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Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
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9 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Pharmacy Technician interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you stay up to date on new techniques, practices, and medications in the pharmaceutical industry? See answer
  2. Which quality do you view as the most important for a pharmacy technician to have? See answer
  3. What is the standard procedure for validating and filling a prescription? See answer
  4. As a pharmacy technician, what would you do if you suspect a customer has signs of drug addiction? See answer
  5. How do you interact with and provide service to customers who speak other languages? See answer
  6. Can you describe a time you helped the pharmacist with an emergency? See answer
  7. How do you prioritize filling prescriptions and getting them done in a timely manner? See answer
  8. Have you ever found a medication error and resolved it? See answer
  9. What are your thoughts about certifications for pharmacy technicians? See answer
  10. How do you manage rejected insurance claims? See answer
  11. Are you experienced with online prescription systems, and what other software do you know? See answer
  12. What are the mandatory duties of a pharmacy technician when opening the pharmacy? See answer
  13. What’s your motivation when performing a routine task?
  14. If a customer’s frustrated at the wait time to fill their medication, how do you respond?
  15. What would you do if you can’t read a handwritten prescription?
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Hire your next Pharmacy Technician today.

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Hire your next Pharmacy Technician today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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15 Pharmacy Technician Interview Questions and Answers

How do you stay up to date on new techniques, practices, and medications in the pharmaceutical industry?

Pharmacy technicians must stay informed with innovation in the constantly changing field to be relevant. The question helps you determine if the candidate takes time to invest in their career, seeking continuous education on the job.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Attendance in training, conferences, or seminars
  • Membership to professional groups and associations
  • Willingness to learn about new medications and practices in the industry

Example:

"Whether new drugs, updated regulations, or industry practices, I stay updated through industry journals, refresher training courses, and professional conferences to provide the best service to our customers."

Which quality do you view as the most important for a pharmacy technician to have?

Asking a candidate this question shows whether the pharmacy technician might be a good culture add for your organization. An ideal applicant might name essential skills and explain why they view them as important.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant examples of qualifications for the role
  • How their own capabilities relate to the qualities they view as important
  • Explanation of why the skill is crucial

"I hold attention to detail in high regard as a quality that pharmacy technicians need. It helps you prevent mistakes, focus on the task at hand, ensure safety, and provide quality customer service."

What is the standard procedure for validating and filling a prescription?

A qualified pharmacy technician should understand what the job entails, including responsibilities like validating and filling prescriptions. Though procedures might vary at each pharmacy, many duties are standard.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong understanding of responsibilities
  • Knowledge of how to verify prescription validity 
  • Customer service skills in challenging situations

Example:

"I thoroughly review each prescription, paper or electronic, checking the date issued, the doctor's name and signature, and if the drug name and dosage is correct. If a customer brings an unusual paper prescription, I call the doctor's office with the number on file rather than the one on the prescription. When filling medications, I double-check the expiration, quantity, and label before giving it to the customer and asking if they have questions."

What's your motivation when performing a routine task?

Consider asking a candidate this question to get an insight into how they perform routine tasks like updating databases, restocking inventory, and counting medicines. A sound answer might include the importance of following procedures and paying attention to details.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to manage repetitive tasks
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Adherence to procedures and protocols

Example:

"I enjoy routine tasks. Accuracy is important to me, and properly following protocol helps ensure the safe dispensing and storage of prescriptions."

As a pharmacy technician, what would you do if you suspect a customer has signs of drug addiction?

A pharmacy technician might encounter controlled substance abuse, and knowing how to take care of the issue professionally, discreetly, and with compassion is important. This question can give you insight into how an applicant might handle the situation.

What to look for in an answer: 

  • Ability to identify substance abuse and suspect prescriptions
  • Knowledge of the regulations and requirements of dispensing controlled substances
  • Ability to interact with the customer calmly, professionally, and with compassion

Example:

"I offer educational information about controlled substances during consultations, even with refills. I verify the prescribing practitioner's license with suspect prescriptions and attempt to validate the prescription, only alerting the pharmacist when needed to keep the situation discrete. If a prescription gets denied, I explain to the customer why we cannot fill it and also communicate with other pharmacies."

How do you interact with and provide service to customers who speak other languages?

Asking this question can help you determine if a candidate has foreign language skills, which can often be helpful, especially in large metropolitan areas. A strong response might include sharing bilingual skills or how they communicate with someone if they aren't fluent in another language.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Fluency in other languages
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate in other ways

Example:

"While I'm not yet fluent in other languages, I do know basic phrases in Spanish and Portuguese that help me communicate with customers who don't speak English. I ask colleagues who can translate and also use phone apps to help customers understand the information I share or ask. I'm currently taking online Spanish classes to improve my conversational skills."

Can you describe a time you helped the pharmacist with an emergency?

