Top Interview Questions Pharmacy Candidates Should Prepare for in 2025

As recruiters, we know that interviews can be daunting. Preparation is key to making a great impression and securing your next role. Over the course of 2025, we’ve gathered some of the most common interview questions our pharmacy candidates in the UK are being asked. Whether you’re applying for a clinical, management, or prescribing role in pharmacy, these questions will help you prepare and showcase your experience effectively.

Understanding Your Background

One of the first things an interviewer will want to know is why you’re looking for a new opportunity. Expect a question along the lines of:

Q: “Why did you leave your last pharmacy role, or why are you looking for something new?”

Be honest but professional. If you left a previous role, focus on your desire for growth, development, or new challenges rather than negative aspects of a past employer. Employers value candidates who are proactive about their career progression.

Company Knowledge – Do Your Research

Employers want to know you’re genuinely interested in their organisation, so you’ll likely be asked:

Q: “What do you know about [Pharmacy Name]?”

Before your interview, research the pharmacy thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and any recent news or developments. If applicable, look into their clinical services, patient demographics, or expansion plans. Demonstrating knowledge of the company will set you apart from other candidates.

As a recruiter at Quad Recruitment, we offer an interview prep session to all of our pharmacy candidates a few days before their interview. This allows us to pass over ‘intel’ and provides you with the best chance of a successful interview.

Showcasing Your Achievements

Hiring managers love to hear about past successes, so be ready to answer:

Q: “What’s your greatest career accomplishment in pharmacy?”

Choose an achievement that highlights your skills, dedication, and impact. Whether it’s improving patient outcomes, implementing a new service, or leading a successful pharmacy project, use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your success.

Handling Challenges Professionally

Employers want to know how you handle adversity. Be prepared for:

Q: “Tell me about a mistake or a challenging situation you faced in a pharmacy setting and what you did to fix it.”

This question isn’t about exposing your flaws—it’s about demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.

Management Positions – Leadership & Governance

If you’re applying for a pharmacy managerial role, you might be asked:

Q: “What do you know about Clinical Governance in pharmacy?”

Clinical governance ensures high standards of patient care and continuous improvement. Show your understanding by discussing key principles such as patient safety, medicines optimisation, risk management, and staff training.

Another key question for leadership roles is:

Q: “How would you define excellent customer service in a pharmacy?”

Your response should reflect a commitment to patient-centred care, effective communication, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Consider how you ensure a positive experience for patients collecting prescriptions and seeking advice.

Prescribing Positions – Your Specialism & Experience

For roles involving prescribing, expect questions such as:

Q: “What did you specialise in?”
 Q: “What do you have experience prescribing in?”

Be specific about your areas of expertise, whether it’s general practice, dermatology, cardiology, or another field. Highlight your prescribing experience, training, and any CPD activities that keep you up to date with best practices.

Trial Shifts – A Growing Trend

Trial shifts have grown in popularity over the past six months, and we believe they serve a great purpose. They provide an opportunity to experience the pharmacy environment in its purest form.

Attending an interview isn’t just about being assessed by your potential employer—it’s also your chance to assess them. What better way to do this than by working in the pharmacy for a few hours?

Unlike a formal interview, trial shifts tend to be more relaxed, with fewer direct questions. Instead, you’ll get a hands-on feel for the working environment, team dynamics, and daily responsibilities. If you’re invited for a trial shift, take it as a positive sign and use the opportunity to see if the pharmacy is the right fit for you.

Interviews are an opportunity to showcase your pharmacy skills and experience, but preparation is essential. Anticipate these questions, craft well-structured responses, and research the company you’re applying to. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next pharmacy role.

Need help finding your next opportunity in the UK pharmacy sector? Get in touch with our team today!