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Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare by dispensing medications, advising on their use and ensuring patient safety. They provide guidance about drug interactions, side effects and proper medication storage, conduct health and wellness screenings, administer immunizations, manage pharmacy staff, maintain records and oversee inventory.
Looking for a great pharmacist job? A professional CV is the best place to start. Our guide to how to write an effective CV for a pharmacist job will help you showcase your expertise and dedication to patient care, helping you stand out from the competition.
Start by editing this pharmacist CV template or explore our library of CV templates to find the best pharmacist CV template for you.
Pharmacist CV example (text version)
Joshua Smith
Columbus, OH 43004
555 555 5555
example@example.com
Summary Statement
Skilled pharmacist with exceptional organization skills, strong interpersonal communication ability, and extensive knowledge of medications and their use. Experienced pharmacist places a strong focus on attention to detail and excels in accuracy to guarantee patients are cared for and prescribers have confidence. Dedicated professional ensures that all safety protocols and security measures are adhered to in meeting the high standards of the field.
Core Qualifications
- Operational oversight
- Labeling procedures
- Pharmacy policies and procedures
- MEDITECH software
- Medication assessment
- Drug ordering storage
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Education
- Ohio State University Columbus, OH
Doctor of Pharmacy Pharmacy - Ohio State University Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science Chemistry
Work Experience
June 2016 – Current
Ohio Health – Columbus, OH
Hospital Pharmacist
- Offer information to up to 300 patients weekly regarding dosage, side effects, drug interaction and appropriate storage practices.
- Maintain patient profiles, inventories, pharmacy files and other records.
- Reduce 65% of pharmacy waste by enacting better protocols for inventory and storage.
- Assess the strength, purity and identity of medications.
April 2013 – June 2016
Walgreens – Columbus, OH
Pharmacy Technician
- Maintained security conditions and proper storage for up to 5,000 medications and drugs.
- Received refill requests and written prescriptions and ensured that information was accurate and complete.
- Completed six months with zero errors on tag typing and filing.
August 2012 – April 2013
Trinity Health – Columbus, OH
Pharmacy Aide
- Answered questions from an average of 90 clients per day and helped them find merchandise.
- Stored and inventoried pharmaceutical medications and supplies and made notes of medications that were expired.
- Improved 35% of employee morale by scheduling monthly staff meetings to go over accomplishments and highlights.
Research Experience
- Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns as research lead in “Prescription Control in Small and Medium Size Pharmacies” (2017), Ohio State University
- Developed research statements and ran surveys and interviews as a research assistant in “Identifying Medication Reactions and Prescribing Trend Analysis” (2016), Ohio State University
Conference Presentations
FDA Drug Safety Guidelines conference – (2021)
Patient Confidentiality and Record Control exchange – (2019)
Conference Attendance
- OPA, Annual Conference, Ohio Pharmacist Association – (2022)
- Annual Meeting, Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists – (2022)
- 6th International Conference on Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science (ICPPS) – (2021)
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- Ohio Pharmacist Association – (2021)
- The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – (2019)
- American Pharmacists Association (APA) – (2019)
- National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) – (2018)
Certifications and Licenses
- Pharmacist Licensure, State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy – (Updated 2022)
- ACLS certification – (2021)
- APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Program (Online) – (2020)
Training
- 37th Annual Pharmacy Practice Seminar – (2022)
- Pharmacy Technicians and Vaccinations: An Advanced Training Program (Online) – (2021)
- The 8th Annual Asheville Summit. The Golden Years: Bridging the Gaps in Elderly Care – (2020)
Profession Relevant Skills
- Excellent communication and active listening skills to ensure that patients and customers understand their medications and how to take them.
- Extensive education and training to guarantee that I am constantly up to date on the newest research and information regarding medications.
- Ability to hear and understand what others are saying and oral expression skills that allow me to explain a complicated topic in a simple way that they can understand.
- Strong sensitivity to problems that may arise when issues with prescribers, patients or drug companies are present.
- Intense focus and attention to detail to minimize mistakes and unnecessary expenses for both the drug companies and the pharmacy.
