Choosing the Right Pharmacy Job
Choosing the Right Pharmacy Job
What factors should I take into consideration as I approach the job search process?
The profession of pharmacy offers such a variety of practice opportunities that the options may seem overwhelming. Doing a little self-assessment may help narrow the focus for pharmacists who are either looking for their first job or exploring alternatives to their current job. For example, it is important to determine whether you are looking for the job with the highest pay, or one that will provide you with experience on which to build your career.
In discussing his career path at a book signing, French chef Jacques Pepin commented that "you can get paid by money or paid by experience." He chose his first jobs working in tough restaurant settings to gain experience, and he became a renowned chef and instructor.
The first step in the self-assessment process is learning to know yourself -- what you are good at and what you prefer. Michael J. Farr, an author who has written many books on job searches and interview strategies, says that "too many people look for a job without clearly knowing what they are looking for. So before you go out looking for a job, you should first define exactly what you want -- the job, not just a job."
Making out a list of what is important to you before interviewing can help screen potential positions and narrow your search. Factors to consider and prioritize may include:
Evaluating the fit of the position with your preferences and needs will help you choose a satisfying position. Farr refers to a Gallup poll that indicated that "78% of those surveyed rated 'interesting work' as very important in being satisfied with their jobs. Only one measure, 'good health insurance and other benefits,' was rated higher."
Once you've determined where you would like to work and have interviewed for a position, you may find that you need more information to make an informed decision. During the interview process you may have met with other pharmacy staff or may want to ask for names and contact information for pharmacists in the organization. Contacting them to discuss the organization may help validate your assessment.
It is important to keep in mind that no choice of first pharmacist experience is wrong; every choice adds to your learning and experience level. However, putting more effort into the job search can improve your chances that your first job selection will be the right one for you.
Question
What factors should I take into consideration as I approach the job search process?
Response from Bonnie L. Senst, MS, RPh, FASHP
The profession of pharmacy offers such a variety of practice opportunities that the options may seem overwhelming. Doing a little self-assessment may help narrow the focus for pharmacists who are either looking for their first job or exploring alternatives to their current job. For example, it is important to determine whether you are looking for the job with the highest pay, or one that will provide you with experience on which to build your career.
In discussing his career path at a book signing, French chef Jacques Pepin commented that "you can get paid by money or paid by experience." He chose his first jobs working in tough restaurant settings to gain experience, and he became a renowned chef and instructor.
The first step in the self-assessment process is learning to know yourself -- what you are good at and what you prefer. Michael J. Farr, an author who has written many books on job searches and interview strategies, says that "too many people look for a job without clearly knowing what they are looking for. So before you go out looking for a job, you should first define exactly what you want -- the job, not just a job."
Making out a list of what is important to you before interviewing can help screen potential positions and narrow your search. Factors to consider and prioritize may include:
Practice setting (eg, hospital, retail, clinic, chain, managed care, long-term care, academia, research, sales)
Culture -- fit/feel of organization, people, boss
Type of position -- generalist vs specialist, variety in work
Scheduling -- hours, shifts, potential for switching schedule
Professional development -- accommodation for advanced education; support for continuing education, professional activities, or meeting attendance
Financial earnings/benefits -- pay, stock options, overtime potential, bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pension
Other benefits -- insurance, vacation, child care, exercise facility
Location -- proximity, neighborhood
Security -- company or job security
Fun -- staff social activities
Mentorship -- organization's commitment to identifying a mentor and assisting in employee development
Teaching -- opportunity to teach and mentor students, residents, new staff
Public contact -- amount of patient or public contact
Teamwork/independence -- working with others or working alone
Progressive services -- cutting-edge services, research
Community -- dedication of organization to the community
Long-range goals -- position builds path to long-range job goal(s), advancement potential
Evaluating the fit of the position with your preferences and needs will help you choose a satisfying position. Farr refers to a Gallup poll that indicated that "78% of those surveyed rated 'interesting work' as very important in being satisfied with their jobs. Only one measure, 'good health insurance and other benefits,' was rated higher."
Once you've determined where you would like to work and have interviewed for a position, you may find that you need more information to make an informed decision. During the interview process you may have met with other pharmacy staff or may want to ask for names and contact information for pharmacists in the organization. Contacting them to discuss the organization may help validate your assessment.
It is important to keep in mind that no choice of first pharmacist experience is wrong; every choice adds to your learning and experience level. However, putting more effort into the job search can improve your chances that your first job selection will be the right one for you.
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