Questions about Pharmacy Jobs! NEED ADVICE!

[Plowi]

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Hello all. I have some questions about getting a job in a pharmacy. Ive finally decided to take the initiative and get it done prior to applying.

Is it possible to get hired as a pharmacy technician at retail without having any experience?

Are there other people behind the counter besides pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, perhaps jobs that are easier to get?

Do they actually call you after you apply online, because Ive applied to about 5 stores so far?

Does anyone know any faster ways to get in on a pharmacy?


Im not sure if I need some sort of prerequirements to become one. I certainly know I am not certified as one. All I want is a part time job in a pharmacy, I dont care if all I am doing is putting labels on bottles.

Thanks all!

 

[KUMoose]

If the store has need and you want to work the hours, I've found that getting a PharmTech job very easy, with one significant caveat. You must come across as highly personable and customer focused. If the company uses a test be sure to evaluate the answers based on what makes you look more customer and company focused.

Generally there are only two people behind the counter, techs and pharmacists (at least locally and retail).

The easiest thing that I've found and that's been discussed here is to meet with a pharmacist (preferably the pharmacy manager) about your desire to be a pharmacist and the need for tangible work. They may not have a job or offer one to you, but they can give you pointers and they generally keep you in mind for future work.

 

[Julianne]

Hello all. I have some questions about getting a job in a pharmacy. Ive finally decided to take the initiative and get it done prior to applying.

Is it possible to get hired as a pharmacy technician at retail without having any experience?

Are there other people behind the counter besides pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, perhaps jobs that are easier to get?

Do they actually call you after you apply online, because Ive applied to about 5 stores so far?

Does anyone know any faster ways to get in on a pharmacy?


Im not sure if I need some sort of prerequirements to become one. I certainly know I am not certified as one. All I want is a part time job in a pharmacy, I dont care if all I am doing is putting labels on bottles.

Thanks all!

In my experience...

I moved into pharmacy after working retail management for several years... the company I work for does not require licensure, certification, or prior experience before they will hire you. As far as others begind the counter go, we have only techs and pharmacists (and, occasionally, managers who are licensed with the state BOP).

If you are having difficulty securing a spot as a tech, I suppose you could take a clerk job to get your "foot in the door," but most of the time retail settings are always in need of dependable/competent help... if they know you are persuing pharmacy school, I think that would give you an edge.

If you have not received a call yet from your OL application, call the store where you prefer to work and follow up (make sure they can view you app, etc.)... technology is great, but it doesn't always work the way it should! If you are open to working in various locales, you might want to see if someone can give you the number for the district/area office so that you can let the "big wigs" or corporate trainers know - flexibility is very marketable, especially if you are applying to a chain pharmacy that has many stores in your area.

If I were in your position, I would rely less on the online application and focus more on showing your interest by calling or visiting the stores you want to work at and talking with the store/pharmacy manager(s).

Hope this helps in some small way. Please feel free to PM me if you have specific questions 🙂

 

[tsubasa]

Great advise to Julianne and Kumoose! Before you apply online, ask them if they are looking for a tech or a clerk. If they don't have a position, ask them if you can volunteer. While you volunteer, you can get a lot of information if some other store locations have openings or they may open a position for you. Good luck!

 

[Sefowa04]

You must be persistent. Somebody who goes in, physically, and talks to the pharmacist or the hiring manager has a better chance than someone who just fills out an application online. Even calling is good. Don't just sit back and let the job come to you, go get it yourself! Hope that helped 😉