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.

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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 will you do if your technician comes in late?
  • Question Overview: This question tests a candidate's ability to deal with an employee who is not following company policy.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the technician why they were late and if it was a one-time occurrence or if it was a recurring problem. If it was a one-time occurrence, I would let them know that I understood and that I would not take any disciplinary action. However, if it was a recurring problem, I would have to take disciplinary action to ensure that it didn't happen again.

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

  • Question: How would you increase your pharmacy sales?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's ability to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution to a problem.

    Sample Answer: I would increase my pharmacy sales by offering a rewards program for customers who purchase their prescriptions from me. I would offer a free gift card to a local restaurant for every $500 worth of prescriptions they purchase. This would encourage customers to purchase their prescriptions from me and hopefully get them to try new medications.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Problem-solving skill
    • - Sales ability

  • Question: How did you hear about this position?
  • Question Overview: This question is asked to see if the applicant is aware of the company and its products.

    Sample Answer: I saw your advertisement in the newspaper and was immediately interested in the position. I'm a big fan of your products and I think it would be a great opportunity to work for a company that I respect so much.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Communication skill
    • - Interest in the company

  • Question: Why did you choose not to work during your studies?
  • Question Overview: Pharmacists are required to complete a certain amount of hours in a pharmacy setting. This question is designed to see if the applicant has the commitment to complete their hours.

    Sample Answer: I chose not to work during my studies because I wanted to focus on my studies and get the best grades I could. I knew that working would take time away from my studies and I wanted to make sure I was prepared for pharmacy school.

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

  • Question: Tell me about a team effort that you achieved.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well a candidate can work with others.

    Sample Answer: I was on the swim team in high school and we were in a meet against another school. We were behind in the meet and needed to win the next race to win the meet. I was the anchor on our team and I knew I had to do my best if we were going to win. I swam my hardest and we won the race by a few seconds. It felt great to know that my hard work paid off and that I helped my team win.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Teamwork
    • - Communication
    • - Problem solving

  • Question: How many flu vaccines have you administered so far?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's knowledge of vaccines.

    Sample Answer: I've administered a total of 20 flu vaccines so far this year.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of vaccines
    • - Ability to interact with patients
    • - Customer service

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to use your skillset.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant reacts in a stressful situation. It is important for a pharmacist to be able to stay calm and collected in stressful situations.

    Sample Answer: I was working at my previous job as a cashier when a customer came up to me and asked if I could check her balance. I told her I wasn't allowed to do that, but she insisted. I told her she could go to the pharmacy and ask one of the pharmacists there. She became very angry and started yelling at me, so I called my manager over. He was able to calm her down and she left the store.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Stress management
    • - Ability to stay calm
    • - Ability to think on their feet

  • Question: How do you drive results above and beyond?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates think about their work. It's important to show that you're not just a worker bee, but that you can think outside the box and come up with new ideas to help the company.

    Sample Answer: I always look for ways to improve my work. I'm always on the lookout for new ideas and ways to make my job easier. I've come up with a few ideas that have saved the company money and increased our efficiency. I've also worked with other employees to come up with new ideas for our store.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Initiative

  • Question: What are your weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants react when they are put on the spot. It also allows the interviewer to see if the applicant is honest about their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist. I like everything to be done right the first time and I can get frustrated if it isn't. I'm working on my patience and learning to accept that not everything can be done perfectly.

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

  • Question: How can you make a difference in your community?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants think about their community. It is important for a pharmacist to be involved in the community they serve.

    Sample Answer: I would like to volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. I would also like to speak with local high schools about the profession and encourage them to consider pharmacy as a career.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Community Involvement
    • - Commitment to the pharmacy profession
    • - Communication skill