30 NHS Band 7 Pharmacist Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Conflict Questions
- 7. Critical Thinking Questions
- 8. Customer Service Questions
- 9. Diligence Questions
- 10. Direct Questions
- 11. Discovery Questions
- 12. Education Questions
- 13. Leadership Questions
- 14. Management Questions
- 15. Organizational Questions
- 16. Problem Solving Questions
- 17. Role-Specific Questions
- 18. Teamwork Questions
- 19. Tough Questions
Accomplishment
1. What is a personal accomplishment you are most proud of?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear what makes you proud of yourself and why. They ask about a personal accomplishment to learn more about your personality and what makes you feel successful in your personal life. While becoming a pharmacist might seem like a good answer, that response leans toward a professional accomplishment, not a personal one. Perhaps your most significant accomplishment is being a father or mother, completing your first marathon, or being the first in your family to graduate from college. Since this is a personal achievement, there is no wrong answer unless you do not have a response for the interviewers.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"A personal accomplishment I am most proud of is volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters UK. I mentored a 12-year-old girl who was harming herself because she was so unhappy in her home. After working with her for six months, she stopped trying to harm herself, and she started opening up. She started trusting and confiding in me and told me how she wanted to become a pharmacist and follow in my footsteps. When she turned 16, her parents let her move in with me as a foster parent. After she graduated from secondary school, I helped her find a job and secure financial aid to go to college. She recently graduated from college with a pharmacy degree and is married with a child on the way. I have never had children, but helping this woman achieve her dreams has been the greatest personal accomplishment in my life and what I imagine having children is like."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 27th, 2023
Adaptability
2. Describe a time you had to think quickly on your feet as a pharmacist.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on where you work as a pharmacist, your typical day may not require you to think quickly on your feet. However, when something happens that requires you to act fast, the interviewers want to be assured that you can. Perhaps you had a patient that was drug-seeking, went into cardiac arrest, became violent or belligerent, or another type of situation that required you to respond quickly. Let the interviewers know when you had to think quickly using your critical thinking skills and the outcome.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"Recently, I was working at the pharmacy in a community clinic when I heard a commotion coming from the waiting room. I rushed out to see what was happening and found a female patient lying unconscious on the ground. The patient's daughter said she passed out after complaining of pain in her chest. I checked her vital signs and found she was in cardiac arrest. I yelled out for my pharmacy tech to call 999 and to have another team member bring me the AED. I started CPR and was joined by a team member who hooked the patient up to the AED. She was not in a shockable rhythm, so we continued CPR until the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately, we found out later that the patient had a massive myocardial infarction, and there was nothing anyone could do for her."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Ask The Interviewer
3. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for the interview panel?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to make sure that all of your questions about the NHS or job role are answered during the interview. It is best to ask at least a question or two, showing the interviewers your eagerness to learn all you can. Of course, you want to review the job announcement and research the NHS beforehand so you are not asking questions that could be found during your research.
Also, you want to avoid asking questions about salary or benefits. The salary and benefits package is often listed on the job announcement or discussed with Human Resources when offered the position. If you ask about money or the benefits package, it makes the interviewers think you are most interested in the monetary aspect of the job. Of course, talking about the salary or benefits is perfectly acceptable if the interviewers ask about your salary expectations. However, you do not want to bring it up yourself.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking. Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, when would you like to have this position filled? And second, are there any required qualifications you do not see on my resume?"
