Job Interview Tips - Trainee Dispensing Assistant

Homecoming

I have a job interview on Tuesday for a role as trainee dispensing assistant in a hospital pharmacy.

Does anyone know what kinds of questions I might be asked or any other tips for the interview please?

I don't currently work in healthcare at all, but training would be provided if I was successful. My background is in administration, the last five years of which were in an educational setting. I'm hoping for a career change, and this job sounds a lot more like what I'm looking for.

Any information or tips would be welcome, I am nervous and really want this job!

Kathy535

I used to work as a dispensing assistant, albeit in a pharmacy. You need attention to detail, customer service skills and to get on with your colleagues (it!!!8217;s a small space usually, little things become annoying very quickly).

You might be asked when you have had to solve problems (eg you may have to call a doctor and ask them to clarify what they!!!8217;ve written or ask if they meant to prescribe (for example) twice the usual dose). Perhaps when you!!!8217;ve delivered good customer service or worked as part of a team. You might get asked what you!!!8217;ve done to promote equality and diversity in the work place.

I!!!8217;d also prepare to be asked how you!!!8217;d see your current skills transferring into the pharmacy setting.

Good luck!

jobbingmusician

I saw this this morning, and thought I'd leave it as I have absolutely zero experience! However, when you hear about pharmacies in the news, it's normally because they have mis-transcribed a Dr's prescription, or the Dr wrote the wrong thing in the first place.

So if I were preparing for this interview, I might be thinking about stories about my professional life where my attention to detail saved the day, or where I was the 'details person' working as part of a team. And how well I worked in this team, and got on with my colleagues (and - especially given the state of Drs' handwriting) I might talk about how I was able to check with team members if I found something unclear, and to learn from my experiences.

Homecoming

Thank you, Kathy, that's really helpful. :-) I'll have a think about those questions and prepare answers for them tonight.

Jobbingmusician - thank you very much. I'll add those scenarios to my list and come up with some examples for them too.

Detroit

Like Jobbing musician, I have no experience of pharmacy work. However, I have recruited trainees.

When doing so, I haven't expected them to have practical or technical knowledge of the work. I will know from their application they are not experienced, as your interviewer will know about you.

Far more important has been their enthusiasm and commitment to learn, as this is what is needed most in a trainee.

With this in mind, I would have some examples prepared to demonstrate your positive approach to learning, how you have responded to feedback, times when you have had to acquire new skills etc.

Try also to research the company a little to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for working there.

Good luck!

Lorian

My local hospital trainee Pharmacists seem to get a job in a quite busy, cramped department, with long hours for perhaps not the reward they deserve. It won't have the diversity of role or the social interaction you might expect in a community pharmacy.

I'd expect some questions about working under pressure, working with confidential data. Being good at maths will be a benefit.

Remember to ask what the training involves, and how you can progress in the role. Remember it's not the route to become a Pharmacist - that takes a 4 year degree and pre-reg year.

Good luck!

Savvy_Sue

NHS: Equalities act. Know what protected characteristics are, think about how you avoid discrimination.

(Someone I know applying for an NHS position, not front line, asked how they'd contribute to equalities within the team ...)

Homecoming

Thank you, Detroit, Lorian and Savvy_Sue, and apologies for not responding yesterday. I added your suggestions to my notes and came up with some examples for them.

I had the interview this morning, and I think it went okay. They asked questions based on the organisation's values, all of which I could answer with the examples I had prepared. I think they were seeing quite a few candidates however, so it could still go either way.

They said they will let me know either way tomorrow.

Thank you again for your help everyone, it really made a big difference to my confidence as I felt much more prepared going in.

Smodlet

How refreshing to hear from someone who wants help to help themselves, as opposed to being "entitled" to an interview because they have applied. Best of luck, OP, let us know when you hear?

Ja7188

How refreshing to hear from someone who wants help to help themselves, as opposed to being "entitled" to an interview because they have applied. Best of luck, OP, let us know when you hear?

Amen to that! Fingers crossed...

Homecoming

Unfortunately, I don't have any good news to report back with - the job went to someone who already worked for the NHS.

I am disappointed of course. I genuinely wanted the job and it's frustrating to come second when there was only one role available.

The positive was that, when I asked for feedback, I was told that there was basically nothing I could have improved upon, and that my answers were very strong. So thank you to all of you for your help - it obviously made a big difference as I was much more confident in the interview than I have ever been in the past! :-)

I received a message this morning inviting me to interview for an administration role in a different hospital, so I am going to start getting myself prepared for that one. It's not for another couple of weeks, so I should have plenty of time.

Thank you again for all of your help and kind messages. I really do appreciate it.