Retail interview questions and resume help

[Pharmguy07]

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As graduation approaches in a few months it's about the time to start interviewing for retail jobs. Unfortunately, other than my rotations I've never worked in a pharmacy so I'm not really sure what issues would be good to ask about during an interview.

I was thinking that finding out how things are handled like store assignment, OT compensation, scheduling, sick/vacation coverage might be good to know, but other than that I'm not really sure what to ask about. Does anyone have any recommendations about what sort of issues encountered in retail pharmacy would be good to find out about during an interview?


As you can see I'm very naive when it comes to this sort of thing, so any help would be most appreciated.

 

[gaba101]

Unfortunately, other than my rotations I've never worked in a pharmacy so I'm not really sure what issues would be good to ask about during an interview.

It's very interesting that you point out you've never worked in a pharmacy other than in rotations. I bring this up because in my state of CA, we get only 600 hours from school (I am assuming this is rotations) and the rest of the 900 hours must come from outside of school (i.e. internships in pharmacies) so that 1500 hours can be accrued before sitting for the boards. Do your rotations offer you enough hours to sit for the boards such that you and your classmates do not need outside hours? What state is this in?

Back to the issue at hand...I'm not a graduating pharmacy student yet but judging by the pharmacists I've worked with, they all seem to demonstrate good leadership skills--so have you been a leader in any sorts of on campus organizations? Did you start up something new at your school? When did you step up to the plate? They all seem to be punctual, patient, intelligent, and most importantly, good at solving problems. Perhaps you can get a LOR from one of your preceptors on your rotations to show how you have all of these. In your employment history, include anything that demonstrates all those qualities mentioned.

 

[Pharmguy07]

It's very interesting that you point out you've never worked in a pharmacy other than in rotations. I bring this up because in my state of CA, we get only 600 hours from school (I am assuming this is rotations) and the rest of the 900 hours must come from outside of school (i.e. internships in pharmacies) so that 1500 hours can be accrued before sitting for the boards. Do your rotations offer you enough hours to sit for the boards such that you and your classmates do not need outside hours? What state is this in?

Back to the issue at hand...I'm not a graduating pharmacy student yet but judging by the pharmacists I've worked with, they all seem to demonstrate good leadership skills--so have you been a leader in any sorts of on campus organizations? Did you start up something new at your school? When did you step up to the plate? They all seem to be punctual, patient, intelligent, and most importantly, good at solving problems. Perhaps you can get a LOR from one of your preceptors on your rotations to show how you have all of these. In your employment history, include anything that demonstrates all those qualities mentioned.

We get almost 2000 hours from rotations alone, so no outside hours are required. My employment history is mostly limited to what I included in my post. I've been a member of several pharmacy organizations, so I did include those on my resume, but I don't have any leadership positions to include.

 

[octopus]

you can stop worrying if you just want to work at a chain. i also didn't have a pharm job during school and my resume just listed rotations (to take up space!), schools, and clubs. at the career fair the recruiters didn't care and they just wanted to tell me about 401k's. oh i asked them what they didn't like about their company while they were a staff rph

 

[GatorRxGirl]

Do you have a pulse?

Can you breathe without the use of an oxygen tank?

Do you have a license?

Ok if you answered yes you're good.

 

[AnonFaculty]

From these posts, it seems like a bit more maturity will be required if you want to move up in the pile. What differentiates you from everyone else who is applying for the same position?

If you come across in an interview like the posts do (i.e. pulse, oxygen tank, 401ks, etc), your career is going to go nowhere. If you went to school for six years to get a dead end job, then go for it. If you aren't worried that you are underprepared for the future, then fine. BUT, other than that, do a residency.

 

[Pharmguy07]

From these posts, it seems like a bit more maturity will be required if you want to move up in the pile. What differentiates you from everyone else who is applying for the same position?

If you come across in an interview like the posts do (i.e. pulse, oxygen tank, 401ks, etc), your career is going to go nowhere. If you went to school for six years to get a dead end job, then go for it. If you aren't worried that you are underprepared for the future, then fine. BUT, other than that, do a residency.

This thread was not intended to gain advice on how to get a job. I'm comfortable with my interviewing skills and my ability to present myself. I was simply asking for advice on what sort of issues would be good to ask about to differentiate retail positions. For instance, it seems like it would be a good idea to find about OT compensation since I know this varies.

Thanks for your advice, but I don't really consider community pharmacy a "dead end job." Retail pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system. I won't be doing a residency.

