WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? This pharmacy technician interview question is a critical question that is designed to ascertain your passion and interest in the field. It’s important that you know exactly why you’d prefer this pharmacy job over another. Is there a particular element of pharmaceuticals, such as customer contact and patient care, that is only offered in this setting? Identify the specific aspects of the job that are the most appealing. HOW DO YOU HANDLE DRAMATIC COWORKERS? It’s good to be able to demonstrate your ability to remain professional with both customers and colleagues. A dramatic coworker can be challenging to work alongside. You can answer this question by giving examples of times you’ve been particularly patient, efficient, and communicative in order to problem-solve effectively. HOW DO YOU HANDLE DIFFICULT AGGRESSIVE CUSTOMERS? As part of the job, some customers may become agitated or aggressive. A strong ability to be empathic, and good communication and interpersonal skills can help resolve customer conflicts. This question should be answered with a description of strategies you use to manage aggressive customers. Certainly, providing an example would be a plus. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN? This pharmacy interview question allows you to rediscover your passion for pharmaceuticals. Why did you get into the industry in the first place? Did you have a particular interest in chemistry? Or are you interested in the role pharmacists play as part of wider multidisciplinary health service? It might be worth looking at your notes from college and thinking about which aspects of your training you enjoyed the most. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY IN A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN? The role of a pharmacy technician is of vital importance in the community. To answer this pharmacy interview question, ensure you mention your attention to detail, thorough checking techniques, and efficient administrative skills. It’s also critical that you’re honest, transparent, communicative, and accountable. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? This can be a difficult question to answer during an interview unless you prepare in advance. The best way to tackle it is to turn a negative into a positive. For example, you could say your weakness is that you’re almost too thorough in checking the handover figures, and while you recognize this weakness can set you back, you’d rather be safe than sorry. HOW ARE YOU WITH DEADLINES? Remember that deadlines are your friend. Working towards a deadline is a great way of ensuring your day is structured and organized. Deadlines can ensure that all tasks are completed on time and prioritized properly so you want to communicate that you see the value in them and take them seriously. WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST JOB? This is a common question designed to understand your career history and aims for the future. It’s important you don’t say anything negative about your previous employer, but focus on the positives. For example, “I left my last job because, while it assisted me in getting to where I am today, I want to progress in a slightly different direction and can only do so with a job change.” WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? A company needs to know at the interview stage that you’re keen to stay with them for the long haul. Therefore, when answering this pharmacy interview question, ensure that you reassure the employer that your future aims and goals can be achieved through this company. WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS IN THE WORKPLACE? This interview question gives you the opportunity to shine, so don’t waste it! Ensure you have compiled a shortlist of your strengths that are transferable to the role. These could include your ability to meet deadlines, customer service skills, medical and drug knowledge, and technical abilities. Try to give examples where possible of when these have been particularly useful in a workplace scenario. DO YOU WORK WELL IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT? The answer to this pharmacy interview question should always be yes. The pharmacy industry is fast-paced in every way, from new drugs hitting the shelves and new guidelines being published to busy offices and retail stores. It’s important you can demonstrate your willingness to think on your feet and keep up-to-date with the latest policies proactively. TELL US ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU WERE WORKING WITH A TEAM AND HAD TO OVERCOME A CHALLENGE.