Pharmacist interview questions and answers in English

B1 answer

I'm a pharmacist. I have worked in a community pharmacy for three years. I check prescriptions, give medicines to patients and explain how to take them. I enjoy talking to patients. Now I want to work in a bigger pharmacy with more clinical services.

B2 answer

I'm a registered pharmacist with three years of experience in a busy community pharmacy, where we dispense around three hundred prescriptions a day. Besides checking and dispensing, I run medicine reviews and give advice on minor illnesses. I've also trained two new dispensers. I'd like to join your team because you offer more clinical services, such as vaccinations, and I want to develop in that area.

B1 answer

I was always good at chemistry at school. When I was sixteen, I worked in a local pharmacy at weekends. I saw how the pharmacist helped people every day. I chose pharmacy because I like that mix of science and people.

B2 answer

I enjoyed chemistry and biology at school, but I didn't want to spend my life in a lab. When I was sixteen, I had a weekend job in a pharmacy, and I saw that the pharmacist was often the first health professional people talked to. That mix of science and real contact with patients is why I chose pharmacy, and it still motivates me.

B1 answer

First I do not give the medicine. I check the dose and the patient's records again. Then I call the doctor and explain the problem. I tell the patient there is a short delay. After that, I write a note about the change.

B2 answer

I wouldn't dispense it until the problem was solved. First, I'd double-check the dose, the patient's history and any interactions. Then I'd contact the prescriber, explain the concern clearly and agree on the correct item or dose. I'd tell the patient honestly that there is a short delay for their safety. Finally, I'd record the intervention in the patient's notes.

B1 answer

I understand that the customer needs help. I politely explain that I cannot sell this medicine without a prescription, because it is not safe and it is the law. Then I ask about the symptoms. I suggest a safe alternative or I tell them to see a doctor.

B2 answer

I'd stay polite and show I understand, because people usually ask when they're worried or in pain. I'd explain that the law and their own safety mean I can't supply it without a prescription. Then I'd ask a few questions about their symptoms and offer what I can: an over-the-counter alternative, advice, or an urgent appointment with their doctor. That way they leave with a plan, not just a no.

B1 answer

Last year I checked a prescription for an elderly man. The dose was ten times too high. I had to stop it before he took it. I called the doctor and she changed the dose. I explained the new dose to the patient. In the end, he got the right medicine and the doctor thanked me.

B2 answer

A few months ago, I was checking a prescription for an antibiotic when I saw a penicillin allergy on the patient's record. I had to stop the medicine reaching him without delaying his treatment too much. I contacted the prescriber, explained the allergy and suggested an alternative, which she agreed to. As a result, the patient got a safe antibiotic the same day, and we reported the near miss.

B1 answer

First I tell the patient the name of the medicine and what it is for. Then I explain how many tablets to take and when. I tell them about common side effects. At the end, I ask them to repeat the instructions, so I know they understood.

B2 answer

I keep it simple and practical. First, I explain what the medicine is for, then how much to take, when, and whether to take it with food. I mention the most common side effects and what to do if they happen. Finally, I ask the patient to tell me in their own words how they'll take it, because that's the best way to check they've really understood.

B1 answer

I check which prescriptions are urgent first, for example antibiotics or medicines for children. I tell waiting patients how long it will take. I ask my colleagues to help at the counter. I never skip the final check, because safety comes first.

B2 answer

I start with what is clinically urgent, such as antibiotics, end-of-life medicines or a patient waiting in the pharmacy. I give patients an honest waiting time and organise the team so that the dispensers handle labelling while I focus on clinical checks. Even when it's very busy, I never skip the final accuracy check, because a mistake costs far more time than it saves.

B1 answer

Yes. How many prescriptions does the pharmacy dispense each day? And is there training for new services?

B2 answer

Yes, two. Which clinical services is the pharmacy planning to offer next year? And how is the work shared between pharmacists and the dispensing team?