Pharmacy technicians are the backbone of the pharmacy. They assist the pharmacists in the preparation of medications and provide excellent customer service to pharmacy customers. As pharmaceutical companies continue to grow and the baby boomer generation continues to age, there is a need for pharmacy technicians.
Prior to being hired as a pharmacy technician, you will go through an interview process at an independent pharmacy or retail pharmacy, depending on where you apply. The interview process is one of the most crucial stages in the hiring process, as you tell the hiring manager who you are, why you should be a pharmacy technician, and why you want to be one.
Whether this is your first job, or you are a seasoned applicant, the interview process can be difficult for anyone. Below, we will help prepare you for your pharmacy technician interview by discussing.
HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE DIFFICULT OR ANGRY CUSTOMERS?
Sometimes, customers come into the pharmacy and are upset, angry, or in a bad mood. It is important that you can handle these types of customers and provide them with exceptional customer service, no matter how much it may frustrate you.
Many employers will ask you how you would handle this situation. Remember, you want to describe the different strategies you would use to diffuse the situation and help the customer to ensure a satisfactory result.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN?
As a pharmacy technician, you will be responsible for accepting prescriptions, filling prescriptions, and making sure customers receive the proper medication when they come in to pick it up.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions and it is important that you take some time to think about it. There is no right or wrong answer. Some of the best quality traits include accountability, communication, and transparency.
HOW WELL DO YOU WORK IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT?
The pharmacy is a fast-paced environment and while you may have some days that are slower than others, you can expect to be on your feet, moving, and filling orders throughout your shift. Some retail pharmacies process more than 300 prescriptions per day!
To be successful in this position, you do need to be able to work well in a fast-paced environment. Always demonstrate to the employer that you can work quickly and even give some examples of how you completed your work or multitasked when busy.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN?
This is a critical question that will likely be asked of you when you do interview for a position. It is vital that you spend time formulating a response and think about WHY you do want this position.
For example, what made you want to be a pharmacy technician? Or, identify some of the aspects of the job that you enjoy doing or want to do.
Remember, you can also highlight some of your skills here too. For instance, if you tell the hiring manager you want to be in this position to help ensure everyone can have access to the medications they need, you can also follow up by explaining how you would make sure this happens.
EARN YOUR PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA TODAY!
If you’re interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician, consider enrolling in Florida Career College’s Pharmacy Technician Program. The program is short-term and will allow you to begin a new career in less than a year!