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Career Goals
4. Describe where you see yourself in five years.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In recent years, the NHS has developed an agenda for change so that pharmacists can progress in their careers more effectively. The agenda for change allows pharmacists to progress to team leader or supervisory positions if they wish to advance their careers. The interviewers ask this question for two reasons. They want to see if you have professional goals and a plan to achieve them. Setting goals to improve and grow professionally shows you are motivated and dedicated to your profession. The interviewers also want to see if your plans include working for the NHS, as they invest a lot of money and time in hiring and training employees. The interviewers want to know that you will be a long-term employee and a worthwhile investment if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have set high goals for myself since starting this career path. In five years, I see myself as a lead pharmacist for clinical governance in an NHS trust. I am interested in medication safety management, which requires a high level of strategic and clinical management experience. This position will utilize my hard and soft skills, and I am prepared to relocate if necessary. I also enjoy teaching and see myself working at least one day per week as a teacher practitioner and mentor."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Compatibility
5. What aspect of your career do you not enjoy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are pros and cons to any job, and the interviewers understand this. They ask this question to see what part of your career you like the least and why. They also want to know how you overcome your least favourite part of your job and keep it from making you choose a different career path. When responding, try to keep your answer in the realm of something like long hours, little room for career advancement, or long hours on your feet, rather than difficult patients or colleagues. If you complain about your patients or colleagues, the interviewers may think you will be a challenging person to work with and may pass you over for another candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"The aspect of my career I like the least is that it is a rather non-physical job. Yes, I spend long hours on my feet, but I am not moving around or bending and lifting as much as in other jobs. However, I knew what I was getting into when I chose to become a pharmacist, so it was not a surprise. To make up for the lack of physical activity I receive at my job, I run or ride my bike every morning before work and go to the gym on my days off to stay in shape."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Compatibility
6. Why do you want to work for the NHS?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear that you have thoroughly researched the NHS before your interview. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their organization that stand out from others. For example, you may want to work for the NHS because of its reputation as the largest employer in the UK, its opportunity for professional growth and advancement, or its high number of patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 27th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want to work for the NHS because of its reputation and opportunities for professional growth. As the largest employer in the UK, the NHS is known for treating employees like family and encouraging and supporting career advancements. I am interested in moving up the ladder to a chief pharmacist position in the next five to seven years, and I see myself doing so with the NHS. I also want to start a family one day and am amazed by the NHS's support to working parents."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 27th, 2023
Compatibility
7. What top three strengths have helped you succeed as a pharmacist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to see if you have the characteristics and qualities they seek in a Band 7 pharmacist. They want to hear that you are self-aware and confident enough to identify and describe your strengths. Think of three strengths that have helped you succeed in your career and will bring value to the NHS. Some traits that will make you stand out as a candidate include the following:
- Strong work ethic
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Diligence
- Attention to detail
- Patience
After listing your three strengths, give examples of how they have helped you succeed as a pharmacist.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"The top three strengths that have helped me succeed as a pharmacist are my patience, communication, and leadership skills. It takes patience to get through pharmacy school while learning a lot of information in a short amount of time. Patience and exceptional communication are also needed when working with patients and multidisciplinary teams. My leadership skills have helped me train and mentor new pharmacy staff and have helped me advance to where I am today. If chosen for this position, I look forward to bringing my strengths, skills, and experience to the NHS."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Conflict
8. How do you address conflict among staff?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Conflict among staff can create an uncomfortable and hostile work environment for everyone. Describe how you address and manage conflict among staff members. The interviewers want to see how you use your communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership skills to address and diffuse the situation. They want to hear that you address the issue privately, calmly, and professionally following your company's protocols.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 24th, 2023
Answer Example
"When there is conflict among staff, I quickly nip it in the bud. If their issue is not resolved immediately, it will fester and cause problems with the rest of the team. Patients and their relatives will also pick up on it, which does not make our team look professional. I like to meet with each staff member privately and ask what is going on, tell them we need to resolve this issue immediately, then bring them together to come to a resolution. Since we are all adults, I have found most conflicts are misunderstandings and can be resolved with honest communication."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 24th, 2023
Critical Thinking
9. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge pharmacists will face in the next few years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to see that you are forward-thinking and have identified challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. As this question asks your opinion, there is no wrong answer. However, if you have no response to what challenges you will face as a pharmacist, the interviewers will determine that you haven't put much thought into the future. It is also recommended to ask the interviewers what they think the most significant challenges will be. It shows you are interested in hearing what they have to say and value their experience.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"The greatest challenge pharmacists will face in the next few years is what we currently face, staffing issues. With more pharmacists ageing and retiring than new pharmacists entering the field, I do not see how we cannot continue having the same problem. An idea I have thought of is having a widespread recruiting and marketing plan to bring new interest into the field. Another possible solution is helping students pay for college, making pharmacy school more affordable and enticing. If you don't mind me asking, what do you feel are the greatest challenges facing pharmacists?"
