Commonly Asked Pharmacy Residency Interview Questions

With residency interviews completed, all that awaits is match day which occurs this year on March 20^th. This day will be filled with a lot of emotions for pharmacists and student pharmacists all over the nation, as it defines the path that their pharmacy career will take. After completing interviews I noticed a lot of similar questions being asked during interviews and thought I would share to help anyone in the future with interview preparation, because let’s be honest you can be asked anything, but at least this will help with your confidence during interviews.

1. Name 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses about yourself

This is where knowing yourself matters so really do some deep reflection and make sure you emphasize how you are addressing your weaknesses.

2. What traits are important for you in a preceptor?
3. What traits did you not like in a preceptor?
4. Describe a time you made a clinical intervention

I would pick a unique intervention so it gives them something to remember you by.

5. If there was something you would change within the last 4 years what would it be?
6. Tell us a little about yourself

I personally kept this pharmacy focused, but remember to keep it short and sweet not too long.

7. What is something your classmates would say about you that is not true?
8. Tell us about a time you had to break the rules

Tricky question and I’m not sure what the right answer to this could be, but I believe it is important to state you don’t break the rules but give an example where you may have and why.

9. Tell us about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it
10. What do you like to do for fun?

With this question they simply want to see if you have a good work/life balance as that will be important as a resident.

11. Tell us about a time you made a recommendation that was not accepted and how you handled it
12. What are your goals within the next 5-10 years?
13. Tell us something unique about yourself that is not on your CV

Use this time to shine a light on something you are proud of that was not on your CV, that will help you stand out.

14. Question relating to certain situations and how you would address it in terms of importance

Essentially they will give you scenarios like a doctor is on the phone asking about a drug that is not on formulary and a nurse is on the other line asking about the rate of an Epi drip for a patient in the ICU… which one would you address first etc.

15. How do you keep up with health related news?
16. What is a major issue facing pharmacy today?

So those were a few questions I remember receiving at my interviews, it was truly an interesting process I must say. But just be calm and be yourself you can’t exactly rehearse an interview. Just familiarize yourself with the questions above to give you a boost of confidence during the interview.

Good luck!

-Ms Rx Geek