How to Master Your Pharmacy Job Interview

As pharmacy school comes to an end, P4s feel like they can finally take a breath. However, this is only the beginning.

Besides graduation and studying for boards, it is also the time to start interviewing for pharmacy jobs if you have not already matched for a residency or secured a position.

If you have not yet secured a job, do not worry. Things have a way of working out.

In the meantime, here are a few tips to master your interviews.

1) Prepare yourself with questions and answers.

As a previous pharmacy director, I have had my fair share of interviewing potential employees. Take time to prepare yourself for questions. Set some time with a colleague, a friend, or family member for a mock interview. Although they may be your friend, family, or colleague, take it seriously. If you need to, dress like you would the day of your interview and bring copies of your resume. A mock interview will also help you detect any nervous habits you have, if any. Once you are aware of them, you can take action to try to avoid them.

Here are a few questions I have asked:

• Tell me a little about yourself.
• Why are you interested in working for this company?
• What are 3 of your strengths?
• What are 3 of your weaknesses?
• What can you offer us that someone else cannot?
• Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
• What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days on the job?
• Tell me how you have handled a difficult situation.
• Why should we hire you?
• Give a time when you went above and beyond for a patient or a coworker.
• How do you handle pressure?
• What are your hobbies?
• What are some of your leadership experiences?
• Tell me about a time where you disagreed with a coworker.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

2) Be on time.

I cannot stress how important being on time is.

3) Dress Professional.

• Stick to dark colors such as navy blue or black.
• For the ladies, do not wear an excessive amount of jewelry. In addition, make sure to keep your hair out of your face.
• For the gents, make sure you shave and have your hair neatly combed for the interview.
• It is also wise to refrain from wearing perfume or cologne. You do not know how your interviewers may react to strong smells.

4) Print copies of your resume and have them ready for your interviewers.

Do not forget to hand copies to them, though. This can happen especially if you are nervous.

5) Do your homework before your interview.

Make sure you know the company’s objectives and mission statement.

6) Ask your interviewers questions.

Be ready to ask them about 3 questions, but stear clear from asking them questions about pay or vacation time. Questions should be about the company’s directions or goals, or anything of that nature. You can always ask, “If I were to be hired, what would a typical day look like?”

7) Leave a thank you note

For all of your interviewers!

8) Take a deep breath.

Remember, you are interviewing them, too. If you get hired, you will essentially be working with these people. Once you put into this perspective, this should help ease your nerves and anxiety.

Best of luck!