Looking for Pharmtech job.

[No1 Pusher]

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1) CVS sign says "Pharm tech Now Hiring" "apply within"

So I go inside and they said "apply online" wtf?


Me: (politely, smiley, clean) Hi, Can I speak with the PIC or the Rph Manager?

Tech: Hello, can I help you with something?

Me: (I really don't want to talk to the tech, is it rude to say No, I want to talk to the Pharmacist? hoping the RPh will hire me on the spot)I was wondering if you guys have any positions available for pharmtech... Im not certified yet, but i'll be taking the exam next month..blah blah...I want to pursue a career..blahh

Tech: you can apply online @ cvs.com, walgreens.com

I end up telling the tech all that stuff and all they say is "apply online."

One of the Lead Tech actually says "I usually handle pharmtech applications, you can goto www.com & apply."

Techs in charge of applications?? Never knew that..

Has anyone had a similar experience?
How many of you got the job thru online application?

 

[eelo]

1) CVS sign says "apply within"

So I go inside and they said "apply online" wtf?


Me: (politely, smiley, clean) Hi, Can I speak with the PIC or the Rph Manager?

Tech: Hello, can I help you with something?

Me: (I really don't want to talk to the tech, is it rude to say No, I want to talk to the Pharmacist? hoping the RPh will hire me on the spot)I was wondering if you guys have any positions available for pharmtech... Im not certified yet, but i'll be taking the exam next month..blah blah...I want to pursue a career..blahh

Tech: you can apply online @ cvs.com, walgreens.com

I end up telling the tech all that stuff and all they say is "apply online."

One of the Lead Tech actually says "I usually handle pharmtech applications, you can goto www.com & apply."

Techs in charge of applications?? Never knew that..

Has anyone had a similar experience?
How many of you got the job thru online application?

Clearly, this is a trusted senior technician, who has been given the responsibility of vetting applications. If this technician doesn't have final hiring authority, s/he probably screens all applicants and forwards the best two or three to the pharmacist.

If you want a job at this place, do what they say to do, to initiae the hiring process. I don't understand why you're looking for validation of this; if that's how they do things, that's what you have to work with.

 

[piyi]

I got my tech job after filling out the in-store application (which is similar to an online application). At my current store, we hired two technicians off of the online applications. Basically, at CVS at least, you have to fill out the online application before they can hire you. You have to score at least a "yellow" (although they prefer "green"; they won't hire you if you score "red")to show that you are likely to be a good worker. You know all those questions in the application like, "Do you like to work in groups?" etc. Well, they rate you on your answers to these questions and you can only be hired if you score within the green or yellow range (like you answered ~70% of those questions correctly or something like that).

So, yeah, the technician wasn't blowing you off or anything like that. I don't know how many times my pharmacy manager told people who've asked him about getting a job the same thing that the lead tech told you: go and fill out the online application. And we were almost always looking for more help.

 

[No1 Pusher]

Asking for validation?

Most of the posts I've read from the posters who applied, got the job on the spot by speaking with a Pharmacist/Manager.

If you were to apply, who would you rather speak with? The tech or the Boss? The applicant has more chances of getting the job If he/she speaks with the Pharmacist/Manager especially if you let them know your intentions. (i.e., career in pharm, experience) Unfortunately, everytime I walk in, It's always the tech that I end up conversating with.

So.. I asked if anyone had a similar experience & how many actually the job thru online application.

 

[No1 Pusher]

I got my tech job after filling out the in-store application (which is similar to an online application). At my current store, we hired two technicians off of the online applications. Basically, at CVS at least, you have to fill out the online application before they can hire you. You have to score at least a "yellow" (although they prefer "green"; they won't hire you if you score "red")to show that you are likely to be a good worker. You know all those questions in the application like, "Do you like to work in groups?" etc. Well, they rate you on your answers to these questions and you can only be hired if you score within the green or yellow range (like you answered ~70% of those questions correctly or something like that).

So, yeah, the technician wasn't blowing you off or anything like that. I don't know how many times my pharmacy manager told people who've asked him about getting a job the same thing that the lead tech told you: go and fill out the online application. And we were almost always looking for more help.

Ah.. I see. 🙂

Do you know if they really call your previous employer?

 

[eelo]

Asking for validation?

Most of the posts I've read from the posters who applied, got the job on the spot by speaking with a Pharmacist/Manager.

