Top Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: How do you deal with pressure or upset customers?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows how the pharmacy technician handles stressful situations. The ideal candidate will be able to identify the source of the pressure and explain how they deal with it. They should also be able to explain how they make sure that the customer is satisfied with the outcome of the situation.

    Sample Answer: I acknowledge the long wait, apologize to the customer and tell them that it is our goal to serve them safely, respectfully and efficiently.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify the source of pressure
    • - Skills at communicating in a calm way
    • - Knowledge of how to diffuse tense situations

  • Question: How do you handle working in a busy work environment?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It also shows their ability to work independently and their ability to prioritize tasks.

    Sample Answer: I am able to work independently and prioritize tasks by using my time wisely. I make sure that I have all of the necessary information before I begin working on a task. I also make sure that I have all of the necessary tools before I begin working on a task.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work independently
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - List of skills used to complete tasks

  • Question: What do you know about CVS as a company?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's knowledge of the company they are applying to work for. The ideal candidate will be able to name one or two things they know about the company and explain why they are important.

    Sample Answer: I know that CVS is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country and that it is dedicated to providing quality care to its customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Ability to explain why the information is important

  • Question: What is the minimum number of hours you can work per week?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's availability and flexibility. The ideal candidate will be able to work the hours that are required by the business and will be able to work a minimum number of hours per week.

    Sample Answer: I can work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Number of hours available
    • - Flexibility in working hours
    • - Availability during certain times of the day

  • Question: How do you handle multitasking?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It also demonstrates their ability to prioritize tasks and their efficiency at completing them. The ideal candidate can explain how they handle multitasking and how they make sure that all tasks are completed on time.

    Sample Answer: I make sure that I have all the necessary information before I begin working on a task. I prioritize my tasks and make sure that I complete them in order of importance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Description of the situation
    • - List of actions taken
    • - Steps taken to prevent similar errors in the future

  • Question: Have you ever had to deal with a customer yelling at you?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to handle stressful situations. It also shows their ability to remain calm and focused in a tense situation. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to remain calm and focused in a tense situation.

    Sample Answer: When a customer became frustrated about the wait time, I calmly explained that we were short-staffed and apologized for the delay.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Description of the situation
    • - Skills at remaining calm
    • - List of actions taken

  • Question: What quality can speak about you for this company?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives the pharmacy technician a chance to show off their knowledge of the company and their interest in working for it. The ideal candidate will be able to name one or two qualities that are important for working in the company and explain why they are critical.

    Sample Answer: I know that this company values its employees and provides them with opportunities for growth and development.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Ability to identify the most important qualities
    • - Explanation of why they are important

  • Question: How would you react when a customer verbally abuses you?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to remain calm and professional in a difficult situation. It also shows their ability to keep their composure and not become defensive or angry.

    Sample Answer: I would listen carefully to what the customer is saying and then explain that I am there to help them. I would then ask them if they would like me to contact a supervisor or manager.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to remain professional
    • - List of actions taken to resolve the situation

  • Question: How would you handle a customer who is angry?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to communicate with others in a calm and professional manner. The ideal candidate will be able to identify the customer's concerns, explain the situation and offer a solution.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the customer's concerns and then explain that we are doing everything we can to ensure that they get their medication as quickly as possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify the customer's concerns
    • - Ability to explain the situation in a clear and concise manner
    • - Ability to offer a solution

  • Question: Tell me about yourself, what were your grades in school?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's level of commitment to their education. The ideal candidate will be able to list their grades and explain how they were able to achieve them.

    Sample Answer: I was an excellent student in high school and college. I was able to achieve these grades by studying hard and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - List of grades
    • - Explanation of how they achieved the grades
    • - Skills that they used to achieve the grades

  • Question: How do you think your past work experience will help you in this position?
  • Question Overview: You should ask this question because it shows whether or not the pharmacy technician will be a good fit for your business. The ideal candidate will be able to name one or two essential qualities and list the reasons why they are critical for working as a pharmacy technician. The candidate should also be able to explain how their own skills fit into this requirement.

