Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions

1. 1.

   What do you enjoy most about being a Pharmacy Technician?

   Talk about your favorite aspect of the job. If you're new to the field, think about what you're looking forward to learning. Talk about some of your on the job training and what you enjoyed about it.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "I enjoy working in an environment where I am constantly learning and being challenged. There are always changes to regulations and new drugs to learn and this aspect makes each and every day different and exciting."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "My motivation for coming into this career was to be able to work with customers to help meet their needs. I am a people person and have loved working in customer service types of jobs when I was going through both high school and college. My love for science and my passion for working with people makes this a great career choice for me."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "I like everything about being a pharmacy tech, from inputting prescriptions to filling and ordering prescriptions, helping with inventory, etc. It is why I keep working as a tech."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   It sounds like you really enjoy your job! You seem to also really like working with the customers, so perhaps you could add in a bit about that aspect as well?
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2. 2.

   Have you ever worked with a Pharmacist you did not like? What didn't you like about them?

   Be careful not to bad mouth your old boss! It's okay to share some qualities that might have affected you or the staff negatively. Keep your response positive. In talking about other people's flaws, share what you learned or how you learned to work with them. Sometimes the downfalls of your coworkers can be opportunities for you to share your skills. See if you can flip this question around to show off how well you handled a difficult personality.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "One particular pharmacist that I worked with wasn't very personable with patients. They were professional, but just not much of a people person. I love working with people, so I took it as an opportunity to shine when I worked with customers. By me tking the time toamake sure they received the best service, our customers left the pharmacy happy each and every time."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "While having not worked under a difficult pharmacist yet as a new graduate, I worked for a supervisor during college that was very disorganized when it came to being timely with things like our schedule. Knowing that she was very busy in her job, I had to be very patient when looking for answers from her and I never became upset when it took time to get answers."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "In my almost ten years as a tech, I have worked with many pharmacists, with their way of working and thinking. But it doesn't matter if we agree on something because, in the end, we all work together and have the purpose of helping patients, being professionals."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   I like that you took this question and turned your response into a positive one. Try to add in a bit about the type of qualities that you enjoy the most in people. This way, you are still answering the question a bit more directly.
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3. 3.

   How do you keep yourself organized to be able to meet deadlines?

   The fast paced life of a Pharmacy Technician requires you to stay organized in your job. Your interviewer will be looking for you to reiterate the importance of staying organized in your job as well as gain insight in to how you keep yourself organized. There is no right or wrong answer in how you stay organized, just that you put through the effort to stay on track and accurate throughout your work day.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "To help keep myself organized throughout the workday, I am kind of old school in the fact that I keep a written notepad on me to track my tasks in the hospital. At the beginning of each day, I write down a simple work plan of known tasks for the day. That list grows throughout the day and by keeping it up to date, I am able to prioritize my tasks as I go through the day without missing anything."

   

   Ryan's Answer #2

   "Staying organized as a Pharmacy Technician is very important to complete tasks both accurately and on time. Personally, I utilize my Outlook calendar throughout the day to update with tasks. In both my personal and professional life, I take advantage of this technology and it helps keep me on track on a daily basis."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "I review what I have to do, create a list and a timeline to finish it. I focus on my project so I can stay on track with my time. I finish one and continue with my list until everything is done on time."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Your method for organization sounds methodical, which is great! Try adding in a sentence about how well it works for you. I have offered an example, below.
   "To keep myself organized so that I can meet deadlines, I create a list and a timeline in which to finish each task. I focus on my project so that I can stay on track with my timeline. I finish one task and continue down my list until it's all done. I haven't missed a deadline in three years with this method!"
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4. 4.

   What is the difference between prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs?

   Prescription medication require a Dr's prescription while over-the-counter medication does not. As a Pharmacy Technician your job is to interpret and fill prescriptions written by various doctors. So be sure to know this definition.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "Prescription medication is typically something you can't purchase over the counter. Sometimes there is a version of the medication over the counter but it is generally a lower strength."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "The obvious difference is that prescription medication requires a physician's prescription and is intended for just one person. For a retail position like this, it is still important for a technician to be able to answer questions on over-the-counter drugs as customers will ask many questions about them."
   

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   Anonymous Answer
   "Over the counter or OTC, prescriptions do not need a Dr's prescription, for example, Motrin and Tylenol. Prescription medicine, you need a Dr's prescription to get it specifying quantity, name, milligrams, dosage, and sig."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Good! You make a clear distinction between the two.
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5. 5.

