As a new grad, finding a job quickly becomes a priority. For some, landing a position as a pharmacist happens relatively quickly. But, for others, the process can be a bit arduous.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to streamline your efforts and expedite your results. If you are looking for a new pharmacist job, here are five tips specifically for new grads.
- Make Your Goals a Guide
Graduating with a pharmacy degree marks the completion of one goal. Now, you need to move forward toward another. While finding a new job might seem like the obvious core objective, if you want long-term career success, that shouldn’t be the only thing guiding your efforts.
Instead, take a moment to consider where you’d like to be in five years. Consider it from both a personal and professional perspective, and then write down those goals. Use that information to guide your job search, ensuring you focus on opportunities that will let you head in that direction.
- Square Away Your References
While you usually don’t have to provide references until deep into your job search, waiting until the last minute to gather them isn’t a smart move. If you delay, you may delay the hiring process. In the worst-case scenario, that could cost you an opportunity.
Before you start submitting applications, take a moment to square away a few references. Request letters of recommendation from faculty members, mentors, supervisors, and colleagues (including students you worked closely with) that will speak favorably of you. Also, confirm their contact details, ensure you can share them quickly, and that they will be prepared to be contacted in that manner.
- Embrace Patience and Organization
A job search can be a lengthy process. It takes time to find suitable opportunities, for one. For another, once you submit an application, you may have to wait for a response.
In total, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to land a job, so patience is a must. Understand that you won’t get a position overnight. It takes time and diligence.
Along the way, you may submit dozens of applications. That’s why being organized is critical. It will help if you track when and where you send resumes. That way, you can determine when follow-up is appropriate, avoid applying to the same job twice, and coordinate your activities.
- Broaden Your Horizons with a Wider Search
When you start looking for a new pharmacy job, it’s normal to launch your search at one of the major job boards. While those big sites have opportunities, they shouldn’t represent the entirety of your search.
Along with leading job boards, also explore other resources. Look for the career page on company websites. Spend time looking for opportunities in social media. Head over to professional organization sites and explore their job boards. Take advantage of your college’s career services and alumni resources.
By tapping multiple resources, you expose yourself to more options. That could increase your odds of both finding your ideal role and achieving job search success.
- Make Networking a Priority
Professional networking can be crucial for long-term success. Once you graduate, make forging and maintaining connections a priority. For example, connect with other graduates on LinkedIn, attend industry events in your area, and seek out recruiters who can assist with your job search.
Networking is something you should do now as well as after you land a position. That way, you can keep your connections strong, increasing the number of opportunities that may come your way.
Do You Need Help Launching Your New Career?
If you would like to learn more about how new grads can find pharmacy jobs efficiently, the team at Alpha Consulting can help. Contact us today.
