Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Pharmacy Technician Roles – 2025

Preparing for a pharmacy technician job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Whether you’re applying for a retail or hospital pharmacy, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Why did you decide to become a pharmacy technician?
  As a pharmacy technician, I have always been fascinated by the healthcare industry and its ability to positively impact the lives of people. Working as a pharmacy technician allows me to contribute to patient care while utilizing my strong organizational and communication skills.
• 2. What qualities do you possess that make you a great pharmacy technician?
  I believe my attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to work well under pressure make me a great pharmacy technician. I also possess excellent customer service skills and am dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients.
• 3. How do you stay updated on new pharmaceutical products and procedures?
  I take advantage of continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, and online courses to stay updated on new pharmaceutical products and procedures. I also make sure to read industry publications and stay up-to-date with any developments through professional organizations.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or angry customers?
  I understand that difficult or angry customers can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication side effects or simply a bad day. I ensure to listen actively and empathetically, and I always try to resolve the issue by finding a solution that satisfies both the customer and the pharmacy.
• 5. How do you handle a situation where a customer presents a prescription with incorrect or missing information?
  In this situation, I would kindly explain to the customer that I need complete and accurate information to fill their prescription. I would also reach out to the prescriber and verify the information before proceeding with filling the prescription.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What is the most challenging prescription you have filled?
  One of the most challenging prescriptions I have filled was for a patient who had multiple allergies and was prescribed a medication that contained one of those allergens. I took extra care to ensure the safety of the patient by working with the prescriber to find an alternative medication and educating the patient on potential allergic reactions.
• 7. How do you handle a situation where a customer cannot afford their prescribed medication?
  I would first check if there are any generic or more affordable options for the medication. If not, I would work with the customer to find other cost-saving measures, such as prescription discount programs or manufacturer coupons. I would also refer them to financial assistance programs if available.
• 8. How do you stay organized while filling multiple prescriptions at once?
  I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, always making sure that patient care is not compromised. I also use time-management techniques, such as batching similar tasks and setting reminders, to stay on track and organized while filling multiple prescriptions.
• 9. How familiar are you with pharmaceutical terminology and drug interactions?
  I am highly familiar with pharmaceutical terminology and common drug interactions. I have also completed several courses and on-the-job training to further my knowledge in this area, and I am always open to learning new information and updates.
• 10. How would you handle a situation where a customer is concerned about the potential side effects of their prescribed medication?
  I would listen attentively to their concerns and provide them with information about the medication's potential side effects. I would also encourage them to speak with their prescriber if they have any further questions or concerns. Additionally, I would offer counseling on how to manage and alleviate any potential side effects.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer.
  In my previous role, I encountered a customer who was unhappy with the wait time for their prescription. They became angry and started to raise their voice at me. I remained calm and empathetic, and I apologized for the wait time and assured them that I would do everything in my power to expedite the process. I also offered to pick up their prescription from another pharmacy if they preferred, which they appreciated.
• 12. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline?
  In a previous position, I was asked to fill a large number of urgent prescriptions before the end of the day due to a computer system failure earlier in the week. I calmly prioritized the prescriptions, communicated with the rest of the team to ensure efficient workflow, and completed them all in record time.
• 13. Describe a situation where you had to handle a mistake made by a colleague.
  I once discovered that a colleague had accidentally filled a prescription with the wrong dosage. I immediately notified the pharmacist, and together, we addressed the error and reached out to the customer to make sure they received the correct medication.
• 14. Can you give an example of a time when you had to multitask to complete several different tasks?
  While working at a busy retail pharmacy, I often had to multitask to complete tasks such as filling prescriptions, answering phone calls, and assisting customers at the front counter. I maintained a prioritized to-do list and made sure to communicate with the rest of the team to manage my time effectively.
• 15. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with a coworker?
  I believe open communication is key when it comes to resolving conflicts or disagreements with coworkers. I would calmly discuss the issue with my coworker, listen to their perspective, and work together to find a mutually agreeable solution. If needed, I would involve a manager for additional support.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a customer is trying to return a prescription medication?
  Depending on the pharmacy's policy, I would first check if the medication can be returned. If not, I would listen to the customer's concerns and offer to speak with the prescriber if they would like to change or discontinue the medication. I would also refer them to the pharmacist for any additional guidance.
• 17. Imagine a customer who cannot remember the name of the medication they were prescribed. How would you assist them?
  I would ask for any additional information they have, such as the name of the prescriber or the pharmacy that sent the prescription. I would then conduct a search in the pharmacy's computer system to see if the medication can be found. If not, I would reach out to the prescriber for clarification.
• 18. If a customer presents a prescription for a controlled substance, what steps would you take to ensure proper dispensing?
  I would first verify the prescription's authenticity and make sure the medication has not been altered in any way. I would also check the prescriber's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number and the customer's information against state and federal controlled substance databases. Finally, I would make a record of the dispensing in the pharmacy's log book as required by law.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where you notice a customer's prescription has a medication interaction warning?
  I would first inform the pharmacist and verify the warning with the prescriber. Depending on the severity of the interaction, I would offer to contact the prescriber to discuss alternative medications or alert the customer to the potential risk.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to follow strict safety protocols?
  When administering vaccines at my previous position, I followed strict safety protocols such as wearing gloves, sanitizing the injection site, and properly disposing of any used materials. I made sure to maintain a clean and organized workspace, and I completed all required documentation accurately and promptly.