Prepare for your Pharmacy Technician interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using pharmacy equipment. If you have worked in a pharmacy before, share your experience using different types of equipment. If you haven’t worked in a pharmacy, you can answer this question by describing the different types of equipment used in other environments, such as hospitals or clinics.
Answer Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the different types of equipment used in a pharmacy. I have worked as a pharmacy technician for five years, and during that time I have become familiar with all the different types of equipment used in the pharmacy. For example, I am familiar with the different types of scales used to measure out medication doses, as well as the different types of syringes used to inject medications into the body. I am also familiar with the various types of IV bags used to deliver medications intravenously.”
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this role. You can answer this question by listing some of the most important skills and explaining why they are important.
Answer Example: “I think communication skills are one of the most important skills a pharmacy technician should have. Pharmacy technicians often work with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, so they need to be able to communicate effectively with these people. They also need to be able to explain any changes in medication to patients clearly so they understand what’s going on. Another important skill is computer literacy. Pharmacists often use computer programs to track medications and monitor inventory, so technicians need to be familiar with these programs.”
This question can help the interviewer understand your understanding of your role in the pharmacy environment. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of working closely with pharmacists and how you can contribute to the team.
Answer Example: “The relationship between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician is one of collaboration. Pharmacists are responsible for making sure all prescriptions are filled correctly and accurately, while pharmacy technicians are responsible for organizing the supplies needed to fill these prescriptions. Together, they work to ensure that patients receive the correct medication in a timely manner.”
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with the software they use in their pharmacy. Use examples from previous jobs to explain how you learned to use the software and what challenges you faced in learning it.
Answer Example: “In my last role as a pharmacy technician, I worked with a variety of pharmaceutical software programs. I started out working with one program but eventually learned how to use other programs as well. This helped me become more familiar with the different types of software available and helped me decide which one was best for our pharmacy. It also helped me learn how to transfer data between different programs.”
Pharmacy technicians often work with patients who are concerned about the cost of their medications. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and experience needed to help patients understand their prescription costs and explain them in a way that makes them more comfortable with their treatment plan. In your answer, explain how you helped the patient understand the costs of their medication and what steps you took to make sure they received the best care possible.
Answer Example: “I once had a patient come into the pharmacy who was very upset about the cost of her prescription. She had been taking the same medication for years, but recently her insurance company changed and her costs went up. I sat down with her and explained all of the different options she had for paying for her medication. We looked at her insurance plan and found that she could get a discount if she paid for her prescription out-of-pocket instead of using her insurance.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of comfort with independent work. It is important to show that you are capable of filling prescriptions on your own, but it is also helpful to mention that you would always consult with a pharmacist if they were available.
Answer Example: “Yes, I am comfortable filling prescriptions myself if a pharmacist is not available. I have extensive experience in pharmacy technology, so I am confident in my ability to accurately fill prescriptions. In my previous position, I often filled in for the pharmacist when they were away from the pharmacy.”
