Your First Travel PT Interview: How to Ask the Right Questions and Make the Right Impression

Preparing for your first travel physical therapy interview can feel a little uncertain, especially if you're new to the world of travel assignments.

The good news? These interviews are typically low-pressure, informal, and more about mutual fit than being grilled. Preparation is key and the questions you ask can make a big difference in how you're perceived and how confident you feel accepting the job.

Before the Interview: Confirm the Basics

Once your recruiter sets up the interview, confirm all details:

• Date and time (with time zone!)

• Who you’ll be speaking with

• How long the interview will last (typically 20–30 minutes)

• Contact information, in case the person is running late

• Any specific details your recruiter does not know that you need to ask

Be proactive: Follow up with your recruiter the day before to double-check that everything is still on track. If the hiring manager doesn’t contact you within 5–10 minutes of the scheduled time, reach out to your recruiter right away so they can troubleshoot or reschedule if needed.

What to Expect During the Interview

Travel PT interviews are usually informal and conversational. Most interviews are straightforward, one-time phone calls without video. Think of it less like an interrogation and more like a two-way conversation where you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.

In fact, in many interviews, you’ll find that you’re asking more questions than they are. Most hiring managers just want to make sure you're a good communicator and a competent clinician.

I usually try to schedule my interviews during a regular workday, since most facilities prefer to hold them sometime between Monday and Friday during business hours.

What to Prepare: Your Questions

Come with a written list of questions. This shows that you're detail-oriented, serious about patient care, and intentional about where you want to work rather than just taking any job that comes along. Here are some essential questions to consider:

Schedule & Structure

• What are the expected hours?

• Is there flexibility (i.e., 4x10s)?

• How is the daily schedule structured?

Staffing

• Are there other PTs or PTAs on staff?

• Are there rehab techs?

• Will I be the only therapist at times?

• Has the facility used travelers in the past?

Workload Expectations

• How many patients per day?

• What is the typical patient population or census?

• Is there a productivity expectation (and if so, what is it)?

• Is patient care typically one-on-one or double-booked (if outpatient)?

Logistics

• What documentation system do you use?

• Will I be required to float or travel to other locations?

• Is there a ramp-up period or onboarding process?

• Will I have a mentor? (sometimes happens in hospital setting)

Workplace Details

• What is the uniform/dress code?

• What kind of therapy equipment do you have? (depends on setting)

This is also a great time to negotiate your preferred schedule (if you haven’t already with your recruiter). For example, if you'd prefer four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days, this is the moment to make your move.

What Not to Ask the Interviewer

There are a few things you shouldn’t bring up during the facility interview. These include:

• Pay

• Licensure, credentialing, or paperwork

All of those questions should go directly to your recruiter, not the clinic. The interviewer likely won’t know the answers anyway and asking about pay too early can come off as transactional.

Make a Great Impression

The best way to stand out? Be engaged, prepared, and professional. Hiring managers want to know that you care about the quality of care you're providing and not just collecting a paycheck.

At the end of the interview, if it feels like a good fit, say something like:

“This sounds like a great opportunity and I would love to move forward. What are the next steps?”

That shows you're interested while keeping the door open for follow-up.

Final Thoughts

Your first travel PT interview doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and questions, you can take control of the conversation and walk away with clarity and confidence.

Remember: you’re not just trying to get the job—you’re making sure it’s the right job.

You should hear back from your recruiter within the next few days for a job offer! Congrats!