16 Questions Asked in Australian Pharmacy Job Interviews (With Winning Answers)

Written byQurat Hafeez Updated on

Just passed the KAPS or OPRA pharmacy exams and ready to start your pharmacy career in Australia? This australian pharmacy job interview guide is for you. Congratulations. Clearing those exams is a major milestone. Now it’s time to focus on securing a job in a country where the demand for pharmacists is growing, especially in community and rural areas.

Australian Pharmacy Job Interview Questions

Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level role, the interview is your chance to show more than just your qualifications. This guide covers 16 common pharmacy interview questions in Australia and how to answer them with clarity and confidence.

Let’s get you job-ready.

1. Tell Me About Yourself

Use the SEATS structure:

  • Skills (e.g., communication, teamwork)
  • Emins (goals/aspirations)
  • Achievements (mentored 50 students, part of AMS committee, presented at conferences)
  • Type of person you are (friendly, collaborative)
  • Summary: Express why you’re a great fit for the role

Avoid discussing personal or family details.

2. Why Do You Want to Join Our Pharmacy or Organisation?

Do your research on the pharmacy’s mission and values. Align them with your passion—for example:

“I’m passionate about serving patients with compassion and precision, and I feel your pharmacy is a great place to learn and grow.”

3. How Will You Manage the Work Schedule?

Show flexibility:

“I am open to working morning, evening, and weekend shifts. I am also willing to relocate to regional areas if needed.”

4. What Are Your Strengths or Personality Qualities?

Tailor your strengths to the job ad. Common strengths include:

  • Good communication
  • Clinical knowledge
  • Teamwork
  • Passion for patient care

5. What Are Your Weaknesses?

Share a positive-leaning weakness:

“I’m eager to help others, which sometimes leads to over commitment. I’m learning to balance tasks better.”
Or:
“I used to lead meetings too strongly, but now I ensure everyone gets space to contribute.”

6. Tell Me About Your Pharmacy Experience

Focus on responsibilities and achievements:

“In my previous roles, I helped with clinical audits, mentored students, and contributed to policy development.”

7. Do You Have Any Local Pharmacy Experience (in Australia)?

If not, start volunteering:

“I volunteered at Trowbridge House to communicate with elderly residents and improve my interpersonal skills.”
Contact your local council for volunteer opportunities.

8. Have You Worked With Any Pharmacy Software (e.g. FRED Dispense, Minfos)?

If not, take online training courses or familiarize yourself with key terminologies to demonstrate awareness during the interview.

9. Can You Explain the Achievements Mentioned in Your CV?

Separate responsibilities from achievements:

  • Mentored students
  • Participated in stewardship committees
  • Presented at international conferences

10. How Will You Manage Transportation?

In Australia, having a driver’s license is often necessary:

“Yes, I have a car and license.”
If not:
“I’m in the process of getting my license, as I understand public transport may not always be reliable for pharmacy shifts.”

11. What Are Some Current Trends in the Australian Pharmacy System?

Stay updated by reading Guild PSA newsletters. Mention trends like:

  • 60-month dispensing
  • Prescribing pharmacists in Queensland

12. Our Pharmacy Is Very Busy—We All Help With Everything, Including Mopping. Are You Comfortable With That?

“Yes, I’m happy to contribute in all areas and work collaboratively as part of a team.”

13. A Patient Asks for Medication Without a Prescription—What Do You Do?

  • Stay calm
  • Listen to the patient
  • Explain it’s a scheduled medicine
  • Offer support:
    • Suggest seeing their doctor
    • Recommend the MedAdvisor app
    • Offer home delivery if available

14. How Would You Prioritise Tasks When the Pharmacy Is Busy?

“I assess urgency, delegate tasks if needed, and stay calm while multitasking to ensure patient care remains the top priority.”

15. How Do You Work in a Team or Leadership Position?

“I consider everyone’s strengths and assign tasks accordingly. I don’t impose ideas but ensure all voices are heard before making decisions.”

16. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

Never say “no.” Ask thoughtful questions such as:

  • “What qualities do you look for in an intern to succeed long term?”
  • “Can you tell me about the learning opportunities to prepare for the oral or written exams?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about pharmacy interviews in Australia.

To prepare for a pharmacy interview, research the pharmacy, review common interview questions, and practice answering using real examples. Highlight your clinical knowledge, communication skills, and understanding of Australian pharmacy systems. Be ready to discuss your experience, software skills, and willingness to work flexible hours.

The 30-60-90 question asks how you plan to contribute in your first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. In pharmacy, this could involve learning store workflows, building rapport with staff and patients, and gradually taking on more responsibilities like dispensing and patient counseling.

Australian interviews often include behavioral, situational, and role-specific questions. Employers may ask about your work experience, availability, software knowledge, teamwork, and how you handle patient interactions or busy environments.

Pharmacy interview questions focus on patient care, medication safety, communication, and technical skills. Expect questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “How do you handle prescription errors?” or “Have you worked with systems like FRED Dispense or Minfos?”

Qurat Hafeez

Pharm-D, Medical Professional at Aga Khan University

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