If you were to apply, who would you rather speak with? The tech or the Boss? The applicant has more chances of getting the job If he/she speaks with the Pharmacist/Manager especially if you let them know your intentions. (i.e., career in pharm, experience) Unfortunately, everytime I walk in, It's always the tech that I end up conversating with.

So.. I asked if anyone had a similar experience & how many actually the job thru online application.

If I was to apply, I'd do what I was told in regard to filing my application. It's not unusual, especially for larger companies, to have a general on-line application which can be followed up by an in-person, on-site interview.

You absolutely do NOT know who makes the initial hiring decisions in that pharmacy. It is very possible that the senior tech/lead tech is the one who determines if an applicant is worthy of being looked at by the Pharmacist or hiring manager.

Your tone implies that you feel "the tech" is not good enough for you to talk to, like it's some sort of imposition on your valuable time to have to talk to a mere tech? I'd say, that's probably what's going to keep you from getting the job in a place that values the input of the tech, as this place seems to. Part of getting the job is "workplace fit," that is, how well will you fit in with others there?

You may be blowing it by not giving this respected lead technician the benefit of your time.

 

[KellyBean]

I like Walgreen's online application much better because you can fill out one application and a lot of stores can see your application versus CVS. You can only fill an application out for a specific store. How do I know which one is hiring for me to even apply?? I think it's stupid!! But I got 2 phone calls from 2 different stores after I filled out an application online and was hired on the spot. CVS, I don't know how many times I filled out their application and never even got a phone call.

 

[No1 Pusher]

I like Walgreen's online application much better because you can fill out one application and a lot of stores can see your application versus CVS. You can only fill an application out for a specific store. How do I know which one is hiring for me to even apply?? I think it's stupid!! But I got 2 phone calls from 2 different stores after I filled out an application online and was hired on the spot. CVS, I don't know how many times I filled out their application and never even got a phone call.

I did 2 CVS app online. Each app is about 30-45 mins long
20 pages of personality test. That's crazy work.

 

[Julianne]

If you were to apply, who would you rather speak with? The tech or the Boss? The applicant has more chances of getting the job If he/she speaks with the Pharmacist/Manager especially if you let them know your intentions. (i.e., career in pharm, experience) Unfortunately, everytime I walk in, It's always the tech that I end up conversating with.

Speaking from experience here... if the tech said the (s)he did most of the interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, etc. it's probably true. At my home store I was "the boss" when it came to these types of issues. I think it's a good idea to speak with the pharmacy manager -AND- the person who does the grunt work (if they're not one in the same).

 

[Doctor M]

Clearly, this is a trusted senior technician, who has been given the responsibility of vetting applications. If this technician doesn't have final hiring authority, s/he probably screens all applicants and forwards the best two or three to the pharmacist.

If you want a job at this place, do what they say to do, to initiae the hiring process. I don't understand why you're looking for validation of this; if that's how they do things, that's what you have to work with.

this is what I do. My lead tech screens them and gives me the best applicants. It's good to delegate these responsibilities to a trusted employee. I also cant leave the pharmacy for interviews, so my lead tech does it. As for applying online or through the little machine upfront, that is CVS policy. You are screened and then a fax is sent to us as a potential future employee.

 

[PHARMD101]

Welcome to the real world! Believe me, they don't greet you with the tropical Hawaiian leis!
I know the CVS sign is not clear - they are just trying to attract attention. But, you need to get your pharm tech license first. I think their app asks for the license number. If you say you don't have one, I think your app goes to the wayside.
They cannot hire you as a pharm tech without the license so I would get that out of the way first and then apply.
And good luck with the cranky atmosphere - C'est la vie!...That's life!!

1) CVS sign says "Pharm tech Now Hiring" "apply within"

So I go inside and they said "apply online" wtf?


Me: (politely, smiley, clean) Hi, Can I speak with the PIC or the Rph Manager?

Tech: Hello, can I help you with something?

Me: (I really don't want to talk to the tech, is it rude to say No, I want to talk to the Pharmacist? hoping the RPh will hire me on the spot)I was wondering if you guys have any positions available for pharmtech... Im not certified yet, but i'll be taking the exam next month..blah blah...I want to pursue a career..blahh

Tech: you can apply online @ cvs.com, walgreens.com

I end up telling the tech all that stuff and all they say is "apply online."

One of the Lead Tech actually says "I usually handle pharmtech applications, you can goto www.com & apply."

Techs in charge of applications?? Never knew that..

Has anyone had a similar experience?
How many of you got the job thru online application?

