First time working in a pharmacy...

[Khushi]

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Okay, first off.. forgive me if this is reposted, but I'm not here every single day.

So, I applied at a Rite Aid pharmacy today.. filled out an application and all, and the pharmacists working there told me I can come back Monday for an interview. This is the first time I'm working in a pharmacy, and last time I worked was just a volunteer at a hospital for a month and then a cashier at a clothing department store two years ago. Is there any need to bring a resume along with me? And do you have any tips and tidbits of advice for me? (And I've already planned to dress professionally.)

 

[pinkyrx]

It couldn't hurt to bring a resume with you as long as it's a good resume. I don't mean work history, but good as in no typos, nice formatting, quality paper etc etc. I think it would help show them that you are very interested in the job and that you are a professional.

Good luck with the interview!

 

[Khushi]

Thank you! 🙂

 

[rxlynn]

Okay, first off.. forgive me if this is reposted, but I'm not here every single day.

So, I applied at a Rite Aid pharmacy today.. filled out an application and all, and the pharmacists working there told me I can come back Monday for an interview. This is the first time I'm working in a pharmacy, and last time I worked was just a volunteer at a hospital for a month and then a cashier at a clothing department store two years ago. Is there any need to bring a resume along with me? And do you have any tips and tidbits of advice for me? (And I've already planned to dress professionally.)

You might want to discuss how your previous experience in retail will help with retail pharmacy. I know that in my store we try very hard to hire techs who will work well with the customers, and that is a skill that can be developed other places. Also, make sure (if this is true for you) that you point out you are relatively familiar with computers. Every pharmacy will have their own computer system that you need to learn, but it helps a lot if you are already computer friendly.

 

[Trancelucent1]

You might want to discuss how your previous experience in retail will help with retail pharmacy. I know that in my store we try very hard to hire techs who will work well with the customers, and that is a skill that can be developed other places. Also, make sure (if this is true for you) that you point out you are relatively familiar with computers. Every pharmacy will have their own computer system that you need to learn, but it helps a lot if you are already computer friendly.

I agree completely with this post. I didn't have retail experience but I worked in a restaurant for 4 years. I think this was as big reason why I was hired for my internship last summer. They want to know that you can work with people. That's the main thing! Good luck!

 

[DuocSi2010]

Is it just me or it's just really hard to find a job in pharmacy? I've been trying to get a pharm tech job even during my pre-reqs and I could never find a place with openings. I really want to work this summer before I start pharm school (to make some benjamins because I won't be working during the school year) but no place is hiring. I feel like everyone I know that got the job either have friends that work in the pharmacy or their uncle or aunts is a pharmacist. Are there any hope for people that does NOT have inside connections? Any suggestions?

I'm sorry OP if it's not relevant to your post. Congrats on the interview!

 

[slimcutt]

I recently started an internship at a Rite Aid in Oregon. My interview consisted of me just having lunch with the district manager. He didn't really ask me any interview type questions aside from, "Why did you choose pharmacy?" I did give him a resume, but I don't think it was necessary for me to do so. After lunch he showed me around the pharmacy and gave me a demonstration of how their computer system works.

Overall, it was a very informal process and I'm very happy working there.

 

[RxRob]

At your level you're supposed to have a CV, not a resume. It's much more inclusive due to what is viewed as extraordinary achievements. We had to start our CV during orientation week as a P1 and add to it regularly. This is all assuming you're not posting in the wrong area of this site.

 

[genesis09]

The only people who use a CV are in academia. No one else uses them. The professors/advisors at COPs try and force us to use them because that is what they use. Are you planning to go into academia? Yes, then use a CV. No, a resume will be fine.

 

[Poland]

Khushi, I hope your interview went well! I worked at a Rite-Aid pharmacy and it is a good place to be depending on your pharmacist. They do not pay as well as other drug stores and I don't know of getting a pay raise after being hired for earning a national certification. Otherwise, good place to be and just enough to keep you busy. Good luck!

