When/How should new grad look for job

[Me_Gusta_Drugs]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Scenario: 4th year student (in cali) w/o residency who is looking strictly for a HOSPITAL job (I know...good luck 🙁)

For a 4th year student...who is going to be graduating in may-june. When is a good time to look for a job?
Ive heard mixed response on this.

1) Some say its too early to look now (feb), because its just too early. But is it a good idea to start with a recruiter at least? Just trying to get a leg up on the competition. Recruiters have told me its not too early.

2) Or is it a better idea 1-2 months before licensure? Understandably, directors may have a better idea of their needs, and they will remember you better if you inquire closer to your potential employment

3) Or....Is it a good idea to call around to different hospitals in the areas your interested in, and inquire about a job now (feb) AND a month before licensure? This strategy would be to start narrowing down potential employers, and you will show them you are interested....then politely ask if you can call back in a month or two to see if a position is open if they say there are no openings.
Or will this annoy directors....or waste peoples time?


I dont want to start too early...or too late

 

[type b pharmD]

Scenario: 4th year student (in cali) w/o residency who is looking strictly for a HOSPITAL job (I know...good luck 🙁)

For a 4th year student...who is going to be graduating in may-june. When is a good time to look for a job?
Ive heard mixed response on this.

1) Some say its too early to look now (feb), because its just too early. But is it a good idea to start with a recruiter at least? Just trying to get a leg up on the competition. Recruiters have told me its not too early.

2) Or is it a better idea 1-2 months before licensure? Understandably, directors may have a better idea of their needs, and they will remember you better if you inquire closer to your potential employment

3) Or....Is it a good idea to call around to different hospitals in the areas your interested in, and inquire about a job now (feb) AND a month before licensure? This strategy would be to start narrowing down potential employers, and you will show them you are interested....then politely ask if you can call back in a month or two to see if a position is open if they say there are no openings.
Or will this annoy directors....or waste peoples time?


I dont want to start too early...or too late

I know some people who were lining up jobs in november and december of their 4th year. I think now is a good time to start feeling out the market. Several p4s that I know are weighing their options at this time and talking to former employers at least to gauge what jobs are open where. The company i work for just hired a p4 student off of rotation as a "test run" as an intern to see if they would be interested in staying with the company to take one of their job openings in a few months.

 

[type b pharmD]

Recruiters probably can't help you get a hospital job in most of CA if you are a new grad without experience. The reason is because pharmacies pay recruiters to find experienced talented pharmacists, especially in CA. In other states, it can be different, but CA has had PharmDs for a longer period of time than other states so the bar has typically been set higher for minimum requirements.

It is good to talk to a recruiter you trust now to let them know your interests & stay in touch with them periodically as you progress in your career, so they can let you know about the hidden job market on jobs that are not advertised out there.

But for now, do #2 & #3. It can only help you. In something as important as a job search, don't be lazy.

dont discount rural hospitals though. doesnt california have a pretty decent shortage outside the coastal cities?

 

[johnconner]

I know students that interviewed around August - October of 2009 for their May 2010 graduation.

 

[pharmwannebe2]

since cali is a hard place to land a job, just look around and talk to hospital recruiters now (it is never too early to start looking and browsing)...then if you really like the company ask them if you can become an intern. That way you know all the ins and out of the company when you start.

 

[MissDivyne1908]

Its definitely not too early to apply for jobs. I graduate in June and have already received job offers and have plans to accept an offer within the next week.

A good percentage of my classmates already have jobs and if not, are currently interviewing.

I say go with #2 and #3, it can't hurt to apply for positions now and interview now, and then you can just maintain contact with someone until they are ready to hire new grads.

Does your college not arrange career/interview fairs for you? Those are extremely helpful for finding employers looking for new grads!

 

[Me_Gusta_Drugs]

Well this is why I thought it was too early. And Im still talking hospital setting not retail.
A couple hospitals I talked to said that I cant apply to their staff pharmacist position until I am licensed.
So some hospitals it sounds like it is still too early and you have to wait until you get your license

 

[Me_Gusta_Drugs]

bump

 

[rxforlife2004]

to the OP:

Look for a job NOW!!!! Actively look for one and secure one before it's someone else job!!!