- Exceptional social perception facilitates the understanding of concerns and issues of both patients and prescribers as they arise.
- Instructing skills that allow me to teach others how to do things better rather than just doing jobs for them.
Languages
- English
Native or Bilingual - Spanish
Professional Working
Hobbies and Interests
I am extremely interested in the development of procedures to counteract prescription drug addiction and to keep medications safe from patients that would abuse them. Computers are a hobby of mine and I am skilled in working with several different programs and databases. I enjoy hiking, kayaking and biking and anything that is done outdoors. I love sports but am partial to basketball and soccer. I also enjoy spending time with my wife, two kids and dog when I have free time.
Important CV sections
Contact details
Add your contact information to the top of your pharmacist CV so hiring managers can contact you for an interview. Display your contact information as follows: Your full name, followed by your city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address. Add your LinkedIn profile and professional website if you have them.
Personal statement
A personal statement, also known as a professional summary, is where you introduce yourself and highlight your top qualifications for the job in three to five sentences.
Here is an example professional summary for a pharmacist CV:
“Experienced pharmacist with over eight years of experience in retail and hospital settings. Proven track record of providing exceptional patient care, managing pharmacy operations and conducting health screenings. Skilled in medication therapy management, immunizations and patient education. Dedicated to optimizing patient outcomes through collaborative healthcare.”
If you are changing careers or have no work experience, we recommend writing a resume objective because it focuses on your professional goals.
For example:
“Recent pharmacy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy seeking an entry-level pharmacist position. Eager to apply theoretical knowledge gained through coursework and clinical rotations to deliver exceptional patient care and support pharmacy operations. Possesses strong communication, organizational and teamwork skills developed through academic projects and internships. Motivated to learn and grow within a dynamic health care environment at Local Pharmacy.”
Skills
Let potential employers know what professional skills you bring to the table. Create a separate section for your job-relevant skills and display them with bullet points to make them easy to read. Include a mix of skills that fully capture your abilities.
A pharmacist needs many skills to be effective. Some of the key skills required for success as a pharmacist include:
- Pharmaceutical knowledge: Pharmacists must have in-depth knowledge of medications, their uses, side effects and interactions.
- Patient counseling: They must effectively communicate with patients to provide medication advice and health information.
- Attention to detail: Pharmacists must accurately dispense medications and manage prescriptions to ensure patient safety.
- Clinical skills: Experience with immunizations, health screenings and medication therapy management is essential.
- Time management: They must manage their time effectively to handle patient consultations, administrative tasks and pharmacy operations.
Work history
Format your CV work experience section in reverse-chronological order with your most recent employer first. Provide business names, locations, the dates you worked for each company, and three to five bullet points of measurable accomplishments for every job you list.
Here are a few examples of work history bullet points for a pharmacist CV:
- Provided medication therapy management and patient counseling in a busy retail pharmacy, resulting in a 15% increase in patient adherence to prescribed regimens.
- Managed pharmacy inventory and reduced waste by implementing an automated inventory system, saving the pharmacy $20,000 annually.
- Conducted immunization clinics and health screenings, administering over 1,000 flu shots and identifying potential health issues in 200 patients.
Education
In your pharmacist CV education section, add all the educational institutions you’ve attended after high school and display the names of the schools and the years you graduated in reverse-chronological order using bullet points. Read our guide, How to List a Degree on Your Resume for formatting tips.
To become a pharmacist, you typically need a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, although exact educational requirements may vary depending on your region and specific pharmacy role.
Hiring managers might expect you to complete relevant internships or residency programs and possess a valid pharmacist license in addition to a doctorate. Continuing education and specialized certifications can enhance your qualifications.
Additional sections
Additional sections
In addition to the essential sections such as contact information, education, professional experience and licenses/certifications, your pharmacist CV can benefit from optional sections highlighting additional qualifications and experiences.
For example:
- Professional affiliations demonstrate active involvement in organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) or the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), showcasing your commitment to the field.
- Continuing education displays courses and seminars that reflect ongoing professional development.
- Research and publications highlight your contributions to pharmaceutical research and any published articles or studies, emphasizing expertise and scholarly activity.
