When do you start job hunting?

[pinkyrx]

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How early do most people start looking for a job and how exactly does this process work for new pharm graduates? Do you interview with several different companies? Compare pay/benefit packages and then decide which one to go with? I have read that some companies will give you a bonus if you sign on with them early. What happens if you find a better offer... can you usually get out of the contract that you signed earlier?

I'm thrilled to be in the position to potentially receive multiple offers (according to classmates a year ahead of me) but the whole process seems rather overwhelming! How do you know you're choosing the right company? It seems like a tough choice to make since it's hard to really get a feel for a place during an interview.

I made a connection during a spring rotation and they told me to get back with them in December and they'd know more about job openings and that sort of thing. At least with this place I have spent a month there on rotation and already know the dynamics.

Thoughts about choosing the right job?? 😀

 

[njac]

we have two career fairs a year, one in late sept and one in april I think. The fall one is geared towards 4th years. Most people seem to have a job lined up by March their 4th year but there are always outliers, both early and late.

 

[Zamboni200000]

My school gives us a week off from rotations in february... they tell us to use that time to interview... our dean has said it's the "prime time for interviewing." So I'd start contacting places you want to interview with a few weeks before that. Good luck...

 

[Old Timer]

This is always a difficult position. Are you considering retail, hospital or some other practice venue? What experience do you have? What market are you in? Where have you worked while in school.

Here is the deal with the sign on bonus. Once you decide where you want to work, grab the bonus in this calendar year assuming you will graduate in 2008. You will be taxed on your income rate for 2007 which will be substantially lower than your tax rate in 2008 when you will have up five months of your pharmacist salary and higher rates when you graduate and higher rates when you become board eligible.

Answer the questions in the first paragraph and then others who go through this each year assimilating students and those who have recently graduated will be able to guide you as you make your decision.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Yeah, I should probably get on that.. I only have like 33 rotation days left...