Who to ask for professional references when applying for a job?

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Timbo

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Only had one job so far out of school. I can probably get a reference from my pharmacy manager but who else? Almost have had no interaction with the DM (only talked briefly once). Possibly the store manager is an option, but interaction is limited as well and he doesn’t work in pharmacy. With no overlaps with any other pharmacists, other pharmacist colleagues aren’t an option either. Literally the only people I work with are techs, but I’m assuming those aren’t good options. Last resort would be preceptors from pharmacy school, but it’s been 3 years now and I don’t even know if they’ll remember me.
 
Wait I thought store managers were telling everyone nonstop what to do? How is that limited interaction?

Anyways, I'd still do the store manager just make sure they say they'll give a good reference.
 
Only had one job so far out of school. I can probably get a reference from my pharmacy manager but who else? Almost have had no interaction with the DM (only talked briefly once). Possibly the store manager is an option, but interaction is limited as well and he doesn’t work in pharmacy. With no overlaps with any other pharmacists, other pharmacist colleagues aren’t an option either. Literally the only people I work with are techs, but I’m assuming those aren’t good options. Last resort would be preceptors from pharmacy school, but it’s been 3 years now and I don’t even know if they’ll remember me.

Did you not keep in touch with classmates?
 
Did you not keep in touch with classmates?

I do but they are not professional references? I.e. I've never worked alongside them professionally in the same organization. Did you successfully use classmates as references in the past?
 
This does sound like a tough choice… I was able to use a few pharmacists in the district, only because I briefly worked under them while I was a grad intern.
 
This does sound like a tough choice… I was able to use a few pharmacists in the district, only because I briefly worked under them while I was a grad intern.

I know...The one pharmacist I worked under as a grad intern has since retired and passed away. I've had some overlaps with other pharmacists but no one I've even worked over 3 hours with
 
Wait I thought store managers were telling everyone nonstop what to do? How is that limited interaction?

Anyways, I'd still do the store manager just make sure they say they'll give a good reference.

How does that work where you are? Our store managers are usually busy enough with things going on front end. They very seldomly come in to the pharmacy and when they do it's usually just to help us with supplies. They know very little about even the filling process
 
How does that work where you are? Our store managers are usually busy enough with things going on front end. They very seldomly come in to the pharmacy and when they do it's usually just to help us with supplies. They know very little about even the filling process

It was a reference to a different thread about how a non pharmacist, high school graduate store manager tells the pharmacy manager what to do.

I will say though that your store manager must really love their job, most just sit in the office and stare at the computer.

I would still consider asking them if you have no other option. They should still know if you do well based on your metrics.
 
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If one of your pharmacy techs is experienced, mature and articulate I would not hesitate to use a tech coworker as a professional reference if you can't get a pharmacist. Better than nothing.
 
When I jumped from CVS (first RPH job) to WM I did not list any professional references and honestly I did not have any to provide

I don't think people really care about references if you are or were working retail, although they should. There are some techs or pharmacists for whom I would never give a good reference due to poor work ethic, poor attendance, poor attitude, lack of intelligence, things that cannot be sussed out of a 30-60 min interview where people are presenting their best face and lying through their teeth.
 
I do but they are not professional references? I.e. I've never worked alongside them professionally in the same organization. Did you successfully use classmates as references in the past?
You're absolutely right.

Please, keep finding people you barely know and ask them to be a reference
 
You're absolutely right.

Please, keep finding people you barely know and ask them to be a reference
Geez I'm just asking for advice. I know it's generally frowned upon to put your buddies down as references. I'm just asking if it's worked for you.
 
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