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Critical Thinking
10. Describe the signs of a patient who may be drug-seeking.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When a patient is drug-seeking, they exhibit behaviour that can be described as demanding and manipulative to obtain medication. Generally, the patient will imply that the only solution to their medical problem is a prescription for an addictive, controlled substance. As a pharmacist, you must recognize the signs of a patient who may be drug-seeking so you can intervene by following your company or organization's policies and procedures. The interviewers do not ask how you would handle this patient; they only want to see that you can recognize the warning signs of a possible drug-seeking patient. Some warning signs include patients travelling from far away, doctor shopping, using multiple pharmacies, and agitated, threatening, and demanding behaviour.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"There are many warning signs or red flags that a patient may be drug-seeking. The most common I have seen are patients that travel from a great distance, those who call the pharmacy right before closing and ask for a prescription, patients dictating the exact quantity and dosage, and those who have seen multiple doctors in a short period. They will also generally be agitated, irrational, and argumentative when questioned about their prescription or denied a prescription."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Customer Service
11. Explain how you deal with an unhappy or upset patient.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask how you deal with an unhappy patient to evaluate your communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills. When you have an unhappy patient, you must treat them calmly, professionally, and with respect. The interviewers want to see that you take time to actively listen, understand why they are upset, and resolve the issue. Describe your method and approach to working with an unhappy patient.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"I worked as a retail sales associate during college, where I developed exceptional customer service skills. When I have an unhappy patient, I apply the same skills as when working in retail. I calmly ask the patient why they are upset, listen to their answer, acknowledge what they have said, and offer a solution. Generally, people want to be heard and acknowledged when they are unhappy. I have found my approach works most of the time. However, there will always be people who will remain unhappy no matter what I try to say or do. All I can do is try my best to make them happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 23rd, 2023
Diligence
12. How do you stay current on newly approved medications?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The number of new pharmaceuticals coming to market each year varies. In comparison, in 2016, twenty novel drugs were introduced, while sixty new products were approved in 2018. In 2021, the number of approved drugs was fifty. As a pharmacist, you were taught to be lifelong learners and do your due diligence to stay current on newly approved medications. There are various ways to accomplish this, such as subscribing to industry newsletters, listening to podcasts, attending seminars and conferences, speaking with colleagues, and reading pharmaceutical publications. Let the interviewers know how you stay current on newly approved medications, showing you are a true professional always looking out for your patients' safety and well-being.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"I stay current on newly approved medications by subscribing to industry publications and newsletters, listening to pharmacy-related podcasts, and being a member of the UK's National Pharmacy Association. I also have close relationships with many other pharmacists, and we have a group email where we share current news in the pharmaceutical industry. I like having multiple ways to stay current on newly approved novel medications and anything else pertaining to my profession."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Diligence
13. Tell us what you have learned about the NHS.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Before applying to the NHS, you most likely researched the organization to ensure it is where you want to work. The interviewers want to see that you were diligent and did your homework before applying, or at least before your interview. They want to see what you found interesting about the NHS and what made you pursue a career with the UK's largest employer. In your response, it is always good to highlight any accolades the NHS has received in the news, awards they have won, expansions they have made, or the NHS's core values, mission, and vision. Let the interviewers know why you are excited to work for their organization after learning what you did in your research.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my research, I discovered the NHS is the largest employer in the UK and the fifth largest in the world, employing over 1.5 million people across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The NHS was launched on July 5th, 1948, by former Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan, who believed society could not be civilized if a sick person were denied medical care because of a lack of means. Currently, the NHS sees over 1 million patients every 36 hours, which I find astonishing and impressive. Another interesting fun fact I learned is that patients over 55 are the biggest users of the NHS and moan the least of any patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 28th, 2023
Direct
14. We have an unusually high number of qualified applicants for this position. Why should we hire you over the others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the NHS and how you will benefit them if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing the interviewers why they should hire you over other applicants. Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the NHS seeks in a Band 7 pharmacist. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet their job requirements, the interviewers will see that you are a highly qualified candidate and place you high on the list.
