The role of an Occupational Therapist is both rewarding and vital in the healthcare sector. Occupational Therapists support individuals of all ages to overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges, enabling them to live fulfilling lives. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, schools, or community settings, the responsibilities include assessing patients, developing personalised treatment plans, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and guiding patients towards regaining independence. In the UK, the average salary for an Occupational Therapist ranges from £32,000 to £42,000 per year, depending on experience and location, making it a profession that is not only impactful but also financially rewarding.
A strong Occupational Therapist CV is your first opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, compassion, and professional experience. In today’s competitive job market, a generic CV just won’t cut it. Employers are looking for candidates who stand out through clear communication, concrete achievements, and a structure that highlights both clinical and interpersonal skills. This guide, written with over 25 years of career coaching experience, will provide you with all the tools to create an interview-winning CV that captures attention.
Why a Tailored CV Matters
The healthcare sector, and occupational therapy in particular, demands precision, empathy, and professionalism. Hiring managers often spend only 30 seconds on an initial scan of your CV, meaning your layout, phrasing, and content must immediately convey your competence and suitability. Using a cv template specifically designed for Occupational Therapists helps you showcase your skills in an organised, professional, and impactful manner. A well-structured cv example can act as a roadmap, showing you exactly where to highlight your qualifications, clinical experience, and professional achievements.
Key Elements of an Occupational Therapist CV
Contact Details: Start with your full name, professional title, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. A clear header ensures hiring managers can contact you easily.
Professional Summary: A concise paragraph summarising your experience, specialisations, and passion for occupational therapy. Focus on patient outcomes, relevant clinical skills, and your ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. For example, “Compassionate and results-driven Occupational Therapist with 5+ years of experience improving patient mobility and independence through tailored therapeutic programmes.”
Core Competencies: Bullet point key skills such as patient assessment, rehabilitation planning, cognitive therapy, manual handling, and patient education. Including these keywords improves your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scans.
Professional Experience: List roles in reverse chronological order. Include your job title, employer, dates, and 3–5 bullet points of measurable achievements. Focus on outcomes, e.g., “Developed and implemented rehabilitation plans for 50+ patients, resulting in a 30% improvement in mobility scores.”
Education & Certifications: Include your degree in Occupational Therapy, registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and any specialised courses. Relevant postgraduate training or CPD workshops can strengthen your CV further.
Additional Sections: Depending on your experience, include volunteer work, professional memberships, or publications. This demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and engagement in the professional community.
CV Structure Recommendations
A professional cv template should follow a clean, logical structure that is easy to scan. Use headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Avoid dense paragraphs; recruiters should grasp your key strengths at a glance. Bold headings like Professional Summary, Core Competencies, and Professional Experience help highlight your achievements.
Advice for Graduate Occupational Therapists
Graduates entering the workforce may have less hands-on experience but can still create compelling CVs. Focus on:
Clinical placements and internships: Describe responsibilities and skills gained.
Academic achievements: Highlight relevant modules, research, or dissertation projects.
Transferable skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial in healthcare.
Volunteering or extra-curricular activities: Demonstrates initiative and commitment to patient care.
Advice for Mid-Level and Senior Occupational Therapists
For professionals with several years of experience, your CV should emphasise:
Leadership and mentoring roles: Supervising junior staff or students.
Project management: Implementing therapy programmes or departmental initiatives.
Measurable patient outcomes: Include statistics or case studies where possible.
Continuing professional development: Highlight advanced certifications and workshops.
General CV Writing Tips for Occupational Therapists
Keep your CV to 2 pages maximum, focusing on the most relevant experience.
Use active, results-focused language: “Led,” “Implemented,” “Improved.”
Tailor your CV for each job application, including relevant keywords from the job description.
Proofread meticulously to avoid spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.
Use a professional font and layout, and avoid excessive graphics or images.
The Do’s and Don’ts of an Occupational Therapist CV
Do:
Use a professional cv template as a guide.
Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
Highlight your clinical and soft skills.
Keep information relevant and concise.
Include links to professional profiles or portfolios.
Don’t:
Include personal information unrelated to the job.
Use generic statements without evidence.
Overcrowd your CV with irrelevant details.
Forget to tailor your CV for each application.
Neglect the importance of a professional email address and LinkedIn profile.
Optimising for SEO and Click-Through
When creating an Occupational Therapist CV, using keywords strategically helps your CV get noticed online. Anchor text like cv template, cv example, and Occupational Therapist linked to CV London improves visibility and credibility. Sprinkle these naturally throughout your CV and blog content for better online engagement.
Persuasive Call to Action
Creating a standout CV is an investment in your career. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a senior professional, having a polished Occupational Therapist CV can make all the difference in securing interviews and advancing your career. If you want to maximise your potential, consider booking a professional consultation. Our experts at CV London can refine your CV and LinkedIn profile to ensure you present yourself confidently to employers. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward your dream role as an Occupational Therapist.
