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Part II: How to Write a Pharmacist Resume

In Part I of How to Write a Pharmacist Resume, we focused on the importance of keywords. Including key words within your resume increases the likelihood that it will be viewed by a recruiter assigned to fill the pharmacy job opening.

Experience is another component of your resume that provides you a place to shine. Solid work experience with career progression makes your skills more appealing. Career gaps or career changes won’t always keep you from landing the job. These hurdles should be explained fully within your cover letter and during the interview to put the recruiter’s mind at ease.

The placement of your pharmacy experience within your resume will depend on your level of experience. Recently graduated pharmacy students should list their most impressive accomplishment first which is likely their education. Those with experience, including a residency or fellowship, should list their education after their work. While education is important, on the job experience provides companies a better understanding of your specific qualifications and if you are the right fit for the position.

When crafting your work experience, it’s important to make it as easy to view as possible. Leading with a brief description after your job title and time in position, makes it easy for the recruiter to understand your skill set. Achievements can be listed below the description in a bulleted format breaking up the paragraph text.

Throughout your career, it’s important to demonstrate your continued learning and education providing you the opportunity to stand out among your competition. Including relevant education leading with your most recent college degree or certification provides the recruiter a quick snapshot. If a recent grad, consider including GPA information but only if it is 3.0 or greater. Other classes such as Six Sigma specialty training specific to each individual position can be listed further supporting your experience fit for the pharmacy position.

Unless requested, do not include references or any mention of them. Your resume should be clean, uncluttered, and inviting. This means limiting words or phrases that clutter the document. Focusing on making the resume easy and quick to read, providing the recruiter exactly what they need. Doing so not only increases your chances of landing an interview, but makes for a happy and pleasant recruiter.

In the job search? Consider taking a look at Part I of this two part series on How to Write a Pharmacist Resume. Be sure to stop by and check out our current job offerings at the Career Pharm Job Board.