So You’ve Earned Your Degree, What Else Do You Have to Offer?

Obtaining your PharmD can be one of the most rewarding achievements in your life. It’s a time to celebrate, and the excitement of deciding the rest of your future is at your hands. But as you begin to send your resume out, know that every passing day presents an opportunity to continue to showcase your talents. Don’t just apply for jobs, use your free time to beef up your credentials and prove that you’re worthy of being hired.

What’s in a Resume?

When you graduate from pharmacy school, you’ve only begun to build the experience you need to succeed. Unfortunately, among all the other graduates and applicants entering the field, your resume may not stand out like you want it to. It seems daunting, but don’t let it get you down. Instead, let that information be the catalyst you need to build a resume that stands out from the crowd.

Make Connections

With all the hard work you put into your degree (and your residency), it’s tempting to opt for a long break. It’s perfectly fine to take a breather for your own personal well being, but don’t wait too long to put yourself out there. The first step is getting your resume into the hands of someone who will read it, and face-to-face networking is the best way to showcase your enthusiasm.

Networking can be just as important as applying for jobs online, so attend job fairs and public forums, or use any connections to set up a meeting with a hiring manager or pharmacist. Don’t have any connections? Try making some. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and don’t be afraid to contact someone whom you haven’t spoken with in a while, (or ever) to say hello and build a relationship. Check to see if any of your former classmates can help you make connections.

Be Active

Don’t lose confidence if you can’t find work right away. Make sure you’re staying active in the community instead of becoming obsolete, be visible and continue to add to your resume as you go. Join any initiatives or volunteer for health care related charities or fundraisers.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Yes, employers do check public Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, Instagram, Linked In and anything else you post on the web. Now that you have some extra time, make sure all your accounts are free of anything that may hinder your chances at being hired. You can even go one step further to use your social media pages to present how you’ve been active in the pharmacy community since graduating, and you can join groups and organizations that are applicable to the jobs in which you’re applying. Also, update your LinkedIn profile regularly and post on relevant discussion boards.

Dove Management Resources, LLC is a national Pharmacy Search firm established in 2002.  We have relationships with hundreds of hospitals, health insurance plans, Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) organizations that may be looking for someone just like you!  We would love to hear from you.  Confidentially submit your CV/resume to us at www.dovemgt.net or call 561-434-4311 for a personal conversation.