As the interviewers mentioned, many qualified candidates are interviewing for the same position. You want to avoid speaking negatively of the other applicants or sounding arrogant when responding to this question. You want to sell yourself in the interview, but not while making the interviewers think you will be a challenging person to work with.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"You should hire me for the position because I meet and exceed your qualifications. I have over five years of experience working as a community pharmacist with diverse teams and cultures. I am excellent at problem-solving, have strong leadership skills, and work extremely well under pressure. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which all my references will attest to. I guarantee you will not regret hiring me for this position as I will be a valuable asset to the NHS."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Discovery
15. What made you pursue a career as a pharmacist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In most interviews, someone on the panel will ask you why you chose your career to gain insight into your personality and determine if you will fit the company culture well. Interviewers want to understand your motivation for choosing a career as a pharmacist and see that you chose your job to help patients and make a difference in the lives of others. If you say that you decided to become a pharmacist for the salary or benefits, the interviewers might feel that your intentions are not in the right place for their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue a career as a pharmacist after attending a career fair in secondary school. I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare industry, but I was not sure in what capacity. After speaking with several health and care professionals at the fair, working as a pharmacist or a nurse sounded most interesting. The pharmacist and nurse I spoke with suggested shadowing them for a shift so I could better understand their jobs. I set up a day to follow each of them and decided that the pharmacist's job seemed more interesting. After attending pharmacy school and working as a pharmacist for the past three years, I am very happy with my decision and cannot imagine doing anything else."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Discovery
16. What is the most recent work of fiction you have read?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Pharmacists are not expected only to read medical or pharmaceutical books and journals, and the interviewers understand this. They want to see if you are the type of person to read for pleasure, and if so, what interests you. Also, be sure if you have read a work of fiction recently, that it is not something that would offend or embarrass the interviewers. If you enjoy reading, describe the most recent work of fiction you have read and give a brief synopsis. If you do not enjoy reading during your downtime, describe other ways you stimulate your mind, such as listening to podcasts.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am currently reading a fictional book called A Case of Need by Michael Crichton. This is the author's debut award-winning novel, written shortly after he completed his medical internship. It's a riveting book based on a surgical operation that ended in death. Afterward, questions are raised if the death was due to accidental malpractice, a violation of the Hippocratic oath, or cold-blooded murder. I enjoy true-crime and murder mystery books, and this one is particularly interesting because the author went to medical school, and his writing is spot on."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Discovery
17. What skill would you like to improve as a pharmacist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When asked what skill you would like to improve in a job interview, you want to relate the skill to your job but not choose one essential to perform your job efficiently. For example, you would not want to say you need to improve your communication skills since that is a crucial skill to have as a pharmacist, especially with your experience. Instead, think about choosing one of these skills:
- Improve typing speed
- Become more knowledgeable with a particular computer program
- Feel more comfortable with public speaking
- Become more efficient with time-management
- Improve a specific technical skill
After identifying a skill you would like to improve, describe how you plan to improve it and why it is important to you to become more proficient in that skill.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a pharmacist, I want to become more proficient with Microsoft Excel. I understand the program's basic principles and can create usable spreadsheets, but I know there are many shortcuts and formulas that make the software more user-friendly. I purchased an online tutorial and plan to set aside half an hour a day to get through the class. The creator of the tutorial says by the end of the 16-hour class, I will be able to cut my time in half when creating and using spreadsheets by applying the shortcuts I will learn."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Discovery
18. How would your friends describe your personality?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Personality is described as the combination of characteristics and qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. The interviewers ask this question to see how your friends view you and what they would say makes you unique to see if you will be a good fit for the pharmacist role. It is best to use three to four words that your friends would use to describe your personality, with examples to show why they would describe you that way.
