Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Pharm Tech Roles – 2025

Are you preparing for a job interview for a pharm tech position? This guide offers a comprehensive list of 20 up-to-date interview questions with simple yet practical answers to help you ace your interview. These questions cover a range of areas, including your technical knowledge, communication abilities, problem-solving skills, and alignment with company values.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a pharm tech.
  A: I have been a pharm tech for four years now. I started as an intern during my studies and then was hired by a local pharmacy after graduating. I have experience working in both a retail and hospital setting, and I have developed strong communication and organizational skills through my work.
  
  
• 2. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a pharm tech?
  A: I have always been interested in the healthcare field, but I also have a strong attention to detail and enjoy working with numbers. Being a pharm tech combines these interests perfectly, and I find great satisfaction in helping patients and ensuring the accuracy of their medication.
  
  
• 3. What qualities do you think are most important for a successful pharm tech?
  A: I believe that attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain organized under pressure are crucial for a pharm tech. It is also essential to have a thorough knowledge of medications and dosage calculations to ensure patients receive the correct medications.
  
  
• 4. How do you stay updated on the latest developments and changes in the pharmaceutical industry?
  A: I regularly attend conferences and workshops related to my field, and I also make sure to stay updated on industry news through reputable sources such as journals and online publications. I also find it valuable to communicate with my colleagues and attend training sessions provided by my pharmacy.
  
  
• 5. Tell me about a difficult situation you encountered as a pharm tech and how you handled it.
  A: I once encountered an issue with a patient who received the wrong medication due to a miscommunication between the doctor and pharmacy. I immediately notified my manager, who contacted the doctor to resolve the issue. I also communicated effectively with the patient and provided them with the correct medication while ensuring their safety.
  
  

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously? How did you prioritize and complete them effectively?
  A: During my previous job at a busy hospital pharmacy, I often had to handle a high volume of requests while also assisting walk-in patients. To prioritize effectively, I made a to-do list and kept track of urgent tasks. I also communicated with my colleagues to delegate tasks and ensure all tasks were completed efficiently.
  
  
• 7. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer. How did you handle the situation?
  A: I once had a coworker who was consistently rude and uncooperative. I addressed the issue privately with them and attempted to understand the root of their behavior. After open communication and setting boundaries, we were able to work together effectively.
  
  
• 8. How do you handle mistakes or errors in your work? Can you give an example?
  A: I believe in taking responsibility for my mistakes and quickly addressing them with my supervisor. In the past, I once made an error in dosage calculations, and I immediately asked my supervisor to review and correct it before dispensing the medication. I also used this experience as a learning opportunity to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
  
  
• 9. Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage your time effectively?
  A: During a busy flu season, my pharmacy was short-staffed, and I had to fulfill a high volume of prescriptions within a short period. To manage my time effectively, I prioritized urgent prescriptions, communicated with my colleagues to assist with non-urgent tasks, and worked efficiently without sacrificing quality and accuracy.
  
  
• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue with a medication dispensing system?
  A: At my previous job, our medication dispensing system crashed during a busy day. I quickly identified the issue and contacted our technician, who assisted me in troubleshooting and fixing the issue. In the meantime, I communicated the delay to patients and ensured their medications were safely stored until the system was operational again.
  
  

Situational Questions

• 11. If a patient receives the wrong medication due to a doctor’s error, what would you do?
  A: I would immediately notify my supervisor and the doctor to rectify the situation. I would also ensure that the patient is safe and receives the correct medication.
  
  
• 12. If a patient asks for a higher dosage of a medication without a valid prescription, how would you handle the situation?
  A: I would politely inform the patient that I cannot dispense a higher dosage without a valid prescription and offer to contact their doctor to request a new prescription. I would also advise them of potential health risks and suggest consulting with their doctor before making any changes to their medication.
  
  
• 13. In the event of an emergency, how would you handle a sudden increase in patient demand for a specific medication?
  A: I would communicate with my supervisor to discuss a plan of action. This may include contacting the manufacturer or wholesalers for urgent restocking and notifying patients of any potential delays. I would also work closely with my colleagues to ensure all patients receive their medications safely and efficiently.
  
  
• 14. If a patient asks for your advice on over-the-counter medication, what would you do?
  A: I would ask the patient about their symptoms and recommend consulting with a pharmacist or doctor for further guidance. I would also offer general advice, such as checking for potential drug interactions and reading the package instructions carefully.
  
  
• 15. If you receive conflicting instructions from a doctor and patient regarding a prescription, how would you handle the situation?
  A: I would politely clarify with both parties to ensure there is no confusion. If necessary, I would also consult with my supervisor or another pharmacist to find a resolution that ensures the patient's safety and meets the doctor's requirements.
  
  

Technical Questions

• 16. What is the role of a pharm tech in filling prescriptions?
  A: A pharm tech assists in filling prescriptions by verifying patient information and medication dosage, counting and packaging the medication, and ensuring accuracy before dispensing the medication to the patient.
  
  
• 17. What is the purpose of a prepackaged medication?
  A: Prepackaged medications are typically used in long-term care facilities or for patients who require frequent medication refills. They contain a specific amount of medication, making it easier for patients and caregivers to administer the correct dosage.
  
  
• 18. What is the difference between brand name and generic medications?
  A: Brand name medications are produced and marketed by a specific manufacturer and have a trademarked name. Generic medications have the same active ingredients as the brand name medication and must meet the same quality and safety standards, but they are sold under their generic chemical name.
  
  
• 19. Can you explain the key responsibilities of a pharm tech in managing inventory?
  A: A pharm tech manages inventory by ordering and receiving new shipments, monitoring stock levels, ensuring proper storage and disposal of medications, and conducting regular audits to identify any discrepancies.
  
  
• 20. How do you handle controlled substances and maintain proper records?
  A: I carefully follow all state and federal regulations and record all controlled substance transactions, from receiving and dispensing to disposing of them. I also ensure the security and integrity of controlled substances by storing them in a locked cabinet and reporting any discrepancies or incidents to my supervisor.