I got my job almost by pure luck and good timing it seems. The store I was hired onto is not open yet and will not be open until first week of May. Applications were being taken online, so my competition was likely smaller. 4 spots were being hired for and 8 people interviewed for them. I just happened to be the only pre-pharm student and also found myself quite at ease with the manager so he found me to be a good match for the job. Previous to this though I had applied to both a CVS and Walgreens with no luck.
My only advice would be the obvious thing to apply everywhere you can, keep your options open (apply for pharm clerk if needed), go in person to speak with the pharmacy manager, and my goodness try to be at least a little outgoing even if you aren't normally.
You want to portray a friendly, confident and strong personality because working with people all day you need those characteristics. I tried to do that during my interview, put my best face forward and tried to act as though I were already hired and on the job. Well I don't think I explained that well... what I mean is think of what kind of appearance would you want to show while on your job once hired? Show that to your pharm manager and they'll probably like that. Hope that makes sense.
Oh and my biggest tip, which isn't possible for everyone, keep an eye (and ear) open for new stores being built in your area. Whether it's a grocery store or drug store doesn't matter. If somewhere that will have a pharmacy is being built, inquire about jobs. It's likely they have some being hired for. That's how I got mine!
Good luck!
