Top Pharmacist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Pharmacist interview by going through these most asked Pharmacist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: How would you handle a difficult customer?
  • Question Overview: This hypothetical question allows the candidate to explain how they would react in a situation where they don't know the answer. This question is important as it checks a candidates problem-solving skills.

    Sample Answer: I would explain to the patient that it was a drug I'd never heard of and I'd check to see if we carried it in the store. If we didn't, I would then let them know I'd do some research on the drug and would call them to let them know what I found out and answer any questions they may have.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to interact with patients
    • - Research ability
    • - Customer servic

  • Question: What made you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This question is asked to see if the applicant has done their research on the company. It also allows the interviewer to see if the applicant is interested in the company or just applying for any job.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in your company and have always wanted to work here. I've read a lot about your company and know that you have a great reputation in the community. I'm really interested in working for a company that has such a good reputation and I think I can bring a lot to the table.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Research ability
    • - Interest in the company
    • - Communication skill

  • Question: If you could ask one question, what would it be?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant would react in a situation where they don't know the answer. This question is important as it checks a candidates problem-solving skills.

    Sample Answer: I would ask them what they liked most about working at the pharmacy. I would want to know what they liked about the job and if they enjoyed working with the staff.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to interact with patients
    • - Research ability
    • - Customer servic

  • Question: What is the most difficult task you have ever done?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates react to difficult situations. It also tests their ability to think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I was working in a pharmacy when a customer came in and asked for a drug that we didn't carry. I told him I'd check to see if we had it in the store and if we didn't, I'd order it for him. I went to the back room and found the drug he wanted, but when I went to check the price, I discovered we didn't have any of that particular drug in stock. I called the customer and explained the situation. He was very understanding and told me he would come back later that day. When he returned, I had the drug ready for him. He was very grateful and said he would be sure to tell his friends about my service.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Communication skill

  • Question: What made you choose CVS over other version control systems?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate has a good understanding of the product they are applying for. It also shows that they have researched the company and have an interest in working for them.

    Sample Answer: I chose CVS because it is a well-known version control system that is used by many companies. I also like that it is open source and has a large user base. I believe this will make it easier to find support and answers to any questions I may have.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the product
    • - Research ability
    • - Interest in the company

  • Question: Why do you want to work as a pharmacist?
  • Question Overview: Pharmacists are in a customer service role and need to be able to interact with customers. This question tests how applicants will interact with customers and how they will handle the stress of the job.

    Sample Answer: I've always had an interest in the medical profession from the treatment of various diseases to drugs and surgery. I narrowed my interests down to pharmacy, and it's been my passion ever since. There was never another career choice for me. What's more, I believe I have both the knowledge and personality to become a good pharmacist, bring value to the store and offer excellent service to customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Interpersonal Skills
    • - Communication skill
    • - Stress management

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has a long-term career plan.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as a pharmacist in 5 years. I'm not sure where I'll be working, but I do know that I'll be working as a pharmacist.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career plan
    • - Commitment to the pharmacy profession
    • - Communication skill

  • Question: What qualities do you think are important for a manager?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate is a good fit for a management position.

    Sample Answer: I think the most important quality for a manager is the ability to communicate effectively. A manager needs to be able to communicate with their employees, and they need to be able to communicate with the customers. The manager needs to be able to explain things clearly and concisely.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Management ability
    • - Interpersonal skills

  • Question: What would you like to be doing in five years?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has a long-term goal. It also tests their ability to think ahead.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be working in a large pharmacy chain, managing a store. I'd like to be able to work with a team of pharmacists and technicians, and have the ability to make decisions that would affect the store. I'd also like to be able to work with customers and help them with their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Long-term goal
    • - Career plan
    • - Personal development

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is important as it allows the candidate to explain why they want to work for the company. This question also allows the candidate to show their enthusiasm for the company.

    Sample Answer: I've always wanted to work for a large retail chain like yours. I know you're a leader in the industry and I'd like to be a part of that. I've done my research on your company and I know you have an excellent reputation. I'm very interested in working for a company that's dedicated to providing excellent customer service and helping people.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skill
    • - Interest in the company
    • - Commitment to the pharmacy profession

  • Question: What have you done to show leadership?
  • Question Overview: Pharmacists are often in a management role and need to be able to supervise their technicians. A good pharmacist will be able to manage their employees and any conflicts that arise.

