Pharmacists: 10 Questions You Must Ask Before Accepting a Job

It’s a popular time of the year for pharmacists to look for jobs, with many new grads and pharmacy residents finishing up between now and June. Curious about when the best times are to apply for jobs?  Click here to read a previous article about this.

Some pharmacists are concerned about not finding the right job in this market and are open to positions outside of what they would normally consider. But being “open to everything” can hurt you when you apply for positions.

Even when the pharmacy job market is tough, having a clear idea about the position you want will help you attract what you want.  This will help you target your search and make a positive impression.  At the same time, you want to be flexible during the decision-making process, because it is a tough job market, especially if you want to get into a position that leads to your desired career.

A common mistake for new pharmacy grads is primarily considering salary and becoming jaded after a few years. The decisions you make may be influences by the fact that it’s “just your first pharmacist job,” but the decisions you make in the first few years can shape your career path, so it’s worth spending time to pinpoint what’s important to you aside from setting or salary.

Before you say “Yes,” to your next position, think about the long-term implications of accepting a position.  Here are  10 questions to ask yourself before accepting a position:

  • How does the pharmacy/company’s values align with my values?
  • Does the geographic area offer me what I enjoy doing in my spare time?
  • How is my fit with the management and the pharmacy staff?
  • Can I see myself here in 3-5 years?

Here are some insightful questions to ask a pharmacist in the position you will be working in to help you make your decision:

  • What’s a typical workday like?
  • What do you like best about what you do?
  • What do you like least about what you do?
  • How independently do you get to make decisions?
  • What do you think the pharmacy will be like in one year & five years?
  • Does this position set me up for growth in my career the way I want to?BONUS Question to Ask:
    What changes would you make about the pharmacy if you could?

Want to find out the best way to approach getting the inside scoop to positions? Learn how to tap into the hidden job market and hear about positions before they come out.
And when you hear about a position, learn how to stand out from other pharmacists with similar background as you.

Listen to the FREE Teleseminar (Instant Access):
“How to Tap into the Hidden Job Market to Beat Your Competition to the Interview”
to tap into the hidden job market.  This is a prerequisite to the Advanced Hidden Job Market Bootcamp.
NOTE:  Even though the live Advanced “Hidden Job Market Bootcamp” dates are over, you may get instant access at the special tuition.

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About Chen Yen, PharmD

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