3 References Every Pharmacist Should Have On A Resume

When it comes to your resume or job application, there are three must-have references you should always include.

Before you ask for references from professors, colleagues and supervisors, make sure they will be a good source. When asking them to provide you with a reference, ask them if it will be a good one. Yes, this could lead to an awkward conversation, but just because someone agrees to give you a reference doesn’t mean it’ll be a good one.

With that being said, here are two categories for you to choose from to make sure you have the perfect resume:

For pharmacists just graduating from pharmacy school:

1. You’ll want a reference from one of your professors. This makes it critical for you to become fairly well-known to at least one of your instructors during pharmacy school. The person should be able to speak to your intelligence, your love of learning and the things you did in pharmacy school that made you stand out.
2. While you are on rotations, see if you can work closely with one of your preceptors enough that he or she will be willing to give you a good reference. 
3. If you performed research with a professor while at a pharmacy school, make sure he or she can give you a good reference and add that to your list as well.

For pharmacists with professional experience:

1. If you’ve had more than one position since graduating, you should have a reference from a former supervisor. If you’ve had just one position since graduation and you don’t want a current supervisor to know you’re looking for another position, contact a professor at school with which  you had a good relationship.
2. Aim to have a great reference from at least one professional colleague. The same as above, if you’re in your first pharmacy job out of school and don’t want colleagues to know you’re searching for another job, see if you can get references from one or more preceptors from your rotation days.
3. As a pharmacist in a retail or hospital setting, you’ve probably come in contact with other healthcare professionals. A physician with whom you’ve worked closely at a hospital with is a great addition to your references list. Also, an outside vendor or colleague on a professional pharmacy organization of which you’re a member is good too!

Update your resume, reach out to those who support you and get that next job! If you’re still looking for jobs and need assistance, give us a call!