Student Pharmacy Technician interview tips

[fistralboy]

Hi
I've got an interview coming up for the position of Student Pharmacy Technician. I was wondering if anyone had been interviewed for such a position and knew what sort of questions are likely to come up. Everyone thinks im mad for even applying as i've no experience in this field and in my mid...okay late 20s. People are saying i'm too old to be given a role as a 'student' technician. I'm really keen to do well in the interview and hopefully make a career for myself so would appreciate any tips.
Huge thanks
FB

[CheekyChops]

Well I'm sorry that I can't give you any help but just wanted to say that the fact you are 'older' and have no experience obviously isn't too big a hurdle otherwise you would never have been given an interview!

Good luck x

[anneconstanc]

Hey! I have an interview for the same thing at 3 PM today. I'm pretty nervous because I don't have any experience either, but I've been interested in it and have a couple books which I've only read a few chapters of so far. There are several other people applying for the same position this week and I'm wondering how many of them have more experience than I do. We'll see, I guess! But anyway, I don't have any advice for you because I need advice, myself! But good luck.

[fistralboy]

hi anneconstance.....how did it go!?? Any tips? Fingers crossed for you, hope its good news!

[Katy May]

I got asked if I know what a meniscus was (not sure how to spell it!). However, that was 20 yrs ago. I imagine they'll ask you stuff about why you want to do the job, maybe ask for examples of when you have had to give advice, cope with boring roles, follow instructions, deal with heavy workloads or being accurate with weights and measures. They may ask if you've had any previous shop experience or customer service experience.

Don't worry about the age thing, it will make you more reliable and able to cope with pressure/difficult situations etc.

Also don't be afraid to ask questions - is there a chance to study for qualifications? for example.

Good luck.

[hannah2106]

hiya i applied for the post two years ago (i am 29!) and am just in the process of qualifying. All interviews are different but the questions are usually similar, i was asked what i thought was required of me in the job, and what qualities i thought i had that would help me ( it helps to read the job description here!). I was also given scenarios like what would you if a doctor phoned down and asked you a question you werent sure of? just stuff like that, but they may not ask you things like this if you have no previous experience. If you have no experience in pharmacy it doesnt matter too much they will take this into consideration when interviewing BUT a good tip would be to research the requirements of the job role and mention the KSF (its on google) and continued proffessional/personal development, Just show that you have researched the job thoroughly. They also seem to like staff who want to stay on after qualification as they will have spent time training you. There are lots of people who apply with no previous experience and the NVQ is written so that if you are starting from scratch it isnt unachievable. P.S. As you are are late 20's this can be seen as an advantage as some younger students decide it isnt for them and dont realy realise what is required of them. You will probaly not be the oldest at college there were peole in my call who were 40+
Hope this has been of some help to you.
Hannah