Preparing for an interview in advance is the key to success. Especially if you’re applying for a competitive role like a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technician interview questions range from generic to hyper-specific. Knowing what to expect before you head in for your interview will help you prepare for all the questions in between.
Let’s take a look at the most common pharmacy technician interview questions.
What made you want to become a pharmacy technician?
If you think back on your decision to become a pharmacy tech, there was probably a deciding factor. Was it your interest in chemistry? Or did you want to be a part of the health industry in a way that truly helped people?
Whatever your reason, think ahead of time about what inspired you, and be prepared to craft a story around that. Your story shows your dedication and passion for the job.
In your opinion, what makes a good pharmacy technician?
Consider this question from the hiring manager’s point of view. What kind of person do they want to work with? What do they hope you bring to the table? From there, write down a list of skills and personal traits that make a great tech.
It can be traits like attention to detail, organization, a passion for helping others, and of course, being able to expertly communicate with people from varying walks of life.
How do you deal with a difficult customer?
Pharmacy techs deal with frustrated and upset customers regularly. In many cases, customers are overwhelmed by the health industry and don’t understand the complex ins-and-outs. All they want is to be well.
Explain your communication skills, how you typically calm others down, and give an example of a time when you’ve had to do so. The more thoughtful and organized you are, the better.
What is your process for filling prescriptions on time?
One of the critical factors to being a pharmacy technician is making sure your customers get their medication when they need it most. Time management is a key skill.
Use this question to demonstrate your efficiency on the job and how you prioritize prescriptions that come in. It should be clear you can work without supervision and that you have a grasp on the inner works of prescription priority. If this is your first job as a pharmacy tech, use past time management experience as a guideline.
Have you ever experienced an error with medication? How did you handle the situation?
You’re handling incredibly sensitive prescriptions that can mean life or death for some customers. Attention to detail isn’t just a need-to-have. It’s a must-have for hiring managers. Being able to follow safety guidelines and report issues to your supervisor is essential to your success.
Describe the situation you faced in detail and outline the actions you took to resolve the discrepancy. Having a defined plan in mind lets the hiring manager know you’ve got the necessary critical thinking skills.
You can never be over-prepared for an interview. Do your research and come prepared with answers to these questions already in mind. You’ll be surprised how much a little practice truly can make perfect!