- Volunteer experience illustrates your dedication to community service and provides a well-rounded professional profile.
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Action verbs for CVs
Use strong action words to boost your pharmacist CV. Action words convey your expertise, accomplishments and professional responsibilities while helping to create a dynamic and engaging narrative of your experiences, making your CV more impactful and appealing to employers.
Here are examples of effective action verbs tailored specifically for a pharmacist CV:
- Advise
- Calibrate
- Document
- Evaluate
- Formulate
- Inform
- Organize
- Verify
Want more inspiration? We have hundreds of CV examples to help you create a standout pharmacist CV.
Best skills for CVs
Showcasing the right skills on your pharmacist CV is crucial to demonstrating your qualifications and suitability for the role. Highlighting technical skills and interpersonal skills on your CV provides a well-rounded picture of your expertise.
Here are some of the best skills to include on a CV for a pharmacist job:
- Medication therapy management
- Prescription verification
- Compounding
- Sales
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Patient counseling
- Clinical research
- Verbal Communication
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Regulatory compliance
- Drug safety monitoring
- Quality assurance
- Risk management
Certifications for a CV
Certifications are essential in showcasing your professional qualifications and expertise as a pharmacist. They validate your skills and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing education and adherence to industry standards.
Here are some key certifications to include on your pharmacist CV:
Pair your CV with a matching cover letter
FAQ
What does a pharmacist CV look like?
A good pharmacist CV will look much like our pharmacist CV example and contain your contact information, skills, employment history, education and certifications.
A good pharmacist CV might also contain sections for clinical experience, professional memberships, areas of expertise and awards and honors if you have them.
Like a professional resume, your CV should highlight relevant skills that make you an excellent fit for the job. For more details, read about the difference between a CV and a resume.
- Organizational skills: Pharmacists should have strong organizational skills to manage prescription orders, patient records and inventory.
- Interpersonal skills: Pharmacists need impeccable interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with patients, colleagues and healthcare providers.
- Adaptability: Pharmacists should be able to adapt quickly to new technologies, medications and healthcare practices. Some skills you might consider showcasing on your CV include the following:
How can pharmacists showcase their continuing education and professional development on their CVs?
Highlighting continuing education and professional development on your CV demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry trends and advancing your skills. Create a dedicated section listing relevant courses, certifications, workshops, conferences attended and any specialized training completed. Include the program’s name, institution, dates attended and a brief description of what was learned or achieved.
If you have professional certificates, highlight them in a separate section to underscore your expertise in specific areas of pharmacy practice. Being certified demonstrates your proactive approach to professional growth and readiness to contribute effectively in your role.
How should a pharmacist address gaps in employment history on their CV?
Addressing employment gapson your CV requires transparency and strategic framing. If the gap was due to personal reasons, such as family care or health issues, briefly mention it without going into excessive detail. Focus on skills or knowledge gained during the gap period, such as volunteer work, continuing education or freelance projects relevant to pharmacy practice. Emphasize your readiness to re-enter the workforce and your commitment to ongoing professional development.
How should a pharmacist tailor their CV for different job applications?
Tailoring your CV involves customizing it to emphasize the skills, experiences and qualifications that align with the job description and employer’s requirements. Begin by thoroughly reviewing the job posting to identify key responsibilities and desired qualifications. Then, adjust your professional summary, skills section and experience to highlight relevant achievements and experiences demonstrating your fit for the role. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV is ATS-friendly and clarify how your background aligns with the potential employer’s needs.
How can I ensure a pharmacy job complies with regulatory standards and patient safety protocols?
Ensure the pharmacy strictly adheres to regulatory requirements, such as state pharmacy board regulations, HIPAA guidelines for patient confidentiality and medication safety protocols. Look for evidence of regular audits, quality assurance programs and staff training initiatives to maintain compliance and ensure patient safety.
What should a pharmacist include in a cover letter?
