
- A time you helped a patient reach a meaningful goal. This shows empathy, creativity, and persistence.
- A time you collaborated with a colleague on a challenging case. This shows teamwork and communication.
- A time you learned from a mistake or adapted under pressure. This shows humility and growth mindset.
Keep each story short and structured:
- Describe the situation.
- Describe your actions.
- Explain the result.
Do your homework
Before your interview, take as little as 15 minutes to learn about the clinic.
- What types of patients do they treat most often?
- How large is the team, and how is it structured?
- What do their website and social media say about their culture and priorities?
Having a basic understanding of the structure and focus of the clinic you’re interviewing for will go a long way in demonstrating your expertise not just of your credentials, but also how you’ll fit in with the day-to-day of the clinic.
What to expect in your interview
Most PT interviews follow similar themes: patient care, clinical reasoning, communication, and professional growth. Each question is designed to show how you think, not just what you know. Interviewers want to see your reasoning, empathy, and ability to adapt under pressure.
Here are a few examples of what you might hear—and what they’re really listening for:
| Theme | Question | What They Want to Hear |
| Clinical Judgment & Problem Solving | “Tell me about a complex case you’ve handled—what made it challenging and how did you adapt?” | You can think critically and adjust when things don’t go as planned. |
| Patient Communication & Trust | “Tell me about a time you had to gain the trust of a skeptical or frustrated patient.” | You know how to connect with people, build rapport, and keep patients engaged in their recovery. |
| Time Management & Organization | “How do you manage a full caseload while keeping quality high?” | You can prioritize effectively, stay organized, and deliver consistent care even when it’s busy. |
| Teamwork & Culture Fit | “Describe your ideal clinic environment.” | You value collaboration, respect, and a supportive, patient-centered culture. |
| Professional Growth & Learning | “How do you stay current with best practices in physical therapy?” | You’re committed to evidence-based care and continuing education. |
Questions to ask them
Asking questions is just as important as answering them. It shows confidence and curiosity. You are interviewing them, too. Examples of appropriate questions you can ask include:
- What are my expectations as a clinician? How will I be evaluated?
- How do clinicians collaborate on complex cases?
- What mentorship or continuing education programs are available?
- How do you define success for new team members in their first 90 days?
- How does leadership stay connected to clinician feedback?
Gathering your own information by using questions like these makes the interview a two-way conversation and shows that you are already thinking like part of the team.
Final preparations
A few practical things go a long way:
- Bring energy and authenticity. Be yourself.
- Dress neatly but comfortably. PT interviews often include movement or demonstrations.
- Be ready to discuss treatment reasoning. Some interviews include brief case studies or clinical scenarios.
- Follow up afterward. Send a thank-you email mentioning something specific from your conversation. It makes a lasting impression.
Your first impression is not about being perfect. It is about being real, curious, and clear about your purpose as a clinician. That kind of authenticity always stands out, especially in a clinician-led network like Alliance where collaboration, growth, and care come first.