Avoid using terms the interviewers may deem unprofessional or irresponsible, such as boisterous, comical, obsessive, or stern. While these qualities may be acceptable in some positions, they are not fitting for a health and care position.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"My friends would describe me as giving, dependable, and honest. I am always giving my time volunteering or donating to charities or other causes close to my heart. My friends can always depend on me to do what I say I will do or to show up in the middle of the night if they call me and need help. I believe honesty is the best policy, and I do not tolerate dishonest or unethical people. My personality has helped me succeed as a pharmacist, gaining positive reviews from my professors, colleagues, managers, and patients alike."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Discovery
19. Not including vacation and holidays, how many times did you miss work in the past year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The NHS wants to hire employees who are responsible, dependable, and show up to work when scheduled, as the organization loses over one billion pounds per year paid out in sick leave. The interviewers ask this question to evaluate your work attendance in the past year. If you called off work many times in the past year, they might hesitate to offer you the position unless your reasons were excusable.
Focus on giving the exact number of days you missed work and why. If the interviewers deem your absence from work an excused and unavoidable reason to miss work, it will likely not be an issue. If you have many unexcused absences, they may disqualify you as a viable candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I missed five days of work last year to care for my mum after she had a minor surgical procedure. A month before my mum's surgery, I asked my supervisor if I could use personal leave to help care for her, which she approved. Other than that, I did not miss work last year. I take care of myself and am very rarely sick."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Discovery
20. What is your favorite part of working as a pharmacist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to understand what inspires and motivates you to go to work each day. They want to hear if you like helping patients become healthy, enjoy educating patients and their families on their medications, or are passionate about working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. These are just a few examples pharmacists have shared during interviews. Your favourite part may be entirely different, which is fine. Let the interviewers know what drives you in your role as a pharmacist while refraining from mentioning the salary or benefits as being your favourite aspect of the job.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"My favourite part of being a pharmacist is having the knowledge and experience to interact and inform patients daily. I love listening to patient's concerns and questions while giving them the answers they are looking for. I also enjoy working with family members and carers who are caring for the patient and have questions about the medications they are administering. Often, patients and careers are confused by the overwhelming amount of information about pharmaceuticals. I like explaining the drug, its interactions, actions, and side effects in ways they can understand."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Education
21. What university did you attend for your pharmacy training and what was your greatest challenge?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to know where you went to pharmacy school to better understand the type of training you received. They are also interested to hear about your most significant challenge and how you overcame it to see how you handle adversity. This question has no incorrect answer, as every candidate will have gone to different universities and experienced varying challenges. Describe what university you attended, when you graduated, what you found most challenging, and how you overcame the challenge.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"Seven years ago, I graduated from Ulster University, where I received my pharmacy training. During my schooling, I found learning pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to be the most challenging at first. After hiring a tutor, she taught me an easy way to remember the differences between the two. She described how pharmacokinetics is what the body does to the drug, while pharmacodynamics is what the drug does to the body. She drew a diagram, explained the differences, gave examples, and then it clicked. After that, it was much easier to learn what I was being taught, and her lesson has stuck with me to this day."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Leadership
22. You are working with a pharmacy technician who is consistently 20 minutes late. What would you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers will ask situational questions like this one to see how you respond to issues in the workplace, especially if you will be working in a leadership position. How you answer gives the interviewers insight into your communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Let the interviewers know how you would handle this situation, showing that you would not let this issue become a consistent problem in the first place.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a leader, I do not wait for a team member to be consistently late before addressing the issue. I address their tardiness the first time they are late. I would privately ask the pharmacy technician why they were late, showing that I was genuinely concerned and wanted to help however I could. I would then address the issue, which depends on the reason they were late. If it were a one-off issue, such as car problems, I would make sure they notify me in the future if they will be late again. If it were something that would make them late every day, such as a childcare issue, I would work with them to adjust their schedule so they would not be tardy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Management