   Where do you see yourself in five years?

   Think about your career goals before your interview. It is likely that you will be asked a question similar to this. Be prepared to talk about how your role as a pharmacy tech will fits into your five year plan. Don't have a plan? Take some time to look at your options. Research the career path of a pharmacy tech. You could work as a lead pharmacy tech or decide to go to pharmacy school. The options are endless!
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "In all honesty, my job search is solely due to me looking for a long-term, stable employer that I can eventually retire from. I love my career as a Pharmacy Technician and I really like everything that I have heard about your organization. Five years from now, I hope to be working here as a tech."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "My career goal is to pursue a doctorate degree in Pharmacy. My plan right now is to work full time as a Pharmacy Technician and work towards my bachelor's degree over the next four to five years. From there, I will look to pursue my doctorate. It is important for me to find an employer where I will be able to learn and grow and hopefully remain employed once I become a pharmacist."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "I will like to be working as a lead tech in this company and maybe attending a nursing or PA program."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   You seem to have a lot of direction, which is great! Would you be working the nursing or PA program in tandem with your job? It's important to address this so that the interviewer does not worry that you would leave your job once you return to school.
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6. 6.

   What would you do if you suspect a customer is a drug seeker?

   With the rise of abuse in opiates and pain killers, pharmacies have seen a dramatic increase in people coming in with fraudulent prescriptions. If possible, let the interviewer know of any protocols that you've worked under if these situations were to arise. If you have a specific example of a time where you encountered a drug seeking customer, let your interviewer know how you handled that situation.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "With my current employer, we've been trained to spot potentially fraudulent prescriptions and behaviors of people looking for drugs. We have specific protocol in place if we ever suspect this is the case where we inform the pharmacist right away to handle the customer. Just recently, a man came in with a prescription from two states away that just didn't look right. When I informed him I needed to grab the pharmacist, he became very angry and shouted profanities in front of other customers. The pharmacist quickly told him we wouldn't fill the prescription and he was asked to leave. Luckily, he did without incident."

   

   Ryan's Answer #2

   "If I suspected that a customer is looking for medication outside of the scope of a legit prescription, I would immediately speak to the pharmacist on duty. It is their responsibility to either fill or deny a prescription based on their knowledge and best judgement."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "After working in the pharmacy for almost ten years, I learned to recognize drug seekers. After I suspect that, I let my pharmacist know so he can call the Dr's office and verify the prescription. As our policy said, let the patient know we have to verify the prescription."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Excellent! Your plan shows professionalism and care. Well done.
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7. 7.

   How do you work as part of a greater team? What role do you find yourself taking on in a team environment?

   Pharmacy Technicians work with a variety of people through their workday and functioning in a larger team is extremely important. Depending on the setting that you may be working in, you may work with Pharmacists, Nurses, Physicians or any other hospital, clinic or retail staff. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are willing to do what it takes to help the greater good of the organization and that you are able to work with people from different walks of life and that work in different jobs.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "The team-based atmosphere at my current job is very inspiring and makes work both productive and fun. I work closely with our Pharmacists and am able to take direction from them on a daily basis while also being able to discuss issues with them. My fellow techs and I are a great team together and we bounce ideas off of each other and help each other out whenever needed. In this team environment, I am definitely a leader among my technicians."

   

   Ryan's Answer #2

   "Teamwork is vital in any work environment and its extremely important in a pharmacy setting. I will be dealing with powerful medications and communication between myself, me fellow technicians and the pharmacists is something I will take great pride in. During my schooling, I worked for a large retail establishment where I quickly became a lead in my department. In that role, I was tasked with leading pre-shift meetings and helping train new staff and I loved being in a lead type role."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "As the pharmacy tech with more experience, I have the lead role, I train new techs and help them when they have questions. I am also in charge of calling Dr's offices to verify prescriptions or ask them to finish the pa forms I start for them."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   It sounds as though you have a great amount of experience taking the lead, naturally. Very nice answer!
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8. 8.

   Give me an example of how you are dependable.

   A great way to prove that you can be relied upon is to be consistently on time. Be sure to set the standard by arriving at least a few minutes early before your interview. Map out the route and go the day before so that you know where it is and how long it will take. You could also talk about a time you followed through with something even in the face of conflict. Consistency in your work shows you are dependable as well.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "I do my best to show up to work 15 minutes early, just in case something comes up on my way there that might set me back. Traffic can be unpredictable, and it's important to me to be on time."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "My attendance record at the job I held through my schooling was perfect, even during times where school and family life were hectic. My mother instilled this trait in me when I was young and I'm very appreciative that she taught me this responsibility as a young man."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "I'm flexible to go to work on my day off if my manager needs me. I can change my shifts, stay overtime when someone else calls in sick, and attend conference calls when the other person is not able."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   These are precise ways in which you are reliable. Wonderful answer!
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9. 9.

