How to write a Pharmacist CV: Template with best writing tips and examples

Are you someone who finds joy or passion in using science to improve the well-being of others? A career as a Pharmacist can be a right fit for you. You closely work with physicians, nurses, administrators, and other allied health professionals to make sure patients receive the correct medication in the right quantity. It is a rewarding and stimulating career path which enables you not only to help people and improve health outcomes but get to work in various industries and settings. Examples of career paths under the umbrella of pharmacy include but are not limited to: 

• Clinical Pharmacist

• Pharmacy Manager

• Pharmacy Technician

• Pharmaceutical Scientist

• Community Pharmacist

• Industry Pharmacist

• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Standing out from a pool of candidates can be a daunting task, and it can take just a few seconds for recruiters to decide on your suitability, So, presenting skills effectively becomes a key to catching their attention. Our article provides you with the basics of what makes a job-winning Pharmacist CV, regardless of whether you are a seasoned Pharmacist or just starting your career. Use our expert guidance to help you craft a stellar CV that meets the latest industry standards. For more details or advice, see our CV examples page.

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The CV writing process: Where to start?  

A good Pharmacist CV should include relevant keywords that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Recruiters and hiring managers can parse your CV using an automated software known as Applicant Tracking System. It is used to screen CVs based on criteria such as years of experience, qualifications, and industry knowledge. That’s why it is essential to ensure your CV is ATS-friendly so you can increase your chances of getting selected for an interview. 

To get started, you need to get familiar with the entire process of CV writing. We recommend first creating a master CV and using it as a reference tool for your future job-specific CVs. Following these steps enable you to confidently present yourself in an interview and impress potential employers.

Master CV for a Pharmacist 

A master CV is a career document that logs your entire academic and career history. It forms the foundation of all future job applications and can be as long as necessary, so be detailed. Ultimately, the main aim of CV writing is to tailor it to a specific role. Creating a document containing your previous work history, education, courses, or professional training is beneficial when creating a job-specific CV.

Job-specific CV for a Pharmacist 

As a Pharmacist, it is crucial to create a job-specific CV for every position you apply for. Not only does it highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the job, but it also helps you stand out from other applicants. This is particularly important due to the increasing use of ATS by recruiters, which filter candidates based on specific keywords, experience, and education. By tailoring a CV to the job description using relevant keywords and phrases, you can increase your chances of being selected for an interview and ultimately landing your dream job as a Pharmacist.

To learn more, read the article on how to improve your CV.

Pharmacist CV example 

Download this CV example in PDF - Pharmacist CV

Julia Dawson is a senior clinical Pharmacist experienced in diverse healthcare settings, with a passion for science and improving health outcomes. Her profile highlights communication and interpersonal skills, with expertise in drug therapy, safety monitoring, and patient education. The California template presents her skills and experience in a clear and visually appealing manner.

What to include in a Pharmacist CV? Tips and examples

A well-crafted Pharmacist CV highlights your experience, skills, and achievements, demonstrating your ability to provide pharmaceutical services efficiently. Consider that certain sections come highly recommended, others are optional and should be included based on their relevance to your career goals.

Your Pharmacist CV complements other career documents such as cover letters, thank you letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Instead of including all of your experiences on a CV, strategically use all available resources to market yourself effectively.

To learn more about mandatory and optional sections, read our cornerstone article on how to write a good CV.

How to add a personal profile for a Pharmacist CV 

A personal profile, also known as a summary, is a section at the top of your CV that briefly mentions relevant experience, soft skills, and qualifications for the desired position. It is most likely the first thing recruiters or hiring managers will read. Therefore, it should be well-written. See our examples to learn how to craft a professional and concise summary. 

Refer to the article on how to write a personal profile on a CV to see more examples and tips. 

How to write work experience on a Pharmacist CV

The work experience section on a CV aims to include your most recent job positions relevant to the job you are targeting. List previous positions in reverse chronological order, with the most recent positions being first. Use concise sentences and action verbs to summarise your duties and achievements in 4 to 6 lines.

For more information, please refer to the article on how to write work experience on a CV.

Work experience example on a Pharmacist CV

Pharmacy Manager, Boots Pharmacy, London, UK, 2018-2021

Managed a team of pharmacy technicians and ensured the timely processing of prescriptions, exceptional customer service, and proper inventory management. Maintained inventory levels and ordered medications in a timely and cost-effective manner. Counselled patients on medication usage, potential side effects, and drug interactions.

• Collaborated with doctors to develop effective medication plans resulting in a 10% increase in patient adherence to prescribed treatments.

