Preparing for Pharmacy Interview Questions

• How do you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively?
• How would you handle a patient's concerns or questions about their medication?
• How do you manage your professional development and continuing education in pharmacy?
• Can you describe a time when you have dealt with a difficult customer and how you resolved the situation?
• What are your long-term career aspirations in the pharmacy profession?
• Can you describe a situation where you provided exceptional customer service to a patient?

Our Tips

1. Express enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
2. Make sure you understand the role and responsibilities.
3. Research the employer to understand their values and recent developments.
4. Prepare examples that illustrate your key skills. E.g. Customer service and handling medications.
5. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
6. Ask thoughtful questions to show your interest in the role.

Learn more about our roles for newly qualified pharmacists.

• Why do you think you are suited for this position?
• What do you know about the responsibilities of a pharmacy dispenser?
• How do you ensure accuracy when dispensing medications?
• Can you describe a situation where you had to deal with an upset or difficult patient?
• How do you keep up to date with changes to pharmacy regulations and good practice guidelines?
• What would you do if you identified a prescription or product label discrepancy?
• How do you manage your workload when simultaneously dealing with multiple tasks and requests?
• Can you describe your experience using pharmacy computer systems or other related software?
• Have you ever dealt with a customer complaint? How did you handle it?

Our Tips

1. Review relevant laws and regulations, especially around safe and accurate dispensing of medications.
2. Highlight your experience with pharmacy software and dispensing equipment.
3. Emphasise your attention to detail.
4. Prepare examples of your skills, especially customer service and resolving issues.
5. Be prepared for scenario-based questions.

• What inspired you to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician, and how did you first become interested in this field?
• Can you describe your experience working with pharmacy computer systems or other related software?
• How do you ensure the safe storage and dispensing of medications, and what steps do you take to reduce the risk of errors or mistakes?
• How do you maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of patients when working with sensitive medical information?
• How do you ensure that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, particularly concerning controlled drugs or other high-risk medications?

Our Tips

1. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
2. Emphasise your experience with prescription processing and knowledge of pharmacy software.
3. Discuss your organisational and multitasking abilities, as well as your dedication to patient safety.
4. Express a commitment to ongoing learning.

Find out more about our career opportunities.

• Why do you want to be a pharmacist?
• What problems are the most difficult to deal with in a pharmacy and why?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the pharmacy profession today?
• How do you think the role of the pharmacist could be improved?
• What skills do you think make a good pharmacist?
• How have you prepared yourself for a career in pharmacy?
• How do you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively?
• What would you do if a parent refused drugs for their child for religious or moral reasons?

Our Tips

• Research the program, curriculum, and any unique aspects that set it apart from other programs.
• Understand the profession and prepare to discuss why you’re interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy.
• Demonstrate your communication skills possibly through role play scenarios.
• Don’t forget to be prepared for common interview questions. Such as your strengths and weaknesses and how you handle challenges. Be clear and concise with your answers.

Find out more about our pharmacy students' roles, or discover our apprenticeships at Rowlands Pharmacy.