A pharmacist’s cover letter should complement their CV by introducing themselves, expressing their interest in the position and highlighting key qualifications and experiences not detailed extensively in the CV. Start with a personalized greeting and a brief introduction of who you are and why you are interested in the position. Highlight specific skills and experiences directly related to job requirements. Use the cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the pharmacy’s mission and values and how your contributions align with their goals. Finally, conclude with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and readiness to discuss further in an interview.
Best practices
- Focus on your experience in pharmacy settings, including any internships, residencies, or previous positions demonstrating your expertise.
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs such as “administered,” “counseled,” “dispensed,” and “managed” to convey your responsibilities and accomplishments.
- List relevant certifications and licenses, such as a state pharmacy license or specialized certifications like BCPS or CDE, to showcase your qualifications.
- Where possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers or percentages to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as “increased prescription accuracy by 15%.”
- Customize your CV for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you are applying for.
- Include unrelated work experiences and skills that do not contribute to your profile as a pharmacist.
- Neglect format. Ensure your CV follows a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and headings; avoid overly complex layouts or designs.
- Use vague language. Avoid vague descriptions and generic terms. Be specific about your roles and the outcomes of your efforts.
- Forget to proofread. Spelling and grammatical errors can undermine your professionalism. Always proofread your CV or have someone else review it for you.
- Exclude contact information. Include up-to-date contact information, including your phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile, so employers can easily reach you.
Interview tips
Learn about the organization before your interview.
Conduct thorough research on the organization by exploring its website a few days before your interview. Review its mission statement and vision and learn about its culture. Understand what it stands for and assess how satisfied its current employees are. Consider whether you can see yourself working for it.
Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a pharmacist job:
- Work environment and culture: Evaluate the company’s culture and work environment. Consider whether it promotes teamwork, respects diversity, and fosters professional growth and development.
- Patient care philosophy: Understand the organization’s approach to patient care. Ensure they prioritize patient safety, quality of care and pharmacist-patient relationships.
- Technology and resources: Assess the pharmacy’s technology infrastructure and resources. Look for advancements in pharmacy management systems, automation, and tools that support efficient and accurate medication dispensing and management.
- Career growth and development: Investigate opportunities for career advancement and professional development. This includes continuing education support, mentorship programs and pathways to specialization or leadership roles.
- Regulatory compliance and standards: Verify the pharmacy’s adherence to regulatory requirements and standards. Ensure they maintain high standards of practice, patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance) and safety protocols.
Practice your answers.
While you can’t predict every question, you can anticipate what the interviewer might be interested in based on your role as a pharmacist. Prepare a list of potential questions and practice your responses with someone you trust or in front of a mirror. Some common pharmacist job interview questions include:
- Tell me about yourself and your experience as a pharmacist.
- Why did you choose to become a pharmacist?
- How do you stay current with the latest developments in pharmaceuticals and health care?
- Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult patient interaction?
- How do you ensure accuracy when dispensing medications?
- Describe your experience with medication therapy management (MTM).
- How do you handle high-stress situations, such as managing a busy pharmacy?
- What strategies do you use to ensure patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations?
- How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you identified a potential drug interaction and how you resolved it?
Go prepared with questions to ask.
Turn your interview into a conversation by preparing thoughtful questions about the organization’s culture and job expectations. When given the opportunity to ask questions, consider inquiring about:
- What are the primary responsibilities and expectations for this pharmacist role?
- What pharmacy management systems and software do you use here?
- Can you describe the typical workflow and patient volume in this pharmacy?
- How does this organization support continuing education and professional development for pharmacists?
- What are the opportunities for career advancement within the company?
- How does the pharmacy team collaborate with other health care professionals?
- What are the most significant challenges currently facing pharmacy staff?
- How does the pharmacy ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards?
- Can you provide more details about the work schedule, including any on-call or weekend duties?
- How is success measured for pharmacists in this role, and what are the key performance indicators?
Have references ready.
Having professional references ready before your interview will prepare you in case the hiring manager decides to move forward Instead of writing “References available upon request” on your pharmacist CV, create a separate document listing your top professional references and save it as a PDF. Be prepared to provide this list when requested further along in the hiring process.
Resume examples for the next step in your pharmaceutical career
Cover letter examples for the next step in your pharmaceutical career
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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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