Ace Behavioral Pharmacist Interviews with These Tips
Pharmacist Behavioral Interview Questions That Will Get You Hired
Top interview questions to expect
1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or customer.
2. What is your approach to ensuring patient safety and medication accuracy?
3. Can you describe a time when you worked effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide patient care?
4. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and manage your time effectively.
5. Describe a situation where you faced a medication error or adverse drug event and how you handled it.
6. How do you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in pharmacy and pharmacology?
7. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a pharmacist?
Check the latest questions for this role:
Answering interview questions with STAR structure
The STAR method is a well-known framework for answering interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. When answering questions using the STAR method, you should:
– Briefly describe the situation or problem you faced.
– Explain the specific task or goal you had to achieve.
– Describe the actions you took to address the situation or achieve the goal.
– Detail the positive results or outcomes of your actions.
Sample answers to above interview questions
1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or customer.
Answer:
Situation: I was working as a pharmacist in a busy retail pharmacy when a patient came to the counter with a prescription for a medication that was very expensive. The patient was angry and upset because he could not afford the medication.
Task: My task was to try to help the patient find a way to afford the medication.
Action: I spoke to the patient in a calm and understanding manner. I explained that I understood his frustration and that I would do my best to help him. I then worked with the patient to find a lower-cost alternative to the medication he had been prescribed. I was also able to provide the patient with information about financial assistance programs that he could apply for.
Result: As a result of my actions, the patient was able to get the medication he needed at a price that he could afford. He was very grateful for my help and left the pharmacy feeling satisfied.
*This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method and provides specific details about the situation, task, action, and result.*
2. What is your approach to ensuring patient safety and medication accuracy?
Answer:
Situation: As a pharmacist, my top priority is to ensure the safety of my patients.
Task: My goal is to ensure that every patient receives the correct medication, in the correct dose, and at the correct time.
Action: To achieve this goal, I follow a number of safety protocols, including:
– Double-checking all prescriptions before filling them.
– Counseling patients on their medications and answering any questions they may have.
– Monitoring patients for potential drug interactions and adverse effects.
Result: By following these protocols, I have been able to help prevent medication errors and ensure the safety of my patients.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s commitment to patient safety and describes the specific actions they take to ensure accuracy.*
3. Can you describe a time when you worked effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide patient care?
Answer:
Situation: I was working as a pharmacist in a hospital setting when a patient was admitted with a complex medical condition.
Task: My task was to work with the patient’s other healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive care plan.
Action: I met with the patient’s doctors, nurses, and other specialists to discuss the patient’s condition and needs. We then worked together to develop a treatment plan that would address the patient’s medical and emotional needs.
Result: As a result of our teamwork, the patient was able to receive the best possible care and was eventually discharged from the hospital.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s ability to work effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care.*
4. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and manage your time effectively.
Answer:
Situation: I was working as a pharmacist in a busy retail pharmacy when I was suddenly faced with several emergencies at once.
Task: My task was to prioritize the emergencies and address them in a timely manner.
Action: I quickly assessed the situation and determined that the most urgent task was to fill a prescription for a patient who was waiting for their medication to be filled. I then worked quickly and efficiently to fill the prescription and get it to the patient. Once the prescription was filled, I addressed the other emergencies in a timely manner.
Result: As a result of my ability to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively, I was able to resolve all of the emergencies in a timely manner and ensure that all of the patients received the care they needed.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s ability to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively in a fast-paced environment.*
5. Describe a situation where you faced a medication error or adverse drug event and how you handled it.
Answer:
Situation: I was working as a pharmacist in a hospital setting when a patient experienced an adverse drug reaction.
Task: My task was to quickly assess the situation and take steps to minimize the patient’s harm.
Action: I immediately stopped the medication that was causing the adverse reaction and notified the patient’s doctor. I then worked with the doctor to develop a new treatment plan for the patient. I also counseled the patient on the adverse reaction and answered any questions they had.
Result: As a result of my quick action, the patient’s adverse reaction was minimized and they were able to recover fully.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s ability to quickly assess and respond to a medication error or adverse drug event.*
6. How do you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in pharmacy and pharmacology?
Answer:
Situation: As a pharmacist, it is important for me to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in pharmacy and pharmacology.
Task: My goal is to provide the best possible care to my patients, and this means being aware of the latest medications and treatments.
Action: I keep up-to-date with the latest developments in pharmacy and pharmacology by reading professional journals, attending conferences, and taking continuing education courses.
Result: By staying up-to-date on the latest developments, I am able to provide the best possible care to my patients.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s commitment to continuing education and their desire to provide the best possible care to their patients.*
7. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a pharmacist?
Answer:
Strengths:
– I am a highly skilled and experienced pharmacist with a strong knowledge of pharmacology and patient care.
– I am able to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
– I am a team player and I am able to work effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Weaknesses:
– I can sometimes be a perfectionist, which can lead me to spend too much time on a single task.
– I am still working on improving my time management skills.
Result: I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses, and I am working to improve my weaknesses so that I can provide the best possible care to my patients.
*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the pharmacist’s self-awareness and their commitment to improvement.*
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