As a Superdrug Pharmacist, you are not just a dispenser of medication — you’re a trusted healthcare advisor, a source of reassurance for patients, and a leader within the store. This role blends clinical expertise with customer service, commercial awareness, and the ability to guide and inspire your team. At Superdrug, a Pharmacist typically earns between £45,000 and £58,000 per year, depending on experience and location, with additional benefits such as bonus schemes, pension contributions, and staff discounts. The job description often includes ensuring safe dispensing of prescriptions, providing health advice, delivering excellent customer service, overseeing pharmacy operations, training staff, and achieving commercial targets.
Below, I’ll share 25 fully explained interview questions and answers — covering opening, competency, and closing questions, all with tips to help you shine.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer: Keep it concise and relevant. “I’m a qualified pharmacist with 6 years of community pharmacy experience, including two years managing a high-volume store. I’m passionate about patient care, staff development, and improving operational efficiency, which aligns perfectly with Superdrug’s values.”
2. Why do you want to work for Superdrug?
Answer: “I admire Superdrug’s commitment to accessible healthcare and innovative services, such as in-store clinics. I want to be part of a team that combines professional excellence with great customer experience.”
3. What do you know about Superdrug’s pharmacy services?
Answer: Demonstrate research. Mention NHS services, flu jabs, travel clinics, prescription collection, and health advice.
4. How do you ensure patient safety in a busy pharmacy?
Answer: Use STAR: Situation (high-volume store), Task (maintain accuracy), Action (double-checking, delegating effectively, maintaining SOP compliance), Result (zero dispensing errors over X months).
5. Give an example of a time you improved a process.
Answer: “At my previous store, I introduced a checklist system for high-risk medications, which reduced dispensing time by 15% and improved accuracy.”
6. How do you handle a difficult customer?
Answer: Show empathy, active listening, calm tone, and resolution focus. STAR example preferred.
7. How do you manage your team effectively?
Answer: “I set clear expectations, provide training, recognise achievements, and address issues promptly. This builds trust and accountability.”
8. Describe a time you worked under pressure.
Answer: Share a specific scenario — e.g., multiple urgent prescriptions during staff sickness — and how you prioritised tasks, delegated, and stayed calm.
9. How do you keep up with changes in pharmacy regulations?
Answer: Mention CPD, GPhC updates, training sessions, and networking with other professionals.
10. Tell me about a time you trained or mentored a colleague.
Answer: Use STAR, focusing on the improvement or growth of the colleague and the resulting benefit to the pharmacy.
11. How do you ensure confidentiality?
Answer: Reference GDPR, patient confidentiality laws, and private consultation areas.
12. How would you deal with a prescription error?
Answer: Immediate correction, honest communication with patient, reporting via appropriate channels, root cause analysis.
13. How do you balance commercial targets with patient care?
Answer: Show that patient care always comes first, but that strong service naturally drives sales and loyalty.
14. What motivates you as a pharmacist?
Answer: Helping people, solving health problems, and leading a well-functioning team.
15. Tell me about a time you handled a complaint.
Answer: Show empathy, quick resolution, and follow-up to ensure satisfaction.
16. How do you manage stock efficiently?
Answer: Regular audits, monitoring usage trends, minimising waste, liaising with suppliers.
17. How would you contribute to Superdrug’s growth?
Answer: Highlight service expansion ideas, cross-promotion with beauty/health services, and community outreach.
18. How do you maintain accuracy when tired or stressed?
Answer: Strict adherence to SOPs, scheduled breaks, double-checking, team support.
19. Give an example of great customer service you provided.
Answer: Specific case where you went above and beyond to help a patient — emphasise impact.
20. How do you build trust with patients?
Answer: Consistent accuracy, clear communication, confidentiality, and empathy.
21. What’s your approach to leadership?
Answer: Supportive yet structured, leading by example, setting high standards.
22. How do you handle team conflicts?
Answer: Address promptly, listen to all sides, mediate fairly, agree on solutions.
23. How do you ensure compliance with company policies?
Answer: Regular staff briefings, audits, and training updates.
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Ask about development opportunities, new service launches, or team structure.
25. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring a strong track record of clinical excellence, team leadership, and customer satisfaction, perfectly aligned with Superdrug’s goals.”
Competency questions and the STAR method
Competency questions test your skills through real examples. Always use Situation, Task, Action, Result:
Situation: Briefly set the scene.
Task: What needed to be done.
Action: What you did.
Result: The positive outcome, ideally with measurable impact.
Example: “Tell me about a time you increased efficiency.” Situation: understaffed, Task: maintain service levels, Action: restructured workflow and cross-trained staff, Result: maintained 100% service delivery and reduced overtime by 20%.
Do’s and Don’ts for your Superdrug Pharmacist interview
Do:
Research Superdrug’s pharmacy services.
Prepare STAR examples in advance.
Dress professionally and arrive early.
Show enthusiasm for both clinical and commercial sides.
Don’t:
Speak negatively about previous employers.
Give vague, generic answers.
Forget to prepare your own questions.
Overlook commercial awareness in your responses.
General interview coaching encouragement
Remember — an interview is a two-way conversation. You are there to show how your skills meet Superdrug’s needs, but also to assess whether this is the right environment for you. Confidence comes from preparation, and preparation is my speciality after 25+ years as an interview coach. Whether it’s refining your answers, mastering body language, or handling tricky questions, interview coaching can transform your performance.
You’ve worked hard to qualify as a pharmacist — now let’s make sure your interview success matches your dedication. Book your personalised interview training session today, and walk into your Superdrug Pharmacist interview ready to impress.