   What influenced you to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field?

   What sparked your interest in the field? This question gives you an opportunity to show off your communication skills. Tell the interviewer about some facts you've learned along the way that drew you to the field. Show off your intelligence and your personality. This is just one of those questions that allows the interviewer to get to know you and see how well you articulate yourself.
   
   

   

   Ryan's Answer #1

   "When I was in high school, my father was given too large of a dose of heart medication and it caused a mild heart attack just days after beginning to take the medication. At the time, I knew that I wanted to pursue some sort of career in the medical field. Not wanting to see another family go through what we did due to a careless mistake, I decided that this was the right career path for me."

   

   Heather's Answer #2

   "I've always wanted to be behind the scenes in patient care. I have a strong desire to help patients recover from sickness and injury and nursing just wasn't the career for me as I can't handle the dirty parts of that job. This career will enable "me to work with patients in a manner that I am most comfortable."

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   Anonymous Answer
   "Working as an OTC associate and helping the pharmacist to translate and work with the register. I like the feeling and what the tech job is about."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Excellent! Your answer shows that you genuinely enjoy what you do.
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10. 10.

    Give me an example of one of your past jobs that required great attention to detail.

    You could expand upon this example, sharing the type of technology you used and articulating the details of this aspect of the job. Showing that you can follow through with tasks using accuracy and precision will give the interviewer confidence that you can handle the responsibility of interpreting doctor's orders. Can you pay close attention the names and quantities of medications? Prove you can be entrusted with handling the details of your future job.
    
    

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "Because of so many look alike and sound alike medications, putting supplies away requires a great amount of attention to detail. If I place a bottle on the wrong shelf and it is used it could cause harm to the patient. Due to this, I have a system for double checking my work to ensure that items are in the right place."

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "Filling prescriptions each day requires attention to detail. If I'm not giving each prescription my 100% attention, I could make an error and hurt someone severely. During my college years, I worked a"sa waitress where attention to detail was extremely important. I was able to multitask many tables at a time in a busy restaurant environment and I was required to pay attention to the needs of all of my customers. I believe these skills will transfer greatly to this position. "

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    Anonymous Answer
    "I am a medication aide and dispense medications to residents in a long-term facility. All residents' medications are put in a cart. I need to do triple checks (pick; pull; put back) and make sure I get the right medication to the right resident and put it back in the right spot."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    Your response shows a great ability to work carefully and with intention.
    "As a medication aide, I dispense medications to residents in a long term care facility. All residents' medications are placed in a cart. My job is to triple check to ensure I have the right medication to the correct resident, and that it's put back in the original spot. I call this system pick, pull, put back."
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11. 11.

    How do you feel about working with customers of diverse backgrounds?

    The pharmacy is a cultural melting pot. Each customer will be different in appearance, demeanor and communication style. You also can't predict what type of day a customer experienced before they came to the counter.
    
    

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "I have no problem working with customers from all walks of life. I understand that everyone's different, and I can adapt easily to different personalities and communication styles."

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "Having worked in customer service type jobs through college, I have great experience working with customers from all sorts of backgrounds. I can keep a calm and collected mindset when dealing with customers that are angry, knowing full well that most customers in this mindset are experiencing things in life outside of our interaction."

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    Anonymous Answer
    "I like to work with people with different backgrounds, we live in a multicultural country, and I treat everyone the same, with respect and professionalism."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    This is a perfect answer! It's to the point and showcases your people skills.
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12. 12.

    What do you dislike the most about being a Pharmacy Technician?

    This is a great opportunity to talk about challenges you face as a pharmacy technician. Giving an example involving customer service is a great place to start. Show that you understand the reality of the job and that you accept the challenges.
    
    

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "I know that it can be hard to handle customers when they get upset, because I've dealt with these situations before. However, I feel confident in my ability to handle all kinds of personalities. I am good at staying calm in these situations, and calming the customer."

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "While not a dislike, the biggest learning curve that I will have when I start is learning the cost coverage and insurance side of the business. I know that in a retail setting like this, it will be important to understand the types of coverages that customers have and I look forward to learning this aspect of the business."

