Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Pharmacy Assistant Roles – 2026

Preparing for a pharmacy assistant job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge of pharmaceuticals, customer service, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re applying for a role in a retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or compounding pharmacy, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience working in a pharmacy setting.
  I have been working as a pharmacy assistant for the past two years in a busy retail pharmacy. I have experience handling prescriptions, assisting with inventory management, and providing excellent customer service. I also have experience using pharmacy software and have a strong understanding of basic medical terminology.
• 2. Why do you want to work as a pharmacy assistant?
  I have always been interested in the field of healthcare and have a strong desire to help others. Being a pharmacy assistant allows me to combine my passion for healthcare with my organizational and customer service skills.
• 3. How do you prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment?
  In a fast-paced pharmacy setting, I believe it is important to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I am also a highly organized individual, and I use to-do lists and calendars to ensure I complete all tasks efficiently. I also communicate with my colleagues to determine if anyone needs immediate assistance with a task.
• 4. How do you handle difficult and demanding customers?
  In my experience, the best way to handle difficult customers is to remain calm and professional. I listen to their concerns and try to find a solution that meets their needs. I also make sure to maintain excellent customer service, even in challenging situations.
• 5. How do you maintain confidentiality in a pharmacy setting?
  I understand the importance of patient privacy and follow all HIPAA protocols to maintain confidentiality. I also make sure to only discuss patient information with authorized individuals and store all patient records in a secure location.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What do you know about medication dispensing and labeling?
  As a pharmacy assistant, I am responsible for accurately dispensing medications and ensuring proper labeling according to dosage and frequency. I have a strong understanding of medication classes, interactions, and side effects, and I am familiar with standard labeling guidelines.
• 7. How do you handle prescription errors, such as incorrect dosage or medication?
  If I notice a prescription error, I immediately bring it to the attention of the supervising pharmacist. I do not attempt to fix the error on my own, as it is important to follow proper protocols to ensure patient safety.
• 8. What steps do you take to ensure inventory accuracy?
  I regularly check inventory levels and track expiration dates to ensure medications are within their shelf life. If I notice a discrepancy, I immediately notify the supervising pharmacist. I also make sure to accurately enter new inventory into the system and update records accordingly.
• 9. How do you handle controlled substances?
  I am familiar with the strict regulations surrounding controlled substances and make sure to follow all protocols and procedures when handling these medications. I also understand the importance of accurate record-keeping and regularly monitor inventory levels.
• 10. How do you collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses?
  I understand the importance of effective communication in a healthcare setting and make sure to maintain open lines of communication with healthcare professionals. I also make sure to accurately and promptly relay any patient information or concerns to the appropriate individual.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer and how you resolved the situation.
  In my previous role, a customer was dissatisfied with the wait time for their prescription. I listened to their concerns and offered to have the prescription delivered to their home at no additional cost. They were happy with this solution, and I made sure to process the delivery order promptly.
• 12. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a team to complete a project.
  In pharmacy school, I had to complete a project with a group of classmates. We divided tasks based on our strengths and communicated regularly to ensure we were all on the same page. As a team, we were able to successfully complete the project and received positive feedback from our professor.
• 13. Share a time when you had to prioritize tasks to meet a deadline.
  In my previous role, I had to prioritize processing and filling urgent prescriptions while also assisting with inventory management. I created a schedule and ensured I completed the most pressing tasks first. This allowed us to meet our deadline without any delays.
• 14. Describe a situation where you had to handle a sensitive or confidential matter.
  As a pharmacy assistant, I often deal with sensitive information regarding patients and their medications. I make sure to follow all privacy protocols and do not discuss patient information with anyone who is not authorized. I also handle any issues that arise with discretion and professionalism.
• 15. Give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new software system.
  In my previous role, our pharmacy switched to a new software system. I took the initiative to attend training sessions and do independent research to familiarize myself with the new system. I was able to quickly adapt and became a go-to person for questions and troubleshooting.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle an angry customer who is unhappy with their medication?
  I would listen to their concerns and try to understand the reason for their dissatisfaction. If possible, I would offer a solution to their issue, such as discussing the possibility of a medication change with their doctor. I would also make sure to follow up with the customer to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.
• 17. What would you do if a prescription was illegible or missing information?
  I would first try to clarify the issue with the prescribing physician or their office. If that was not possible, I would refer to the pharmacy's protocols to determine the next steps, which may include requesting additional information from the patient before proceeding with dispensing the medication.
• 18. What would you do if a customer had an adverse reaction to a medication they received from our pharmacy?
  The safety and well-being of our customers is a top priority. I would immediately notify the supervising pharmacist and offer assistance to the customer. I would also document the incident and follow up to ensure the customer receives appropriate care.
• 19. How would you handle a customer who is seeking a refill on a controlled substance earlier than their prescription allows?
  I would first check their prescription record to see if there were any indications that the medication was being used as directed. If not, I would discuss the situation with the supervising pharmacist and follow company protocols to determine the best course of action.
• 20. What steps would you take if a patient requested a medication that was on backorder?
  I would inform the patient of the backorder and provide them with an estimated date of when the medication would be available. If it was an urgent prescription, I would offer to contact other pharmacies to see if they had the medication in stock. I would also make sure to provide any necessary updates to the patient until the medication is available.