12 Skills Recruiters Screen For in Occupational Therapist Resumes

Verified occupational data · Updated April 2026

These are the exact competencies and tools employers require for Occupational Therapist positions, ranked by importance. If they're not on your resume, recruiters move on.

Tools & Technologies Recruiters Look For

ATS systems match on exact tool names — not categories. List these verbatim on your resume or risk being filtered out.

1 eClinicalWorks EHR software 2 Microsoft Visio

Core Competencies Your Resume Must Show

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Occupational Therapist resumes, ranked by importance. Don't list these generically — demonstrate them through quantified achievements in your work experience section.

Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Reading Comprehension Learning Strategies Social Perceptiveness Instructing Monitoring Writing Active Learning

Knowledge Areas for Occupational Therapist Roles

Core knowledge domains for this occupation. Demonstrating depth in these areas signals readiness to employers and sets you apart from candidates with surface-level experience.

Psychology English Language Therapy and Counseling Education and Training Customer and Personal Service

Common Certifications to Research

Requirements, availability, and relevance vary — verify with the issuing organization before adding to your resume.

Occupational Therapist Registered

Source: CareerOneStop Certification Finder (U.S. Department of Labor)

ATS Optimization Tips for Occupational Therapist Resumes

  • 1. Use exact tool names from this list — ATS systems match on "Microsoft Excel" not "Excel."
  • 2. Mirror keywords from the job description — don't just use this list verbatim.
  • 3. Put a "Skills" or "Technical Skills" section near the top of your resume.
  • 4. Only list skills you can discuss confidently in an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important skills for a Occupational Therapist resume?
The top skills for Occupational Therapist resumes include eClinicalWorks EHR software, Microsoft Visio. These are the tools and technologies most frequently required in Occupational Therapist job postings based on verified occupational data.
How many skills should I list on my Occupational Therapist resume?
List 8–12 relevant skills. Prioritize skills from the job description, then add complementary skills from this guide. For ATS purposes, use exact tool names (e.g., "Microsoft Excel" not just "spreadsheets"). Quality and match-rate to the posting matters more than length.
What soft skills do employers look for in Occupational Therapists?
Employers hiring Occupational Therapists prioritize occupational skills like Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension. Rather than listing these generically, demonstrate them through specific achievements in your work experience bullets.
What knowledge areas are most important for Occupational Therapists?
Core knowledge domains for Occupational Therapist roles based on verified occupational data: Psychology, English Language, Therapy and Counseling, Education and Training, Customer and Personal Service.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Skills and knowledge data sourced from verified U.S. government occupational records. Certifications listed are unverified — confirm requirements with the issuing organization. Actual requirements vary by employer and role.