How to Land a Pharmacy Technician Job
Pharmacy technician jobs are in high demand, and job prospects are expected to increase as the nation's population ages. There may be plenty of jobs, but there is still a lot of competition. Here's a guide to making yourself more competitive in the pharmacy technician job market.
Internships - Job Boards - Cover Letter/Resume for Current Professionals - Cover Letter/Resume for New Grads
Pharmacy Technician Internships
As everyone knows, experience is the qualification that hiring committees value the most. What better way is there to get experience than through an internship? Pharmacy technician internships are available, although they are not as prevalent as in other careers. The best way to find an internship is to contact a pharmacy or hospital directly, or search on their website, for availabilities.
Some pharmacy technician training programs have an internship requirement. Some may require that your last year or semester be spent in an internship getting on-the-job training. These internships may turn into full-time positions if your work is satisfactory. In these cases, the school or training program you are attending will often match you up with an employer.
Internships, however, are typically not required. In fact, some pharmacy technician positions require no more than a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, all positions require state certification, and a technician with a college degree and national certification will be highly desirable in the job market.
Finding a Job
Where does a pharmacy technician find a job? Hospitals, clinics, and retails pharmacies often post jobs in the classifieds section of newspapers, or on their websites. Pharmacy technician positions can also be found on job boards around the web.
After you find a job to apply to, your next step is submitting a stand-out cover letter and resume. Cover letters are not only a way to introduce yourself to a prospective employer, but a chance to brag about your skills as well. Resumes should list your qualifications, with strong action words and numbers detailing your strengths.
Cover Letter Example for Current Professionals
Your name
Address
Phone number
Mr. / Ms. (insert contact name)
Company
Address
Date
Dear (insert contact name),
I heard about the vacancy in your department, and I am aware that you are looking for a pharmacy technician. I am very interested in pursuing this position, and I would like to submit my resume for consideration.
Throughout my (number) years of experience, I have (give examples from your current experience that are applicable to this particular job). In addition to my experience and education, I can also offer:
- List personal accomplishments or attributes
- Highlight your ability to work in a team, or any awards you may have won (e.g. employee of the month)
I would love to set up a meeting to further discuss my qualifications regarding the pharmacy technician position. Please give me a call at (phone number) and I will respond immediately. I appreciate you taking the time to consider me for this job.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Resume Example for Current Professionals
YOUR NAME
Address
Phone number
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Small Town Pharmacy, City, State
Pharmacy Technician, 1995 to 2001
- List of accomplishments in bullet format
- Use strong action words (e.g. accomplished, executed, increased, organized, etc.)
- Use numbers as frequently as possible (e.g. “I handled a caseload of 150 patients per day,” or “I filled an average of 20 prescriptions per hour.”)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Old Town College, City, State
Bachelor of _____, June 1995
GPA: 3.5 out of 4.0
Old Town Community College, City, State
Associate of _____ , June 1991
GPA: 3.8 out of 4.0
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- List any pertinent certifications (state or national) and licenses
Cover Letter Example for New Graduates
Your name
Address
Phone number
Mr. / Ms. (insert contact name)
Company
Address
Date
Dear (insert contact name) ,
I am writing to express my interest in the pharmacy technician position, which I saw posted ____. I believe my skill set matches perfectly with the skills required for this position. I recently graduated from _____ with a degree in _____. As such, I have experience with (list your educational experience as it relates to the position; don't be afraid to list any lab work, extracurricular activities, or internship experience.) In addition to my education, I can also offer:
- List personal accomplishments or attributes
- Highlight your ability to work in a team, or any awards you may have won
I would love to set up a meeting to further discuss my qualifications regarding the pharmacy technician position. Please give me a call at (phone number) and I will respond immediately. I appreciate you taking the time to consider me for this job.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Resume Example for New Graduates
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
EDUCATION:
Old Town College, City, State
Bachelor of _____, June 2009
GPA: 3.5 out of 4.0
Old Town Community College , City, State
Associate of _____ , June 2004
GPA: 3.8 out of 4.0
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Small Town Pharmacy, City, State
Intern, May 2006 to April 2007
- List of accomplishments in bullet format (e.g. “Completed 400 hours of pharmaceutical dispensing training,” or “Assisted in filling an average or 20 prescriptions per hour in a high energy work environment.")
ORGANIZATIONS:
- List any clubs or groups that you are a member of that may relate to the position
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Your state certification information
- Your national certification information, if applicable