• Decreased medication costs by 10% through effective inventory management, sourcing cost-effective suppliers, and minimising drug waste via storage and expiration tracking in accordance with the pharmaceutical guidelines. 

• Collaborated with doctors and healthcare professionals to create effective medication plans, resulting in a 10% increase in patient adherence to prescribed treatments.

How to include skills in a Pharmacist CV

Adding skills is more straightforward than you might think. There are three main types: hard, soft, and transferable. They all demonstrate your ability to perform the job successfully. Hard skills are technical skills gained through on-job training or through a course, whereas soft skills are personal attributes or qualities that define your relationship with other people. Transferrable skills are abilities you can apply and adapt across different roles, industries, and contexts.

Examples of soft skills for a Pharmacist CV

• Communication 

• Collaboration 

• Detail-orientated

• Empathy and compassion

• Teamwork 

• Empathy

• Time management 

• Organisational skills

Examples of hard skills a Pharmacist CV

• Medication dispensing

• Pharmaceutical knowledge

• Quality assurance

• Medication distribution

• Pharmaceutical research

• Prescription processing

• Drug interaction management

• Compounding expertise

Examples of transferable skills on a Pharmacist CV

• Problem-solving

• Critical thinking

• Adaptability

• Customer service

• Leadership

• Analytical

• Interpersonal

• Project management

How to list education on a Pharmacist CV

To get a job as a Pharmacist, you need to have a good understanding of specific tools, common practices, and industry knowledge. You might already possess transferable skills from a previous job or acquire them through self-study. Either way, it’s still worth including them in a separate section called ‘Education’. See the main components and structure of the education section below.

• Institution

• Degree type (e.g. bachelor, master, or PhD)

• Location 

• Date range, year of graduation, or in progress

Structure

[Degree] in [program name], [institution], [Location], [year of graduation, date range, or in progress]

Examples of education on a Pharmacist CV

• Master of Pharmacy, University College London, UK, 2023-In progress

• Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, UK, 2022

• Master of Science in Pharmacy, King's College London, UK, 2021

• Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Bath, UK, 2022

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, 2018

Key takeaways 

Drawing on the above examples and tips, you are now equipped with all the knowledge to be one step ahead of competitors. We have covered what makes a good Pharmacist CV, the types of sections to include, and the importance of optimising it for ATS. Use our expert knowledge to craft a well-structured CV that showcases your unique abilities and achievements. Apply with confidence, and let your talents shine in your next job!

Additional tips

• Ensure you use simple and professional language 

• Personalise your CV to meet job requirements

• Include a cover letter alongside your CV

• Avoid using personal pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘me’, or ‘us’ in your CV

• Exclude outdated information 

• Proofread your CV for any errors or inconsistencies

• Seek feedback from experienced professionals 

• Read your CV and cover letter aloud before handing them in

• Use up-to-date and accurate information 

Next steps? 

Looking for a professional and easy-to-follow CV template for your Pharmacist CV? Check out one of our 20 professional templates that can help you create a tailored and well-formatted CV. Whether you need a quick review or a complete rewrite, our CV Writing Service can help you perfect your CV and polish all the inconsistencies to ensure it targets the right keywords and includes all the necessary sections recruiters are searching for. With our all-in-one career platform, you can create a tailored Pharmacist CV, receive feedback from industry professionals, and attach a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and suitability for the job. Let CVMaker help you land your dream Pharmacist job today.

FAQ

What does a Pharmacist do?

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals responsible for dispensing medications to patients and ensuring that they are used safely and effectively. They work with doctors and other healthcare providers to review and manage patients' medication regimens, including monitoring for potential drug interactions and side effects. Pharmacists also provide advice on over-the-counter medications and general health and wellness.

What is an average salary of a Pharmacist in the UK?

Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and size of the organisation. The average salary for a Pharmacist in the UK is around £40,000 per year, with senior Pharmacists or executives earning up to £70,000 per year.

How to become a Pharmacist?

To become a Pharmacist in the UK, you need to have a degree in pharmacy from an accredited university or get certifications from institutions such as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The degree typically takes four years to complete and includes both academic coursework and practical experience in a pharmacy setting. After completing the degree, you must complete a one-year pre-registration training program and pass a registration exam before being able to practice as a Pharmacist.

Where to look for Pharmacist jobs in the UK?

As a Pharmacist, you can work in different settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, or government agencies. You can find vacancies on the following job sites or pharmacy association platforms:

Job search sites

• Indeed 

• Glassdoor

• Monster

• LinkedIn 

Pharmacy associations 

• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)

• National Pharmacy Association (NPA)

• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)

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