Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

This article will guide you through the job interview process of a pharmacist with some sample questions and answers.

Job Description 
Pharmacists follow doctor’s prescriptions to issue medications. Pharmacists manage the drugs and medicines of any health care unit or hospital – they advise both patients and medical experts on the best medication.

A lot of their job is front-desk work with people: pharmacists explain the correct use of medications and help patients understand their doctor’s instructions.

Job Interview Questions and Answers
for Pharmacists

Here are typical job questions/Answers

► Question: Did you ever successfully combine business with the pharmacist’s profession?
Answer: Some pharmacists effectively manage a drug store, which requires not only familiarity with the drugs, but also business aptitude. If relevant, describe such experience: recruitment and management of pharmacist staff, acquiring of pharmaceuticals and non-pharmacist supplies, managing operations and administrative duties, etc.

► Question: Describe the responsibilities of a pharmacist.
Answer: Refer to the responsibility of advising patients and physicians, verifying accuracy of prescription when in doubt,  reviewing possible side effects, assigning correct dosage, recommending most suitable non-prescription drug and instructing patient regarding usage. A pharmacist can also warn the patient and physician regarding drug interactions.

► Question: What are your strengths as a professional pharmacist?
Answer: You can refer to either three main aspects of the job: drug management, customer management, and staff management.
Specify whether you are a team player who likes to work with and manage people, advising customers, or whether you prefer to work in the backroom. Describe any other qualities you possess, briefly sketching an example or two highlighting its application.

► Question: Are you computer literate, with communication and self-presentation abilities?
Answer: Talk about familiarity with computer applications and tasks such as preparation and publication of information.

► Question: Are you familiar with record keeping procedures?
Answer: Refer to storing pharmacy files, patient records, inventories and charge system files, registries of poisons and controlled drugs.

► Question: What are your skills and strength as a team player?
Answer: Mention collaboration with other professionals of health care to plan, monitor, and evaluate quality of drugs, interactions, side effects as well as their effectiveness.