 

[AnonFaculty]

This thread was not intended to gain advice on how to get a job. I'm comfortable with my interviewing skills and my ability to present myself. I was simply asking for advice on what sort of issues would be good to ask about to differentiate retail positions. For instance, it seems like it would be a good idea to find about OT compensation since I know this varies.

Thanks for your advice, but I don't really consider community pharmacy a "dead end job." Retail pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system. I won't be doing a residency.

There is a difference between a rewarding career and a dead end career. A career can be very rewarding with little potential for advancement. retail pharmacy is a good example. Rewarding comes from providing good patient care and developing a good bedside manner. One can not develop a bedside manner without sufficient training. In my opinion, working for a pharmacy AND rotations is the bare minimum needed for bedside manner development. In the eyes of the recruiters that I know, you will have a difficult time without the work experience. Most likely, they would start you off in a slower store. If I were you, I'd find a low volume store to get your feet wet. You don't want a store doing 8-900 on a Monday.

Retail pharmacists are the visible arm of the profession. No doubt. The quality of the care provided makes the career more or less rewarding. If one is just dispensing pills and glued to the telephone with the insurance company, then it is dead end. If one is interacting with the patients and providers in a collegial fashion, then the career is rewarding.

Specific to retail (chain) pharmacy practice, think about it. What are your options for career advancement beyond store, district, region manager, and recruiter? Most positions beyond that (i.e. CVS Caremark) require some experience with managed care or an MBA. The MBA is about two to three years depending on the school. The managed care residency is a specialty requiring two years of training. Either way, advancement is difficult without more training.

If you have no plans to do a residency, that is fine. However, you might consider a part-time staff pharmacist job at a small community hospital so you don't become too focused on retail. Give yourself some variety. You have no idea now what you will want to do when you reach the five or ten mark.

Keep your mind open.......and good luck.

 

[AnonFaculty]

I'm comfortable with my interviewing skills
Thanks for your advice, but I don't really consider community pharmacy a "dead end job."
Retail pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system. I won't be doing a residency.

I would also add that my recuriter friends would ask the same question about retail being a "dead end job" to applicants. They ask because they are interested in improving retention rates in their end of the profession. I would have a good answer if they ask you something along those lines.

 

[sdn1977]

As graduation approaches in a few months it's about the time to start interviewing for retail jobs. Unfortunately, other than my rotations I've never worked in a pharmacy so I'm not really sure what issues would be good to ask about during an interview.

I was thinking that finding out how things are handled like store assignment, OT compensation, scheduling, sick/vacation coverage might be good to know, but other than that I'm not really sure what to ask about. Does anyone have any recommendations about what sort of issues encountered in retail pharmacy would be good to find out about during an interview?


As you can see I'm very naive when it comes to this sort of thing, so any help would be most appreciated.

After reading the various posts on this thread - it appears you want to know what YOU should be asking the interviewer about the potential job...am I right?

If so, you'd want to know if you're being considered for a permanent location or a floating position. Do you know the difference?

Are your hours set, or will they be variable? There is a huge difference between knowing you're working 15 hours that week & 40.

Are your benefits determined by the actual number of hours worked or are they set after your probationary time is finished.

How long is the probationary time?

Do they provide malpractice insurance & how long does the converage continue after employment separation.

What is the vacation policy? How many days do you accrue, how do you use it, who approves it, what happens to unused vacation, etc....

Who determines your schedule? Is it your dm or the pharmacy manager at each location? Which store is your home store? Where do you pick up your check or check stub?

What is the rx load like? What is the weekly count & how is it broken down by days? What is the ancillary coverage like? This is only applicable if you are in one location - otherwise, you get what you get...

If you see yourself there for a period of time....what is the retirement like? Everyone needs to know how long it takes to vest - if you're vested....can you move that money or does it stay with the corporation?

What are the clinical opportunities available (if these are of interest to you). What are the clinical opportunities EXPECTED of you (particularly if these are NOT of interest to you - you will want to know what they expect of you beyond the lick & stick).

What waivers must you sign or are available to sign or not sign if you have strong feelings about something. For example, if you feel strongly about not giving out Plan B - ask about the waiver & be sure to sign it. If you're in CA, and want to be sure to get overtime, do not sign the waiver which signs away your ability to get it.

How do they handle lunch? Are you the only pharmacist on duty? Do you have the ability to assess your ancillary staff & decide if it is alright to leave for lunch & leave a tech (if your state law allows).

Are the pharmacists union?

These are just some questions....if I have others, I'll come back on here.

Also, you can always pm me anytime. I understand you desire to get out & work & I don't feel your choice today will determine what you'll end up doing or not doing in 20 years....so best of luck and welcome to the profession!

