How to answer 2 common pharmacist interview questions

So, you’ve managed to get your resume past those burly electronic bodyguards (also called ATS), impressed the recruiter, and have been selected for a job interview for a position that you highly covet. What a great feeling! But that fleeting jubilation gives way to overwhelming nervousness as the interview approaches. Because of this anxiety, you may not perform at your best during the interview. Wouldn’t it be great if you could have a mulligan? Hit the rewind button? Start over? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. But, if you master these 2 interview questions, your chances of slam-dunking the job interview go way up.

Tell me about yourself.

It seems like EVERY job interview begins with this question. I think it’s viewed as a polite way to break the ice. But, too many pharmacists respond to this question by elaborating on irrelevant details of their personal life. Frankly, the interviewer doesn’t care whether you have 3 kids or 9 kids, or 5 hamsters, or a spectacular Russian nesting doll collection. While discussing your hobbies and personal interests would be a great way to answer this question if asked on Farmersonly.com (city folks just don’t get it), it’s not really appropriate for a job interview. 

The best way to view this question is “why should we hire you?” If you think of it that way, your answer will inevitably focus on your skills, experience, and accomplishments. After all, this is what the interviewer is really asking for!  Use this question to discuss why you are the ideal candidate, and how you can fill their team’s most pressing needs. Remember to talk about the results of your work and how they correlate with the company’s primary outcomes.

Do you have any questions for us?

It’s an absolute certainty that this question will be asked, so be prepared. The main reason for asking this question is to assess your priorities. Don’t ask about sick leave or vacation time, or when you will get your first raise. Instead, use it as an opportunity to gain some insight into the position. Remember, you are interviewing them, too! You should ask questions like these:

• What are the biggest challenges I will face in this role?
• What can I do right away that will have the greatest impact?

If you can ask a question that showcases your knowledge of the company’s background, it will impress them. For example, you could say “I noticed that in 2015 you implemented an MTM program that now serves over 200 patients per month, what has been the biggest key to the program’s success?”

I’ve heard of many instances where a great interview went awry simply because an otherwise impressive candidate badly fumbled away one crucial interview question. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be. Take on your pharmacist job interview with confidence by mastering the crucial job interview questions above.

About The Author

Garrett Brown is a clinical pharmacist and founder of RxElite Resumes.  Submit your current pharmacist resume for a free assessment.

Find Pharmacy Jobs At The Healthcare Career Center

Also Read

3 Reasons Your Pharmacist Resume Failed You

What is a Pharmacy Residency

Advice for New Pharmacy Graduates

Great Pharmacy Job Interview Questions 

Join the community to comment, ask questions, or publish an article.