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    Anonymous Answer
    "It's hard to deal with angry customers sometimes, but I know I can deal with that, and it helps me to get more experience and feel more confident in my ability to resolve problems."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    Can you talk about a time when you needed to become involved in a customer resolution situation? If you have formal training in this, be sure to mention it. If not, this is a great time to ask if they provide dispute resolution training.
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13. 13.

    Who is your greatest role model?

    Keep your answer career focused for this question. Your role model can be anyone who has inspired you to pursue your education and training. Sometimes family members motivate you or a close friend. There may be researchers in the medical field who's work caught your interest when you were in college. Talk about how your role model inspired you. What qualities do they embody? What did they do that motivated you to persevere through the challenges in your life?
    
    Here is a sample answer: "My greatest role model in my life was my grandfather. Having owned a dairy farm for his entire working life, he taught me the value of hard work at a very young age. From the time I was a young girl, I spent many days with him milking cows and tending to the other chores around the farm. Watching my grandmother and him go through positives and negatives in his business while he kept a very positive attitude has always been an inspiration to me in my work life."

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "My greatest role model in my life was my grandfather. Having owned a dairy farm for his entire working life, he taught me the value of hard work at a very young age. From the time I was a young girl, I spent many days with him milking cows and tending to the other chores around the farm. Watching my grandmother and him go through positives and negatives in his business while he kept a very positive attitude has always been an inspiration to me in my work life."

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "My older cousin is currently working as a Pharmacy Technician while pursuing her doctor of pharmacy degree. When I was coming out of high school, she had so many good things to say about the field and that getting years of experience as a Pharmacy Tech is vital to eventually pursuing a career as a Pharmacist. I plan to pursue my doctorate someday as well."

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14. 14.

    What hours are you available?

    Be realistic with what you can take on, but above all, be flexible! Plan ahead by researching what the job entails and looking at your schedule for availability. If the job requires 40 hours a week, make sure that's something you can do. If you know they may need nights and weekends, see if you can clear your schedule to be flexible to work those times. You don't need to tell your employer everything that's on your schedule, just be clear on what you can offer.
    
    

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "In my current position, I work a rotating schedule schedule that includes week long stretches of both day and PM shifts as well as an every other weekend rotation. Having a family and active kids, I am open to any scheduling just as long as I know my schedule ahead of time. Can you provide detail on how scheduling in the department works?"

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "Coming out of schooling with no children, my schedule is quite flexible. If I can be given a 24 hour advance notice I can work any shift."

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    Anonymous Answer
    "I'm flexible to work anytime."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    Short and sweet - and to the point :)
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15. 15.

    What do you do in your free time?

    This question is a bit similar to 'Tell me about yourself.' Share a few things that are relevant to the job and give the interviewer insight into your personality. Since you'll be working with people, talking about spending time with friends would be a good thing to share. You can mention hobbies that require attention to detail, like reading and writing. You can talk about sports that require perseverance or goal setting, like distance running. Be yourself! Maybe consider sharing something that makes you unique that will stand out above other candidates.
    
    

    

    Ryan's Answer #1

    "To best keep myself refreshed outside of work, my children's lives are my life and we travel to baseball, softball, hockey and dance competitions just about every weekend that we can. On top of them, our family likes to spend as much time as we can with our close friends grilling, camping and cooking together."

    

    Heather's Answer #2

    "I volunteer at a homeless shelter in my free time. I like to give back to my community through volunteer work. On top of that, I have two dogs that occupy most of free time while at home."

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    Anonymous Answer
    "In my free time, I like to relax, read books, meditate, and go out with my friends."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    Good answer! You are showing the interviewer that your life is very fulfilling, inside and outside of work.
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16. 16.

    How would your co-workers describe you?

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17. 17.

    What do you feel are the most important qualities in being a good technician?

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18. 18.

    When you reflect on your education, is there anything you would do differently?

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19. 19.

    What do you know about our pharmacy?

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20. 20.

    How do you fill your downtime?

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21. 21.

    Tell me about a stressful time in your work life. How did you handle it?

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22. 22.

    Give me an example of your leadership ability?

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23. 23.

    What do you enjoy most about working in the pharmaceutical field?

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24. 24.

    How do you handle times where customer waiting times are longer than normal and customers become uneasy or even mad?

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25. 25.

    What pharmacy software do you have experience working on?

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26. 26.

    How do you keep yourself up to date on new medications and practices in the field?

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27. 27.

    How do you verify that a prescription is valid in this line of work?

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