 

[Khushi]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Well, it didn't go too bad, although I think my interviewer seemed to have doubts at first -- his specific words were "Retail pharmacy is a lot more challenging than the retail you've worked in."

But, anyway.. he gave me a number that I should call to take a small over-the-phone test that lasts for a few minutes.. basically asking questions if I ever stole anything from an employee, or ever done narcotics and marijuana or ever gone to jail. I don't get it... I have a clean slate. Never stole, never charged for anything, never done any sort of narcotics, willing to take a drug test if asked.... but at the end of the test, the machine said that I do not qualify for the job. :\ What did I do wrong?

 

[WVUPharm2007]

You can use the strategy a sorority type girl I knew in undergrad used to great success. Just show up in a tube top and leather pants. Go to enough interviews and you'll eventually run into a horny bastard that would hire you based on that alone.

Or not. You know, whatever. I've got a test in 8.25 hours I haven't started studying for yet. I should prolly get on that.....

 

[sashIMI]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Well, it didn't go too bad, although I think my interviewer seemed to have doubts at first -- his specific words were "Retail pharmacy is a lot more challenging than the retail you've worked in."

But, anyway.. he gave me a number that I should call to take a small over-the-phone test that lasts for a few minutes.. basically asking questions if I ever stole anything from an employee, or ever done narcotics and marijuana or ever gone to jail. I don't get it... I have a clean slate. Never stole, never charged for anything, never done any sort of narcotics, willing to take a drug test if asked.... but at the end of the test, the machine said that I do not qualify for the job. :\ What did I do wrong?

I'm glad your interview went well...that over-the-phone test you mentioned is a screening (part psychology, part background, part ethics, part plain bullsh*t) that RiteAid gives to all potential employees. My brother's friend took the same test and failed as well, even though he also has a clean slate. Well, to make a long story short, he followed up on it (also scratching his head as to how he failed it), and found out that he had punched a key wrong, hence giving the wrong answer to one of the questions. The same may have happened to you and you might want to follow up on it as well. It wouldn't hurt to check. Don't give up...there are plenty of pharmacies out there for you to find your place in! 🙂

 

[Khushi]

I'm glad your interview went well...that over-the-phone test you mentioned is a screening (part psychology, part background, part ethics, part plain bullsh*t) that RiteAid gives to all potential employees. My brother's friend took the same test and failed as well, even though he also has a clean slate. Well, to make a long story short, he followed up on it (also scratching his head as to how he failed it), and found out that he had punched a key wrong, hence giving the wrong answer to one of the questions. The same may have happened to you and you might want to follow up on it as well. It wouldn't hurt to check. Don't give up...there are plenty of pharmacies out there for you to find your place in! 🙂

Well, I know for one that I entered my phone number wrong (I KNOW it though, 😛 it was a slip of the finger) and I realized that after taking the test. Thanks though.. did that same pharmacy he took the test for let him take it again and hired him?

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

Well, I know for one that I entered my phone number wrong (I KNOW it though, 😛 it was a slip of the finger) and I realized that after taking the test. Thanks though.. did that same pharmacy he took the test for let him take it again and hired him?

If you did fail the screening test, I believe you can take it over again in 6 months.

 

[Poland]

Well, I know for one that I entered my phone number wrong (I KNOW it though, 😛 it was a slip of the finger) and I realized that after taking the test. Thanks though.. did that same pharmacy he took the test for let him take it again and hired him?

I work for Rite-Aid and I had to take that test a year ago. Those questions are almost trying to trick you, as with many pre-employment screenings like that. All I know is that when you answer you must think about what they would want you to say, to be honest. But either way, there are so many questions and you have to key them in so it gets too long. I don't think they should use that as an overall assesment, but the company does. My manager told me I had to do it before I could be hired.

I really would call them and speak to them since you know that your record is clean and you have had no major work problems. I mean, I am sorry that you came that far and then had this happen. They don't give the phone test to just anyone.

They need to do some serious updating!

 

[Khushi]

Yeah, I'll call them up.