 

[confettiflyer]

Very strange about the CVS thing....I applied online for a store, followed up with a second store, and got a call from an entirely different store. They use the same system, every store can see your application if they know who to look for.

I'm guessing that at the second store I followed up to, their manager called up the manager of the third store and told her about me. The store she is in charge of is "distressed" (she told me this up front during the interview) and needed a smart and dedicated tech who is planning to pursue pharmacy (not just being a tech for the money).

So I see both a challenge and an opportunity. I was hired as a tech WITHOUT even having my CPhT license. I take the test on August 29th, but the manager agreed to hire me "as a tech" and train/pay me as one since the first month or so sees no HUGE difference between a clerk and a tech.

 

[No1 Pusher]

Very strange about the CVS thing....I applied online for a store, followed up with a second store, and got a call from an entirely different store. They use the same system, every store can see your application if they know who to look for.

I'm guessing that at the second store I followed up to, their manager called up the manager of the third store and told her about me. The store she is in charge of is "distressed" (she told me this up front during the interview) and needed a smart and dedicated tech who is planning to pursue pharmacy (not just being a tech for the money).

So I see both a challenge and an opportunity. I was hired as a tech WITHOUT even having my CPhT license. I take the test on August 29th, but the manager agreed to hire me "as a tech" and train/pay me as one since the first month or so sees no HUGE difference between a clerk and a tech.

Isn't that againts the law? Working without CphT license in CA?

 

[No1 Pusher]

You may be blowing it by not giving this respected lead technician the benefit of your time.

It was mentioned in my original post that I did give the tech my time.^^

I talked to the them politely, showed no sign of "your just wasting my time" expression, I must've "thank you'd" about 5 times.

Your tone implies that you feel "the tech" is not good enough for you to talk to

I can talk to the techs all day but when it comes to applying, I followed what is recommended in the FAQs.

"Be sure to ask for the pharmacy manager, as they do the hiring"

I just felt disappointed that I didn't get to talk to the Manager/Pharmacist.
That doesn't mean Tech's are not good enough for me.

I wasn't aware that techs could play a role in the hiring process..

Now I know.

 

[confettiflyer]

Isn't that againts the law? Working without CphT license in CA?

yes and no...i clearly won't be doing any action that requires a license. it's just in anticipation of receiving my license, the hiring manager hired me essentially as a tech-in-training and i'll be paid more in the interim vs. just being a clerk. the moment i'm licensed, i'll then take on the tech responsibilities. at least, that's what i think is going on!

 

[No1 Pusher]

Wow, I just got a call from CVS. They left a voicemail. I think I got the job. lol

 

[eelo]

Wow, I just got a call from CVS. They left a voicemail. I think I got the job. lol

Excellent! Congraulations. ;-)

 

[No1 Pusher]

Thanks Eelo! It feels like I won the lottery lol.

 

[treetop02]

Thanks Eelo! It feels like I won the lottery lol.

i heard cvs is cheap and they pay their clerks minimum wage? How is that winning the lottery? After 3 months of working, you will realize how much you are overworked and underpaid. If you're there just for the experience, congratulations. In terms of long term, i wish you the best of luck. 😀😀😀

 

[No1 Pusher]

i heard cvs is cheap and they pay their clerks minimum wage? How is that winning the lottery? After 3 months of working, you will realize how much you are overworked and underpaid. If you're there just for the experience, congratulations. In terms of long term, i wish you the best of luck. 😀😀😀

Why lottery? Because it's really hard to get a pharmtech job here in my area & I finally got it.

I know what goes on in retail...so NO long term for me unless they offer me a salary that I can't refuse. Im going to use CVS just for experience so I can hop to a hospital setting as a Pharmtech.

 

[piyi]

Thanks Eelo! It feels like I won the lottery lol.

Congratulations! I remember when I first got the call from Osco. I was jumping up and down in my room saying "I got a call from a pharmacy!!!" I also felt like I had won the lottery.

Yeah, retail's not for everyone. I was lucky enough to have some really great people to work with at my first pharmacy. I think that will be a large factor in whether or not you will enjoy your pharmacy experience--the people who you work with. Also, you're going to run into some angry/disgruntled customers where you work. Don't take it personally. These people, even though they may seem like it, for the most part are not angry at you. That is just how they are in general. Or you may have just caught them in a bad day and they're taking it out on you. I've learned to just let it go in one ear and out the other. No point in getting all upset over it.

Good luck! And I hope that you will be working at a good pharmacy with skilled techs that will train you properly.