When preparing for an interview in the therapy field, many practitioners tend to focus on their answers to potential questions about their background and skills. However, it’s just as important to think of some of you own therapy interview questions to ask at the end of the interview.

“After all your preparation, from research on the facility to securing strong references, it can be easy to forget that an interview is a two-way street,” says Mindy Booth, OTR/L and Senior Director of Clinical Services for The Execu|Search Group’s Healthcare division. “However, it is crucial to keep in mind that the interview is also your opportunity to evaluate whether this role is the right fit for you.”

Asking smart questions is also a great way to demonstrate your interest in the role. “The end of the interview is your last chance to make yourself stand out, and one easy way to do this is to ask the right questions,” adds Daniela D’Alessandro, a Managing Director within The Execu|Search Group’s Healthcare division. “If you’ve taken some time to prepare thoughtful questions in advance, employers will take notice.”

The following therapy interview questions to ask will not only help you learn more about the role, but make a lasting impression on the facility:

What are the productivity requirements of this position? Asking about productivity requirements is a great way to gauge whether the role and the schedule is right for you. This will help you understand your billable hours, how many patients you are expected to see in a day, and how much extra time you have for non-billable tasks.

How would you describe the company culture? Employees who feel they fit into the organization’s culture are not only more engaged and productive at work, but also happier in general. Is teamwork encouraged? Are there growth opportunities? Are regular staff meetings held? When making career decisions, you want to be sure that your future employer will allow you to accomplish your career goals, while meeting your needs.

What novel techniques does the facility practice? Whether you are an SLP, a PT, or an OT, you’ll want to ensure your employer will enable you to keep you skills current with evolving trends. If the organization cannot give you concrete examples when answering this question, this should raise some red flags.

How many assistants and field work students will I be supervising?/What type of support will I get from a supervisor or mentor? Among some of the top therapy interview questions to ask, these inquiries can help you learn how much support is available to you.

What is the most unique case that I would work on at this facility? Not only does this question demonstrate your interest in the organization, but it can also help you anticipate any challenges you’d face in the role.

What is the hiring cycle for this position? Facilities can sometimes take weeks to make a final hiring decision, which might lead you to believe you didn’t get the job when you are still being considered. To prevent this from happening, ask this question to tie up any loose ends at the end of the interview. Knowing when you can expect a decision by and how you will be notified, will help you determine how to proceed with other opportunities.