Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician interview questions:

Pharmacy Technicians play a critical role in supporting pharmacy operations, whether in hospital settings or retail stores. When conducting interviews for this role, it’s important to consider both current and future needs of the pharmacy.

Candidates typically follow one of two common paths to become pharmacy technicians: either by completing a postsecondary degree program or through on-the-job training. Given the high level of responsibility in this role, experience becomes especially vital in environments where constant supervision may be limited. Certification is often a requirement for pharmacy technicians, so be sure to verify candidates’ formal credentials.

During the interview, focus on three key areas: technical expertise, customer service skills, and attention to detail. Additionally, assess candidates’ organizational abilities, computer proficiency, and mathematical aptitude. It’s essential to hire individuals who can demonstrate their ability to accurately dispense medications, identify prescription errors, and establish positive relationships with customers.

Role-specific questions:

• Can you describe your experience with online prescription systems, and have you worked with any other pharmacy software in the past?
• How do you stay updated and informed about new medications and evolving pharmacy practices?
• What steps and methods do you follow to verify the validity of a prescription as a pharmacy technician?
• Could you outline the responsibilities and tasks that a pharmacy technician typically performs before the pharmacy opens for the day?
• In your role as a pharmacy technician, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you addressed them?
• From your perspective, what does providing excellent customer service mean for a pharmacy technician?

Operational and Situational questions:

• Suppose a customer requests a prescription refill before the appropriate waiting period has elapsed and becomes demanding and aggressive when you refuse. How would you handle this situation?
• If you suspect that a customer may be seeking drugs inappropriately, what steps would you take as a pharmacy technician?
• Can you provide a step-by-step description of the process you follow to fill a prescription in your role as a pharmacy technician?
• How do you handle a situation where an insurance claim for a customer’s prescription is rejected?

Behavioral questions:

• Have you encountered a situation where you disagreed with a pharmacist’s instructions or decisions? If so, how did you handle it?
• What strategies do you employ to maintain motivation when performing routine tasks as a pharmacy technician?
• How do you manage stress during particularly busy days in the pharmacy?
• Can you share an experience when you had to assist a customer who had limited proficiency in the language? How did you address this situation?
• Recall a specific instance when a coworker sought your assistance, but you were unable to provide help. What transpired in that situation?