Prepare for your Pharmacist interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
Pharmacists often work with a variety of people, including doctors, patients and other pharmacists. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working with people from all backgrounds. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working with people from all walks of life. Explain how you would approach different situations in the workplace.
Answer Example: “I am very comfortable working with a wide range of people. I have worked in various settings where I had to interact with patients of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. I am able to quickly establish rapport with patients by listening to their concerns and providing them with solutions. In my previous position, I worked alongside other pharmacists who were also very friendly and helpful.”
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary to be a successful pharmacist. You can answer this question by listing some of the most important qualities, such as communication skills, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
Answer Example: “I believe the most important quality a pharmacist should have is communication skills. Pharmacists work with patients to help them understand their medications and how to take them correctly. They also work with doctors to ensure that patients are receiving the correct medications. Another important quality is attention to detail. Pharmacists must be able to accurately record information about each patient’s prescription so that there are no mistakes during filling. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are essential because there are often issues that arise during the filling process.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers.
Answer Example: “I would first try to understand why they are upset about the cost of their medication. If it’s because they can’t afford it, I would try to find an alternative solution such as providing them with a discount or recommending a cheaper alternative medication. If they are upset because they feel like they’re being charged too much for the medication, I would explain the reason behind the price and try to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to provide them with quality care.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge of pharmacology to ensure the safety of patients who use medications. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for ensuring medication safety, including any tools or resources you use during this process.
Answer Example: “I first look at the patient’s prescription to make sure it’s accurate. Then I check the medication itself to make sure it’s the correct dosage and form. Next, I check the patient’s medical history to ensure there are no allergies or other factors that could make this medication unsafe for them. Finally, I check the pharmacy’s inventory to make sure we have enough of this medication on hand.”
Pharmacists often work with patients who are dealing with serious illnesses. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the emotional support skills needed to help patients through their treatment. In your answer, explain how you helped the patient feel comfortable and supported.
Answer Example: “I once had a patient who was diagnosed with cancer. She was very scared and uncertain about her future. I spent time talking to her about her treatment plan and answering any questions she had. I also offered to meet with her family members so they could ask me questions as well. The patient felt more at ease after our conversation and her family felt more confident in understanding her diagnosis.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to provide patients with alternative options and ensure they receive the care they need.
Answer Example: “If a patient asked me about a medication that I didn’t have in stock, my first step would be to try and find an alternative. If there were no other options available, I would explain to the patient that I couldn’t provide the medication at that time but would do my best to order it as soon as possible. In some cases, I may be able to give the patient a similar medication until the desired one arrives.”
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your credentials and how they relate to their company’s requirements. If you are not yet certified, you can explain what steps you plan to take to become certified as a pharmacist.
Answer Example: “I am currently working toward my certification as a pharmacist. I have passed all three parts of the National Pharmacy Exam, but I am waiting for my results before I can officially call myself a certified pharmacist. I am confident that I will pass the exam, though, so I am planning on applying for jobs as a certified pharmacist.”
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities needed for success in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important qualities, such as communication skills, problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
Answer Example: “I believe that the most important qualities for a successful pharmacist are communication skills, problem-solving ability and attention to detail. A pharmacist needs to be able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals, solve problems quickly and accurately, and ensure that all medications are dispensed accurately and in a timely manner. These skills are essential for ensuring patient safety and satisfaction.”
This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the healthcare system and how it works. You can answer this question by describing the relationship between a pharmacist and patient, including what the pharmacist does for the patient and what the patient should expect from the pharmacist.
Answer Example: “The relationship between a pharmacist and patient is one of mutual trust and respect. As a healthcare professional, I believe that patients should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. This includes respecting their privacy and confidentiality when providing care. A pharmacist should be available to answer any questions a patient may have about their medication or treatment plan. They should also be able to provide advice on how to take medications safely and effectively.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge of pharmacology to ensure patient safety. Your answer should include steps that you take to ensure accuracy in prescribing medications, including any software or technology you use to support your work.
Answer Example: “I start by reviewing the patient’s chart to understand their current medication regimen and any allergies they may have. Then, I speak with the patient to make sure they understand what they are taking and how it will affect them. After that, I compare the prescription order with the patient’s current medication list to make sure there are no mistakes. Finally, I enter the new order into the computer system so that it can print out the label for the correct medication.”
Customer service is an important part of being a pharmacist. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and abilities to provide excellent customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific time when you provided great customer service. You can also mention some of the skills you used in that situation.