 

[Pharmguy07]

Thanks a bunch. That's exactly the sort of info. I was looking for.

 

[pinkyrx]

After reading the various posts on this thread - it appears you want to know what YOU should be asking the interviewer about the potential job...am I right?

If so, you'd want to know if you're being considered for a permanent location or a floating position. Do you know the difference?

Are your hours set, or will they be variable? There is a huge difference between knowing you're working 15 hours that week & 40.

Are your benefits determined by the actual number of hours worked or are they set after your probationary time is finished.

How long is the probationary time?

Do they provide malpractice insurance & how long does the converage continue after employment separation.

What is the vacation policy? How many days do you accrue, how do you use it, who approves it, what happens to unused vacation, etc....

Who determines your schedule? Is it your dm or the pharmacy manager at each location? Which store is your home store? Where do you pick up your check or check stub?

What is the rx load like? What is the weekly count & how is it broken down by days? What is the ancillary coverage like? This is only applicable if you are in one location - otherwise, you get what you get...

If you see yourself there for a period of time....what is the retirement like? Everyone needs to know how long it takes to vest - if you're vested....can you move that money or does it stay with the corporation?

What are the clinical opportunities available (if these are of interest to you). What are the clinical opportunities EXPECTED of you (particularly if these are NOT of interest to you - you will want to know what they expect of you beyond the lick & stick).

What waivers must you sign or are available to sign or not sign if you have strong feelings about something. For example, if you feel strongly about not giving out Plan B - ask about the waiver & be sure to sign it. If you're in CA, and want to be sure to get overtime, do not sign the waiver which signs away your ability to get it.

How do they handle lunch? Are you the only pharmacist on duty? Do you have the ability to assess your ancillary staff & decide if it is alright to leave for lunch & leave a tech (if your state law allows).

Are the pharmacists union?

These are just some questions....if I have others, I'll come back on here.

Also, you can always pm me anytime. I understand you desire to get out & work & I don't feel your choice today will determine what you'll end up doing or not doing in 20 years....so best of luck and welcome to the profession!

Just bumping this back up... for those of us getting ready to start the interview process, these questions will probably be helpful.

 

[Old Timer]

Here is what you do:

Research the companies you are applying to. Go into the stores in the evenings or on a weekend late in the afternoon and ask to speak to the pharmacist. It's really hard to do get into a hospital pharmacy. Just ask about what they like and dislike. Ask about the area and the perks they get. What is the scheduling like. They won't tell you salary.

When you get to the interview sell yourself, what can you offer the company. Ask about the chances for advancement. How hard is it to get into field management? How often do people from the field get the opportunity to apply for jobs at HQ?

The interview will depend on the needs of the area. Right now, in my district (that's 19 out of 250 stores in the Region) there is no room for any more sixth year students. The district is fully staffed and we have an excellent roster of 6th year students for the summer of 08. To get a job in my district, you would have to sell yourself. If the district is hurting, it's a pulse and a license.

This kind of attitude make you stand out as a candidate no matter where you apply.

 

[sdn1977]

Just bumping this back up... for those of us getting ready to start the interview process, these questions will probably be helpful.

I'm not sure its as simple as Old Timer said. After all, we've gone thru 4 months of graduates not getting licensed until some have just recently taken the exam & we've not suffered too much. I agree with Old Timer, we don't have the need we did before.

So, what are you interested in - hospital or retail?

The key is & always will be experience. Connections don't hurt either. Get involved in your rotations, ask to work extra - either as a vounteer or paid intern. Get involved in your school chapters of your state organizations.

Really - try not to have your only experience be your rotations. That is very, very limiting. Your last years should be years of trying many things.

Good luck!

 

[pinkyrx]

So, what are you interested in - hospital or retail?

The key is & always will be experience. Connections don't hurt either. Get involved in your rotations, ask to work extra - either as a vounteer or paid intern. Get involved in your school chapters of your state organizations.

Really - try not to have your only experience be your rotations. That is very, very limiting. Your last years should be years of trying many things.

Good luck!

I'm still not sure which area I will work in... I'm pretty sure I won't be doing full-time retail pharmacy though.

Just to clarify, I'm not in the same boat as the OP in this thread... I'm a "non-traditional student" (read: old! ) so I have years and years of pharmacy experience. Unfortunately, most of that experience is not in the hospital environment, so it probably won't be much of a benefit if I decide I want to go that route.

I found this thread when I was searching for resume info and thought it would be helpful for others who are getting ready to start the interview process, so I bumped it up. 🙂