How to Answer: How do you handle times when customer wait times are longer than normal, and customers become uneasy or even mad?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Pharmacy Technician job interview.
15. How do you handle times when customer wait times are longer than normal, and customers become uneasy or even mad?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
For this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to remain calm and stay focused during times when things get hectic in the pharmacy. If possible, think of a time when you had to work under this type of pressure and explain the step-by-step approach you and your team took to ensure that customers were handled to the best of your abilities and to their satisfaction.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 13th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Customer service is something that I take very seriously, and this can be noted in my time working as a waiter through college. If customers became frustrated due to time concerns, I learned quickly that the best way to ease their minds was to give them a clear expectation of wait times for a meal. In the pharmacy setting, communication and teamwork will transfer well in keeping customers informed of their wait times and working closely as a team to continue to meet those deadlines."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my current position working in a large retail pharmacy, we can get very backed up at times. When I am working the front register, communication is very key for me both between my coworkers and with the patients. As I process each customer, I let them know the wait time before the pharmacist will be able to speak with them and I ask them to wait to the side. At the same time, I am communicating with our tech that is processing orders. It is a smooth process that keeps things flowing nicely. If I notice customers becoming irritated, I announce a wait time for those at the back of the line based on my best judgement."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Experienced Example
"Having worked in both retail and hospital pharmacy settings, I have experienced busy times in both. In both settings, communication and teamwork among the pharmacy team are extremely important for everyone to come together to get things done in a safe and efficient manner. At the same time, I find that communicating potential wait times to the customers helps ease some tension they may be having due to the wait. When people know how long a wait it may be, they more often than not are acceptable to the fact and understand that we are very busy."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 13th, 2022
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