Answer Example: “I recently had a customer who came into the pharmacy looking for a specific medication. Unfortunately, we did not have any in stock. I offered to order it for them, but they said they would come back later. A few days later, they came back and I had ordered the medication for them. They were so grateful that I had remembered and taken care of it.”
This question can help the interviewer assess your communication skills and ability to provide patient care. Use examples from past experiences where you helped patients understand the side effects of their medications or how to manage them.
Answer Example: “If a patient asked me about the side effects of a medication, I would first ensure they were aware of all the potential side effects listed on the packaging. Then, I would explain how to recognize these side effects and what steps they can take to reduce their likelihood of experiencing them. For example, if they were taking a medication that could cause nausea, I would explain how to take the medication with food or at different times of day to reduce nausea.”
This question is a good way for employers to make sure you’re qualified for the position. It’s also important that you’re licensed in the state where you work because it shows you’re familiar with local laws and regulations. If you’re not currently licensed in the state where you work, explain why not and how you plan to become licensed in the future.
Answer Example: “Yes, I am currently licensed to practice pharmacy in the state where I work. I have been practicing pharmacy for five years now, and I am currently working on getting my license in other states. I plan to be licensed in all states where I work within the next year.”
This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your experience with prescribing medications. Use your answer to highlight the types of medications you are most comfortable prescribing and how often you do so.
Answer Example: “The most common medications I prescribe are antibiotics, pain relievers and cough syrup. I find that these medications are needed by patients most often, especially when they are sick. I also enjoy prescribing other types of medication such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs because I know they can help patients feel better.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to your work. Use examples from past experiences where you had to analyze different options for administering medications, including the factors you considered when making your decision.
Answer Example: “When determining the best way to administer a medication, I first consider the patient’s age, weight and any allergies they may have. Then I look at the dosage instructions on the bottle and compare them to the amount of medication the patient needs. If the two don’t match up, I need to decide whether to increase or decrease the dosage amount or change the method of delivery. For example, if a patient needs to take two pills every four hours but only weighs 100 pounds, I would give them two pills every three hours instead.”
Pharmacists often work with a high volume of patients or clients per day. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable with this type of work environment and have the skills necessary to provide excellent customer service. In your answer, explain how you would handle working with a high volume of patients or clients. Explain what steps you would take to ensure you provide each patient or client with the attention they need.
Answer Example: “Yes, I am comfortable working with a high volume of patients or clients per day. I have been a Pharmacist for five years now, and I have learned that it is important to prioritize tasks in order to ensure all patients receive the care they need. For example, if I have five patients waiting in line, I will take care of the most urgent needs first before moving onto less urgent issues. This way, I am able to give each patient the attention they deserve.”
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer this question by identifying two or three qualities and explaining why they are important for pharmacists.
Answer Example: “I think the most important quality for a pharmacist to have is communication skills. Pharmacists work with many different people, including patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals. It’s important to be able to communicate clearly so everyone understands what you’re saying. Another quality I think is important is organization. A pharmacist has to keep track of many different medications and dosages, so being organized helps me remember everything.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have any strategies for overcoming it. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to listen to others’ opinions and work with them to find a solution that everyone can agree on.
Answer Example: “In my experience, it’s important to listen to a patient’s concerns and take time to explain why a certain medication or treatment is best for them. If they still don’t agree with my recommendation, I would offer to give them more information about the drug or treatment option so they can make an informed decision. Sometimes, just giving someone more information can help them feel more comfortable with a decision.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge and skills to ensure the safety of patients who use the pharmacy’s services. Use examples from your experience that show your ability to apply best practices in the dispensing of medications.
Answer Example: “I start by reviewing the patient’s prescription order, including the dosage, frequency and any other instructions from the physician. I then check the medication to ensure it is what the doctor ordered and hasn’t expired. Next, I verify that the patient is eligible to receive the medication by checking their insurance information or other records. Finally, I give the medication to the patient or their caregiver.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with patients and help them make decisions. Use examples from previous work experiences where you helped patients understand their medication options or helped them decide which medication was best for them.
Answer Example: “I recently had a patient who was unsure about taking a medication because of its side effects. The patient was taking several other medications, so I explained to them that some side effects may be caused by another medication they were taking. I also showed them how to read the labels on their medications so they could identify which ones had the most severe side effects. This helped the patient feel more confident about taking their medication.”