    Sample Answer: The most important quality in a pharmacy technician is an attention to detail so that they can always focus on the task at hand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Decisive statement of the most important quality
    • - Explanation of why the quality is critical
    • - Their attributes related to the listed characteristic

  • Question: What is your previous experience in the field?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it gives you an idea of the pharmacy technician's level of experience. Their answer will tell you whether or not they have the skills and knowledge to do the job well.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a pharmacy technician for the past two years. I have learned how to organize medications, fill prescriptions and maintain inventory.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Brief description of their previous experience
    • - Skills gained from previous experience

  • Question: What would you do if a customer was not happy with the service?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives the pharmacy technician a chance to demonstrate their customer service skills. The ideal candidate will be able to identify the problem, apologize and offer a solution.

    Sample Answer: I would apologize for the inconvenience and offer to help them find another pharmacy that can better meet their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify the customer's concern
    • - Ability to communicate with the customer in a calm and respectful manner
    • - Ability to offer a solution

  • Question: What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives the pharmacy technician a chance to demonstrate their self-awareness. The ideal candidate will be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and explain how they will overcome the latter.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. My weaknesses are that I am sometimes too focused on the task at hand and I don't always notice when my coworkers need help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses
    • - Explanation of how they will overcome their weaknesses

  • Question: What is your priority while working in the pharmacy?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's attitude towards their job. The ideal candidate will be able to name one or two important priorities and explain why they are important. The candidate should also be able to explain how their own skills fit into these priorities.

    Sample Answer: My priority is to ensure that all prescriptions are filled correctly and safely.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Decisive statement of the most important priority
    • - Explanation of why the priority is critical
    • - Their attributes related to the listed characteristic

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives the pharmacy technician a chance to demonstrate their enthusiasm for your company and their desire to work for you. The ideal candidate will be able to explain why they are interested in working for your company and what they like about the job.

    Sample Answer: I am interested in working for your company because I have heard that you are a great place to work and that you offer competitive pay and benefits. I like that you offer a variety of shifts and that I would be able to work with a great team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Description of why they are interested in the job
    • - What they like about the job
    • - How their skills fit into the job

  • Question: Have you worked in retail before?
  • Question Overview: This question is helpful because it shows whether or not the pharmacy technician has experience in a retail environment. It also shows their ability to work with the public and their knowledge of the retail industry.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in retail for over five years. I have learned how to work with the public and how to deal with a variety of personalities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Description of previous experience
    • - Skills learned from previous experience

  • Question: What would you do if a customer tries to fill a prescription that we do not carry?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's knowledge of the store's inventory. It also demonstrates their ability to communicate with customers in a professional manner. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they would deal with the situation in a way that is both helpful and respectful of the customer.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer if they would like me to order the medication for them. If they agree, I would place the order and inform them when it will be ready for pickup.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify a customer
    • - List of steps taken to resolve the situation
    • - Ability to remain calm and respectful

  • Question: How would you handle a difficult client?
  • Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it shows the pharmacy technician's ability to deal with difficult people. The ideal candidate will be able to describe a situation in which they had to deal with a difficult client and how they handled the situation.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the client and try to understand their concerns. I would then explain our policies and procedures and offer to help them find a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Description of the situation
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - List of actions taken

  • Question: Why is there a gap in your employment?
  • Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an opportunity to learn more about the pharmacy technician's work history. It also shows their ability to handle difficult situations and their level of professionalism. The ideal candidate will be able to explain the gap in employment in a positive way and give you a reason why it was not a reflection of their work ethic.

    Sample Answer: I was laid off during the recession. I was able to find another job within a few months, but I decided to stay home with my children for a time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Explanation of the gap
    • - Explanation of why it was not a reflection on their work ethic