Is is always this frustrating to secure a pharm tech job?

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rs37982

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I've been looking for a pharmacy technician job since November, and I wanted to secure the job by winter break so that I could do the proper training and not have to worry about school at the same time. I called nearly every CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc. in my area. Most didn't have any openings. One CVS was looking to hire, and I applied online. The pharmacy manager was interested, but needed to pull my application from the system first, which the store manager had to do, but it wasn't happening. I called this store so frequently that she knew me by name, but in wasn't in the pharmacists' hands. I called the store manager and when he went to look up my application, but said he couldn't find it, even though I confirmed with customer service that I did submit the application to that store.

This went on for a week or so before I got a call from another CVS in my area who was asking if I was still interested in the job. The pharmacist seemed interested in hiring me since he asked for a scan of my license and told me he would get the manager to pull my application and start the hiring process. That was in late December, at the start of winter break, and two-three weeks later it still hasn't happened. Again, I've been calling the store non-stop and the manager tells me there's some issue with the system and he's having trouble getting my application. Meanwhile, all winter break, I've been calling and applying to other stores and none of them are hiring.

I am extremely, EXTREMELY frustrated. I wanted to get started on this job and the training since a while ago, and now I have classes and interviews coming up. I really wanted this experience before my interviews so I could talk about it in the interview. Did anyone else have such a hard time getting a pharm tech job? Would it be any help if I went in-store (the reason I haven't lately is because I'm not in town during the holiday break)? I didn't think so since the pharmacist sounded like he wanted to hire me, he just needed the manager to start the hiring process, and I already submitted my application and resume online. Needless to say, as soon as I get back in town, I'm stopping by as many pharmacies I can to try and get this facking job.
 
I've been looking for a pharmacy technician job since November, and I wanted to secure the job by winter break so that I could do the proper training and not have to worry about school at the same time. I called nearly every CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc. in my area. Most didn't have any openings. One CVS was looking to hire, and I applied online. The pharmacy manager was interested, but needed to pull my application from the system first, which the store manager had to do, but it wasn't happening. I called this store so frequently that she knew me by name, but in wasn't in the pharmacists' hands. I called the store manager and when he went to look up my application, but said he couldn't find it, even though I confirmed with customer service that I did submit the application to that store.

This went on for a week or so before I got a call from another CVS in my area who was asking if I was still interested in the job. The pharmacist seemed interested in hiring me since he asked for a scan of my license and told me he would get the manager to pull my application and start the hiring process. That was in late December, at the start of winter break, and two-three weeks later it still hasn't happened. Again, I've been calling the store non-stop and the manager tells me there's some issue with the system and he's having trouble getting my application. Meanwhile, all winter break, I've been calling and applying to other stores and none of them are hiring.

I am extremely, EXTREMELY frustrated. I wanted to get started on this job and the training since a while ago, and now I have classes and interviews coming up. I really wanted this experience before my interviews so I could talk about it in the interview. Did anyone else have such a hard time getting a pharm tech job? Would it be any help if I went in-store (the reason I haven't lately is because I'm not in town during the holiday break)? I didn't think so since the pharmacist sounded like he wanted to hire me, he just needed the manager to start the hiring process, and I already submitted my application and resume online. Needless to say, as soon as I get back in town, I'm stopping by as many pharmacies I can to try and get this facking job.


You need to calm down. I am also in the same shoes. This has been discussed previous in other threads. I remember some guy saying that it took him more than 6 months to get a job. I am losing hope. I've also been looking for a job since October. I managed to get an interview from a local medical center but the scheduling didn't work out for me because of my classes. I've been calling, visiting, applying online and so on but no luck. I had so much time that I even got a certificate as a certified pharmacy technician(CPhT).

I am trying another approach at the moment. I will just get any cashier job in walmart or any chain pharmacy and then I may have more chances to switch to a pharm tech after a while. I think this will be better than just sitting at home and doing nothing.
 
I guess the thing that frustrates me most is that the pharmacist told me he wanted to hire me, but it's all because of the manager and his inability to retrieve and process my application. And it didn't happen just once, it happened twice, at 2 CVS's. I've had my certification since last summer, but was unable to get a job then, so I stopped to focus on school, then started applying again in late November. From the looks of it, I won't get any pharm tech experience by the time I go into interview, which makes me anxious since the only reason I didn't get in last year was lack of experience (I have since gotten volunteer experience at the hospital, but I don't know if it's enough for the interview).
 
Many others, including myself, have found themselves in a very similar situation. I was fortunate enough to have a recruiter from CVS place work with me until I found a store that had hours for me. So far, I'm almost done with my training, but it has taken over 60 emails, just as many phone calls, and a lot of nonsense to put up with to boot. Just know that you are not alone in experiencing frustration, as the market isn't great for pharm techs right now, especially those w/o experience or a license. I would recommend you really try to follow through with CVS as they will pay for your Pharm Tech certification and up to 1k a year in educational expenses. It takes a lot of persistence, so don't give up now, especially when you are so close to achieving your goals.

Hope this helps, good luck!



P.S. - Regarding getting a cashier job and then switching to pharmacy, a lot of organizations I have looked into want you to maintain your current position for 6 months before changing to a new department. Obviously there will be exceptions to this, but just keep that in mind before you make a time investment that will not work for your time frame for interviews. Again, good luck!
 
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I guess the thing that frustrates me most is that the pharmacist told me he wanted to hire me, but it's all because of the manager and his inability to retrieve and process my application. And it didn't happen just once, it happened twice, at 2 CVS's. I've had my certification since last summer, but was unable to get a job then, so I stopped to focus on school, then started applying again in late November. From the looks of it, I won't get any pharm tech experience by the time I go into interview, which makes me anxious since the only reason I didn't get in last year was lack of experience (I have since gotten volunteer experience at the hospital, but I don't know if it's enough for the interview).

Looks like you learned a lot of (negative) things about CVS at least?
 
yeah its pretty tough.. but be persistent! Continue to apply online, call/go in person to each location and speak with the pharmacy manager and ask if they are hiring. In my case, I am interested in applying to pharmacy school and I told them about that. Just let them know, and some will promote that and try to get your some pharmacy experience (refer you to other locations hiring/volunteering)

I was once in your shoes before. applying to retail pharmacies (cvs, walgreens, safeway, target, walmart...), calling, and only received 3 interviews. I didnt have any prior pharmacy experience and was going to school at the same time. The pharm manager did like my personality, but they were a hesitant to hire me b/c i lacked experience and didn't have a flexible schedule due to school. I didn't give up and continued to call.. Then i got another interview and luckily the pharm manager told me she had a technician that was leaving soon. So don't give up!! Be persistent and patient.. your time will come!! 🙂
 
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Like everyone says and myself included, be persistent but also be likeable too. I think the key in pharmacy is personality/attitude and the pharmacy managers I've talked to 100% agree on this. Also, understand too that timing is key just like monkey24 said. I got my first tech job at a big chain (starts with W and has the name of a color in it) and I too did not have any prior experience or any retail experience at all but I expressed that I am Pre-Pharmacy and of course was genuine. He gave me a chance a month later when someone was going on leave and he needed someone to fill in. One year later, I got a per diem hospital tech job too if you broaden yourself.

Also, understand this too, retail pharmacies right now and for the past few weeks are REALLY busy because people are sick, getting flu shots and almost everyone's insurance has changed so hiring a new person with no experience and needs to be trained is not the top of any pharmacy manager's list. Be patient, keep trying and there will be a spot and a chance.
 
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