This question helps you understand how a candidate might perform in a fast-paced environment or react to emergency situations. An ideal applicant shows an ability to work independently and as part of a team, assisting when someone needs help.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Description of the situation
  • Willingness to assist with tasks outside of regular responsibilities
  • Teamwork skills

Example:

"When the pharmacy lost power during a storm, two technicians and I connected the generator to make sure the refrigerated medications didn't spoil and locked up other drug storage areas. We also checked on the customers in the store, offering water and assistance out of the pharmacy."

If a customer's frustrated at the wait time to fill their medication, how do you respond?

Customers might be ill, impatient, or frustrated when they visit a pharmacy, and an effective pharmacy technician's ability to interact with distinct personalities can likely reduce uncomfortable situations.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Emotional maturity
  • Commitment to customer service

Example:

"I try not to take a customer's reaction personally, instead focusing on what I can do to alleviate the wait, address their concern, or explain the situation. It can be a challenge, but I keep in mind that people are often at a pharmacy because someone's unwell. I smile, keep a pleasant tone, and thank the customer for their understanding."

How do you prioritize filling prescriptions and getting them done in a timely manner?

Consider asking a candidate this question to learn about their ability to work without supervision effectively. Completing tasks in time with accuracy and productivity is an important aspect of a pharmacy technician's role.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Prioritization skills
  • Consistency at meeting deadlines
  • Independently motivated

Example:

"I continuously check our priority orders and fill them immediately. I use the established protocol for our pharmacy to ensure other prescriptions get organized for pickup. If a prescription cannot get filled because of a shortage, I flag the order and notify the customer, letting them know we'll call when it's ready."

Have you ever found a medication error and resolved it?

This question shows a candidate's knowledge of safety procedures and how to handle errors. A strong answer might include how to report, document, and fix the error.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Description of the circumstances
  • Actions taken
  • Lessons learned to apply to the future

Example:

"I noticed a contradiction in a patient's dosage and immediately told my supervisor. We contacted the prescribing physician and got a prescription for the correct dosage."

What would you do if you can't read a handwritten prescription?

This question often shows a candidate's problem-solving abilities and how they resolve issues they encounter. A candidate's reply might include asking the pharmacist or contacting the prescriber's office.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Making safety a priority
  • Ability to resolve issues independently
  • Established history of work experience

Example:

"Validating a prescription is a crucial step in filling it, and I pride myself on preventing errors. If I can't read what's written, I might ask a colleague or review any digital copies or notes. Alerting the pharmacist on duty is also a great precautionary step, and I might even call the prescriber's office if we can't confidently understand the prescription. Safety is paramount with medicine and drugs, so taking extra steps to ensure it doesn't bother me."

What are your thoughts about certifications for pharmacy technicians?

Many states require certification for pharmacy technicians because they work with controlled substances. Asking this question can give you insight into a candidate's ambitions, understanding of regulations and protocols, and overall professionalism.

 What to look for in the answer:

  • Understanding of requirements, training, and safety measures
  • Ambitious career goals
  • Professional responsibility

Example:

"I believe certifications are important for pharmacy technicians and understand the requirements. The training and knowledge you can gain through certification help you do your job better, and I think it also contributes to a safe and secure pharmacy environment."

How do you manage rejected insurance claims?

Rejected insurance claims are often common occurrences a pharmacy technician might encounter, and how they resolve them can affect the customer and the pharmacy.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of common rejection reasons and follow-up actions
  • Problem-solving ideas and solutions
  • Ability to ease customers' concerns

Example:

"Rejected insurance claims happen, and understanding how or why is often the first step to resolving it. It might be an outdated prescription, a refill that isn't approved to be filled until it's due, or a cancellation of insurance. Keeping the customer informed is crucial, and I always try to explain things in an easy-to-understand way. If calling the insurance provider or prescriber cannot resolve the issue, I share other options with the customer."

Are you experienced with online prescription systems, and what other software do you know?

The pharmaceutical industry often uses digital tools to order, store, and dispense prescription medications. Asking this question can give you insight into a candidate's computer proficiency level and technology skills.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of online prescription platforms
  • Computer proficiency and pharmaceutical software experience
  • Ability to learn new technology

Example:

"I enjoy the technology aspect of my role and helped my current pharmacy implement an online prescription portal and pharmacist chat function. I'm familiar with stocking and ordering software, fax machines, and various point of sale platforms to check out customers."

What are the mandatory duties of a pharmacy technician when opening the pharmacy?

Asking this question helps you gain insight into a candidate's ability to prepare a pharmacy for daily openings. An experienced pharmacy technician might share the steps they take or what supplies and machines they check before opening the pharmacy.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of daily operations
  • Specific examples of store opening procedures
  • Procedural knowledge

Example:

"Though store opening procedures vary at each pharmacy, I typically compare the previous night's inventory sign-off to ensure controlled substance counts match and ensure keys to locked cabinets are onsite and functioning. I turn on computers, get any faxes waiting, and ask the pharmacist if there are any ad hoc duties to take care of before going about my tasks."

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Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
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