I've only gotten this far with that specific place. I've applied to at least 20 other places, and they either say "No, sorry, no openings." or go "You can fill out an application and we'll call you!" One week later.. no call. From any of those pharmacies.

:\ I guess its typical that they would want someone experienced.. but well, you don't exactly catch experience as it falls through the air. What do I do?

 

[DownonthePharm]

Those pre-employment test are a bunch of BS. I agree its all about answering like an "ideal employee" would answer. Its almost a joke. I almost always do poorly on them though because I answer that Im quiet and dont like to be in people business. Do all stores want chatty, noisy people working there or something?

 

[Poland]

DownonthePharm--

I actually answer the opposite way since I know that's what they want. I mean, I work with Rite Aid and they do the mentioned phone questions, but my manager said to me that she wasn't concerned about it. It's the district manager's interest I suppose. But I do try and respond to unimportant surveys the way they would want. After working in a retail pharmacy, I can tell it's important that you be able to listen to someone's business very often. When you actually get the job, however, it's the work performance that matters... if you can just get there, you know?

Khushi, keep trying. My best advice is to do one or both of these two things:

Take up volunteering in a hospital pharmacy if possible, that is experience
Think about taking the national certification exam.

You may know about the certification exam. It's not through your employer but a national exam that will almost certainly help your chances of getting a job. I work at a pharmacy but I don't work in the pharmacy yet. I am having to take the PTCB test in order to gain some credit and respect. If you can take and pass the exam then your starting salary may also be higher at some places. 99.9% of our technicians aren't working towards pharmacy or even to be nationally certified. It will set you apart, and it's not that expensive, either.

 

[Khushi]

DownonthePharm--

I actually answer the opposite way since I know that's what they want. I mean, I work with Rite Aid and they do the mentioned phone questions, but my manager said to me that she wasn't concerned about it. It's the district manager's interest I suppose. But I do try and respond to unimportant surveys the way they would want. After working in a retail pharmacy, I can tell it's important that you be able to listen to someone's business very often. When you actually get the job, however, it's the work performance that matters... if you can just get there, you know?

Khushi, keep trying. My best advice is to do one or both of these two things:

Take up volunteering in a hospital pharmacy if possible, that is experience
Think about taking the national certification exam.

You may know about the certification exam. It's not through your employer but a national exam that will almost certainly help your chances of getting a job. I work at a pharmacy but I don't work in the pharmacy yet. I am having to take the PTCB test in order to gain some credit and respect. If you can take and pass the exam then your starting salary may also be higher at some places. 99.9% of our technicians aren't working towards pharmacy or even to be nationally certified. It will set you apart, and it's not that expensive, either.

I was considering that too.. like, find a job as a clerk instead in a pharmacy and in the meantime, study and take the exam.

I would prefer a paying job, because, well.. even though I'm more interested in getting the experience, I'm already taking loans out now and after two years, I have to help my father in supporting my brothers when they go to college (they're twins).

 

[Poland]

I was considering that too.. like, find a job as a clerk instead in a pharmacy and in the meantime, study and take the exam.

I would prefer a paying job, because, well.. even though I'm more interested in getting the experience, I'm already taking loans out now and after two years, I have to help my father in supporting my brothers when they go to college (they're twins).

My manager has just recently warmed up to the idea of letting me work as a tech. I haven't done that yet, but we feel that after certification I might stand a good chance at a job in the back.

It might be a little easier finding a clerk job. Our cashiers have worked at the pharmacy register before and it's fun and very different.

I am supposed to take the PTCB test in July and I'm nervous already. I just want to pass it and see what lies ahead, you know? Not to mention that I have to travel an hour or so for the exam on top of the $120 fee. I am really glad that pharmacy technicians have an exam they can pass.

By the way, I understand your point about working instead of volunteering. Though, take for instance.. if you are planning on going into pharmacy school then even a few hours of volunteer work would make a huge difference on your school application. Otherwise, keep trying. I have being going strong for a little under a year! 😎