23. What experience do you have training and supervising others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Depending on the position you are interviewing for as a Band 7 pharmacist, your duties may include training new and current staff on aseptic techniques, patient interaction, and unit policies and procedures. Your role may also be to supervise a junior clinical pharmacy team while developing leadership skills. The interviewers want to know if you have experience training and managing others to determine if you will need further training in this department if hired. Describe your experience leading and training others, in what capacity, and for how long.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"I have worked as a community pharmacist for the past two years. Part of my job duties was to work alongside and mentor pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff to ensure they delivered high-quality care. I would assist with training and onboarding new staff and daily supervision of the entire operations while working directly with patients and multidisciplinary teams. I feel my experience has given me the skills, confidence, and knowledge to transition into this Band 7 role, and I look forward to the opportunity to put my skills to use with the NHS."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Organizational
24. How would you describe your time management skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Working as a pharmacist requires strong time management skills to handle the many tasks presented to you daily. Strong time management skills will increase your productivity, reduce stress in the workplace, and help you reach your daily goals. The interviewers understand the importance of time management and want to hear how you would rate your skills and see if there are any time management methods you enjoy using. Describe your time management skills to the interviewers and mention any software or other methods you utilize to keep your workflow running smoothly.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"My time management skills are one of my greatest strengths. I can effectively manage and prioritize small and large-scale tasks and follow the motto of working smarter, not harder. My team and I always get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. I start my day early and set priorities and goals with my team. My favorite time management software I use is ActiveCollab. It's a great tool for pharmacists, making it easy to track daily and weekly priorities and allowing team collaboration and real-time communication. If offered the position, I look forward to bringing these skills to the NHS."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Problem Solving
25. Tell us what you do when you suspect a prescription is forged or fraudulent.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the UK, pharmacists are taught several ways to identify a possibly forged or fraudulent prescription and what to do in that situation. Some things to look out for include the colour of the prescription form, serial numbers, the date the prescription was issued, the address of the prescriber, alterations or additions, and the signature. Suppose you suspect a prescription is forged or fraudulent. In that case, some tactics to deal with the situation include stalling for time, calling the prescriber, calling the police, requesting backup if working in a large pharmacy, and telling the patient that you suspect the prescription is fraudulent and that the police have been notified. Describe how you would handle this situation, giving a real-life example if you have one. The interviewers want to gain insight into your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills when faced with this situation to see if you would be a good fit for the NHS.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"I have had this happen several times in my career, and it seems to be happening more often lately. When I suspect a prescription is forged or fraudulent, I assess the situation and determine if I think the patient will become violent. If the patient is agitated and I believe they will become violent, I call security or the police immediately. If they seem calm, I would discreetly call the prescriber to determine if the prescription is real. If the prescription is falsified, I will call the police. If the prescription is valid, I will fill the prescription."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Role-Specific
26. Suppose you have a prescription for a medication that you know is contraindicated to use with the patient's other medications or medical condition. How would you proceed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear that you are competent in your job and have analytical and critical thinking skills. Suppose you are presented with a prescription that you know is contraindicated with the patient's other medications or medical condition. In that case, you must contact the prescriber and inform them of your concerns. Sometimes, patients will have several physicians treating their condition, and they may not relay their entire medical history and the medications they take to all providers. In that case, it is not uncommon for a physician to prescribe a drug that is contraindicated with another. Tell the interviewers how you would contact the prescriber, explain your concern, and ask how they would like to proceed.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have had this happen to me several times in my career, and I always handle this situation the same way. If I know a drug is contraindicated to take with other prescriptions the patient is prescribed, I contact the prescriber before filling the prescription. I let them know what medications the patient is taking that could cause an adverse reaction to the medication they prescribed and ask how they would like to proceed. Every time this happened, the physicians were unaware of the other meds the patients were taking as other doctors prescribed them. The patients had failed to inform the prescriber of their complete medical history, even though they were asked to complete a medical questionnaire. After I voiced my concerns, the prescribers chose a different medication that would not negatively interact with the patient's other medications."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 28th, 2023
