Tell me about a time when you set a goal and achieved it.
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"I have the privilege of working with a remarkable team of talented pharmacists, technicians, and interns. I learn from them all the time. But I also want to return the favor by sharing with them some of the unique things I have learned and offering them the opportunity to practice new skills and grow their careers. My goal is to become someone's mentor in my pharmacy."
As a Pharmacist, you've determined that you are more productive when you sent your own goals versus when goals are handed down to you from above. Tell the interviewer about any personal, Service or staff development goals you have for yourself.
"I've found that clear and direct communication​ works best for my coworkers as well as patients."
As a Pharmacist, it is important to know which type of communicator you are in order to effectively communicate with your patients, co-workers and other medical professionals. Do you consider your communication style analytical, intuitive, functional or personal? Tell the interviewer that you are able to change your communication style based on who you are addressing and their way of learning. The important thing to relay is that you are an effective communicator. You welcome the back and forth with your patients.
What do you see as the most critical issues in pharmacy today?
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"One critical issue that faces the pharmaceutical industry today is the cost of medications. I hate that there are patients that don't have the ability to pay for their medications. I hope that I can be a part of changing this one day."
This question is a great way to start the back and forth with the interviewer. Go ahead and turn the tables and encourage them to engage in your feedback. What critical issues do you see and how are you going to play your part to try and change them?
Describe a difficult work experience, and what you learned from it.
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"I had a technician that provided horrible customer service one day. I was able to pull her off the line and have her take a break. I joined her in the break room and asked her if she was doing ok. She appreciated me talking to her and not making a scene on the line about her attitude. That day I learned to take a different approach to my employee's reactions."
The important part of answering this question will be telling the interviewer what you learned from the situation. Let the interviewer know that you aren't afraid to seek guidance from your superiors.
One of the advantages to becoming a Pharmacist is that you have the option to work in various locations. Community Pharmacists typically work in chain drug stores or independently owned pharmacies. Clinical Pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Consultant Pharmacists advise healthcare facilities or insurance providers on patient medication use or improving pharmacy services. Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists work in areas such as marketing, sales, or research and development. As a Pharmacist you may dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. You may also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.
Prospective pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Chemistry, pharmacology, and medical ethics are just a few of the areas that you will study. Pharmacists must provide safe medications efficiently. To do this, they must be able to evaluate a patient’s needs and the prescriber’s orders, and have extensive knowledge of the effects and appropriate circumstances for giving out a specific medication. A few skills needed to be a successful Pharmacist are your communication skills, managerial skills,computer skills and be detail oriented.
To prepare for your interview you'll want to have you two minute elevator speech memorized. During this time you will want to talk about your education, your past and current employment and accomplishments. Practice the common interview questions such as 'tell me about yourself' and 'what are your strengths and weaknesses.' Dress professionally, bring a few copies of your resumes and references, provide good eye contact and a clear speaking voice.