    Sample Answer: I was a member of my school's Student Council. I was the treasurer for two years and I was also the president of the council my senior year. I was responsible for organizing school events, including dances and fundraisers. I also organized a blood drive that collected over 100 pints of blood.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Management ability
    • - Interpersonal Skills
    • - Conflict resolutio

  • Question: How would you respond to an employee who doesn't like change?
  • Question Overview: Pharmacists are often in a management role and need to be able to supervise their technicians. A good pharmacist will be able to manage their employees and any conflicts that arise.

    Sample Answer: I would schedule a time to speak with both technicians before the pharmacy opened. I would have each of them explain their grievances to the other and then work towards a solution. I would let them know their behavior was unacceptable and in the future, if they had a problem with a co-worker, to bring it to me so we could work it out. I'd also tell them any further public disruptions could potentially lead to disciplinary action.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Management ability
    • - Interpersonal Skills
    • - Conflict resolutio

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you mentored someone.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants react to mentoring others. It also checks their communication skills and ability to work with others.

    Sample Answer: I've been a mentor for the past three years. I've helped a few of my fellow students who were struggling in their classes. I would help them study for their exams and review their notes. I would also help them understand the material and give them advice on how to study better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skill
    • - Interpersonal skill
    • - Leadership skill

  • Question: Tell me a situation where you had a communication problem.
  • Question Overview: This question tests a candidate's ability to communicate effectively.

    Sample Answer: I had a situation where I was working with a technician who was new to the store. We were working on a project and I had to explain the process to him several times before he understood what I was asking of him. It was frustrating for both of us, but we were able to work it out and he eventually understood what I wanted him to do.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: Why do you work at Walmart?
  • Question Overview: This question tests if applicants are aware of the company they are applying for. It also tests their knowledge of the company and what they can bring to the table.

    Sample Answer: I've always been a fan of Walmart. I've shopped at your stores for years and have always been impressed by the quality of your products and the great prices you offer. I've also been impressed by your commitment to the community and how you give back to it. I feel that your company is a great place to work and that I can make a difference in my community.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Communication skill

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to convince someone to do something they did not want to do.
  • Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's ability to persuade others.

    Sample Answer: I had a friend who was having trouble with her boyfriend. He was always pressuring her to do things she didn't want to do, and she was starting to feel like she couldn't say no. I told her I thought he was taking advantage of her and that she should break up with him. She didn't want to at first, but after a lot of convincing, she finally did.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Persuasion skills
    • - Communication skills
    • - Interpersonal skills

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to meet an urgent goal.
  • Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's ability to prioritize and manage time.

    Sample Answer: I had to meet a deadline for a project that was due in two weeks. I was able to complete it in one week by working late every night and on weekends. I was able to meet the deadline and the project was well received by my boss.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Time management
    • - Ability to prioritize
    • - Communication skill

  • Question: What can you offer to this company?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate will sell themselves to the company. It's important for a pharmacist to be able to sell themselves and their skills to the company.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm committed to my profession. I've been studying pharmacy for years and I'm ready to start my career. I'm also a good communicator and I know I'll be able to work well with both customers and my co-workers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skill
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Commitment to the pharmacy profession

  • Question: What is a time when you showed empathy/sympathy?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's ability to empathize with others. It also tests their ability to communicate their feelings.

    Sample Answer: I was working at a local grocery store when a customer came in with a cart full of groceries. She was visibly upset and crying. I asked her if she was okay and she told me that her husband had just been killed in a car accident. I tried to comfort her as best I could, and even helped her to the car with her groceries.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Empathy
    • - Communication skill
    • - Self-awareness

  • Question: How would you leverage your Store Own Sales to improve and drive business?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate would use their own sales to improve the business.

    Sample Answer: I would use my sales to drive business by promoting the pharmacy's services and products. I would also use my sales to increase customer loyalty by offering discounts and other incentives. I would also use my sales to improve the pharmacy's image by offering free health screenings and other community services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Sales ability
    • - Understanding of the pharmacy profession
    • - Communication skill