Role-Specific
27. How do you define the word "contraindication" as it refers to medication to a patient who is unfamiliar with the term?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will often ask questions in interviews to test a candidate's knowledge of their profession. For this question, the interviewers want to see that you understand the word 'contraindication' as it relates to medication. They also want to hear how you would explain the term to your patients or others who do not understand the word to assess your communication skills. A contraindication to a medication is a medical condition or symptom that prohibits the person from receiving the drug as it could cause harm. Describe how you would explain the word in a way that non-medical people can understand.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"When I need to explain medication-related terms, I always try to word it in the simplest terms possible. I understand not everyone is familiar with medical terms, and I want my patients to understand what I am telling them and not be confused. I describe contraindication as having a certain medical condition or symptom that will worsen if given a particular drug. I then give the example that if a person has a bleeding disorder, aspirin is contraindicated in that person as aspirin can cause excessive bleeding and make the condition worse. I then ask the patient if they understand or if I need to word it differently. I can usually tell by the look on a person's face if they understood what I was saying, but I still like to ask them to be sure."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 31st, 2023
Role-Specific
28. How do you define the word "side effects" to a patient who is unfamiliar with the word?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Many patients will understand the term 'side effect,' but others may not. As a pharmacist, you must educate your patients on the purpose of a drug, how to take it, its effects, side effects, and how to respond to adverse reactions. Side effects are defined as a 'secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment.' The interviewers want to see how you communicate medical terms to your patients, ensuring they are well-informed before taking their prescription medication.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"If I have a patient who does not understand the term side effects, I will happily explain it to them. I want all patients to be well-informed and understand the medication they are prescribed. I tell them that side effects are the undesirable effects of a drug that may provide discomfort or, in some cases, a life-threatening event. I then explain the side effects of the particular medication they are prescribed and ask if they have any questions."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Teamwork
29. Do you work well with others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a pharmacist, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and work well with others. You will be responsible for working on multidisciplinary teams and working with patients, colleagues, and the community. The interviewers want to hear that you work well with others and will be a valuable team player if chosen for the position. Give an example of being a team player and working well with others.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I enjoy working with others and do so very well. I like taking a team approach to healthcare and involving family members, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. I believe a team approach accomplishes greater things than working alone, as we can all learn from each other's experiences."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 30th, 2023
Tough
30. Have you ever had your ethics tested?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a pharmacist, you may be asked to do unethical things, especially when working with controlled substances. The interviewers ask this question to see that you are honest and have integrity. They want to hear that you have morals and can be trusted in your position. Some examples could be witnessing someone cheat or steal something or someone asking you to do something you knew was morally wrong. Describe a time you had your ethics tested and how you responded.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I had my ethics tested at my last job. I was working as a pharmacist overseeing a small pharmacy staff of five. We were a very tight-knit team and were like family. One day, I saw one of my pharmacy techs take a few pills from a prescription she was taking to a patient. I immediately stopped what I was doing and intercepted her before she got to the patient. I asked her if she had taken pills from the prescription, which she denied. I asked her to come to the back of the pharmacy with me, and I counted the pills. There were five missing. She continued to deny taking the pills and said I must have counted them wrong when filling the prescription. I reminded her of the security cameras and told her I would call security to look at the footage. She started crying and said she took the pills for her mother, who couldn't afford them. She asked me not to tell anyone, or she would lose her job. Even though we were good friends, I told her she pushed the boundaries, did something illegal, and that I would not cover for her as we are all held to a higher standard. It was difficult for me to report her, but I cannot condone dishonesty and stealing. Ultimately, I was upset that she even put me in that position."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 26th, 2023