University of Otago Pharmacy Interview Questions

Diversity

• Describe a situation where you had to work with someone whose background and culture was different from yours. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• How would you address a situation in which a patient’s cultural beliefs conflicted with the recommended treatment?
• How have you promoted inclusivity and diversity in your previous experiences?
• Can you provide an example of how your understanding of cultural competence impacted your interactions with others?
• How would you approach a situation where a team member was not respecting the diverse backgrounds of others?
• Can you give an example of a time when you made an effort to learn about a culture different from your own to better serve a person from that culture?
• Have you had a meaningful interaction with someone who sees the world differently than you do? How did that affect your perspective?

Your Leadership and Team Working

• Give an example of a time when you took on a leadership role. What was the outcome?
• Can you describe a time when you made a significant contribution to a team project?
• Describe a situation where you had to motivate a disengaged team member.
• Can you give an example of when you had to adjust your leadership style to suit a particular individual or group?
• Describe a time when you encountered a significant hurdle or obstacle while leading a team. How did you navigate it?
• How have you handled conflict within a team? Can you give a specific example?
• Describe a time when you helped improve team collaboration or communication.
  
  

Communication Skills

• Tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex concept to someone with no background in the subject.
• How would you handle a situation where a patient is upset or angry about their medication or diagnosis?
• How would you handle explaining to a patient that they had misunderstood their medication instructions?
• Tell me about a time when you had to navigate a miscommunication. How did you address it?
• Can you share an experience where you effectively used non-verbal communication?
• Describe a time when effective communication helped resolve a difficult situation.
  
  

Understanding of the Profession and Motivation

• Why are you specifically interested in the field of Pharmacy?
• Can you explain a current challenge that the pharmacy profession is facing in New Zealand?
• How do you see the role of pharmacists evolving in the future?
• Describe a situation in which you witnessed the positive impact a pharmacist can make on a patient’s life.
• How do your personal values align with the principles of the Pharmacy profession?
• What experiences have you had that led you to pursue a career in Pharmacy?
• How do you perceive the role of a pharmacist in the healthcare team?
  
  

Resilience and Adaptability

• Tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you handled it.
• How do you typically handle stress? Can you give an example of a stressful situation you faced and how you dealt with it?
• Can you share an experience where you had to adapt quickly to a new situation or environment?
• Describe a time when you were resilient in the face of a challenging situation.
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision in a high-pressure situation?
• Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple responsibilities. How did you prioritise?