15 Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

Employers pay pharmacists well. This question finds out why an applicant is passionate about pharmacy and if they would still be a pharmacist regardless of their salary. Look for:

• Understanding of a pharmacist's role
• Interest in helping and treating people
• What motivates them about pharmacy

A pharmacist must meet relevant education and training requirements to fill a role. The question tests if an applicant is eligible to work in a store, pharmacy, or hospital.

• A bachelor's degree in pharmacy
• A licence to work in a province or territory
• Practical training or supervision under a pharmacist

"I have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Waterloo. Also, I have a licence from the Ontario College of Pharmacists to work as a Community or Hospital Pharmacist in the province. I am also a member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and its Nuclear Pharmacy interest group.

This open-ended question allows applicants to explain how they would respond to a tough situation on the job. It tests an applicant's problem-solving skills. Here's what to look for in a candidate's answer:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer service abilities
• Research skills

Patients sometimes don't follow their pharmacist's instructions when using medication. The question will show you how candidates will manage a situation when a patient doesn't see results because they didn't follow their advice. Look out for:

• Interpersonal skills
• Emotional intelligence skills
• Patient communication

"I would ask the customer why they thought the drug in the bottle didn't work. Next, I would find out the type of medication prescribed for them. If it required the patient to use the complete dosage, I would calmly tell them that they needed to take the entyre medication to see results. However, if the problem was with the store or pharmacy, I would apologise and issue a refund.

Patients often forget how to take their medications, and some don't understand the dosage a pharmacist recommends. From this question, you can learn how an applicant will respond to a patient's request to explain the dosage and prevent overdose.

• Interest in helping others
• Communication skills
• Ability to interact with different types of customers

Pharmacists meet different types of people daily. This question will tell you if an applicant can handle the personalities of customers they meet at work. Here are the things to look out for:

• Ability to interact calmly
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to resolve volatile situations

A pharmacist often has to attend to several patients simultaneously, especially those who work at large pharmacies. This question tells you how a candidate can reply to different requests while remaining respectful to each patient. Look for:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• organisational skills

Pharmacists must have management skills to excel in their role. They need to supervise technicians and resolve conflicts or difficult situations to maintain excellent customer service. Look for:

• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to manage people
• Interpersonal skills

Some patients try to manipulate or trick medical professionals into giving them medication. This question tells you how an applicant will know when a patient is telling the truth and how they deal with those who are not.

• Ability to understand people
• Knowledge of symptoms of illnesses
• People management skills

Scientists release new drugs regularly, and pharmacists need to stay up to date on these medications. By asking this question, you can find out what a pharmacist does to learn more about new prescription medications. Look for the following:

• Membership in a pharmacy organisation
• Conference attendance
• Subscription to pharmacy magazines

While a general practitioner or consultant may know more about prescription medications and illnesses, they can make mistakes. By asking this question, you will know how a candidate manages tough situations and expresses themselves without being disrespectful to their colleagues. Look for:

• Confidence
• Communication skills
• Ability to ask questions while being respectful

Pharmacists need to consult with colleagues and research any medication or medical term they are unfamiliar with. Asking this question tells you how an applicant gets information on drugs or related medication.

• Information handling skills
• Ability to conduct medical studies
• Interest in learning about pharmacy

Pharmacy is primarily about helping patients. However, it is a business. By asking this question, you will know how a candidate thinks of pharmacy as a business. Here are things to look for:

• Business value a candidate can bring
• Understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a pharmacist
• Knowledge of how to run a profitable pharmacy

Every pharmacy wants employees who can provide excellent customer service and perform their duties effectively. Asking this question will tell you how committed a pharmacist is to performing on the job.

• Motivation to succeed
• Emotional intelligence skills
• Creativity and innovation

Pharmacists undergo training and attain certifications. However, they can make mistakes and may not meet a customer's expectations. This question will let you know how an applicant manages customers who are not satisfied with their services. Look for the following in a candidate's answer:

• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to own up to mistakes
• Communication skills