This is what many people would consider an EPIC post.
One of the most difficult things many fellow pharmacy assistants often encounter is the lack of jobs openings, and the fact that every job often has many competitors. So what does a fresh graduate do or say to make sure he gets the position? Read on…
1. Enter With Confidence, And Exit With Confidence.
If there is any tip I can give you on how to get ANY job, this above all else matters. Be confident, despite how nervous you are. Take a Tums if your stomach is growling. Look your potential boss in the eye. Shake his/her hand in a firm, strong way–before and after the interview. Smile, and keep your eyes on them at all times. Let your eyes be a reflection of your confidence and joy. Never get distracted by your surroundings either. Keep your focus on him/her alone. Always listen to what he/she says, and in the end, make sure that you leave his/her office with the same confidence you had coming in–even if you get rejected for the position. A weak exit (a sigh, slumping back, and weak handshake) will only re-affirm your interviewer’s decision not to hire you–while a strong, confident exit will make them second guess themselves as to why.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away.
This is the #1 reason why many pharmacy assistants make so little money–they feel that if they don’t take that initial offer, they’re doomed and that they’ll never find a job offer again. False. You ALWAYS have a choice–use that choice wisely. If the pharmacists’ offer is downright insulting, feel free to politely walk away–but do it in a professional manner. For example:
Boss: “Okay, Mr.Derp, I can see that you’re qualified, how does $13 an hour sound like?
You: “I’m sorry Mr.Herpaderp, but I feel that your offer does not justify the benefits I know I can provide to your company, so I’m afraid I’ll have to pass up this otherwise great opportunity.”
Either the pharmacists lets you leave, or he will ask you to stay and negotiate.
3. When The Negotiation Table Opens, Take Advantage.
And when I say take advantage, don’t just demand things to be given to you simply because you believe you deserve it. That is a sure-fire way to NOT get the job. Instead, when the boss opens the negotiation table, think of it as a win-win situation. Why? Because when a potential employer opens up the negotiation table, odds are he/she really wants you to join his/her team. That upon itself means that 99% of the time, the job is yours. Use that to your advantage.
Going back to our previous scenario:
Boss: I see…I’m sorry you found my offer wasn’t enough. Maybe we can work something out.
You: I am very much interested–what did you have in mind?
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More–But Don’t Overdo It.
When asking for more money, don’t just think about what would benefit you. Sure, everyone would love to start at $25 an hour–but is it realistic? Fact of the matter is, even a hospital-employed pharmacy assistant doesn’t start at $25–and hospitals are one of the most generous employers. Just remember that an employee-employer relationship goes both ways; both parties have to benefit, and both parties have to be able to sustain that professional relationship. For example, unionized work environments such as Safeway have strict, union-enforced pay ceilings, based on your level of experience. Other more mainstream retail pharmacies such as Shopper’s Drug Mart do have pay ceilings, but the space in between the minimum wage and the ceiling is where it’s fair game. Likewise, your small, neighborhood independent pharmacy may not be able to offer you a higher wage. As Walter White of Breaking Bad said: Tread Lightly.
Back to our scenario:
Boss: Well, Mr. Derp, as you may know, Shopper’s Drug Mart is a well-established company, and our pharmacy assistants make $4 more than standard provincial minimum wage. Don’t you think that is more than fair?
You: I am totally aware and I fully understand, Mr. Herpaderp. But I believe that the role of a pharmacy assistant, and the level of responsibility that it entails to keep our clients healthy and satisfied, is simply above and beyond your offer of $13 an hour–given the skills and abilities I can bring to your organization, I believe a $15 per hour rate is justified.
5. Offer A Guarantee–And Back It Up.
One of the greatest things consumers have at our disposal is the “money back guarantee” that so many businesses offer nowadays. Why? Because it assures us that in case the product is not up to par, that we can return it and get our money back. While a money-back guarantee is not common in the workplace and employment scenario, offering a guarantee of some sorts will oftentimes put many employers at ease. Not only that, but a guarantee is a sign of dedication and quality: There is a reason 99% of all guarantees start with “If you are not fully satisfied, simply return…”–because those companies stand by the quality of their product. And you should be able to say the same thing about yourself. Make him/her believe why you’re worth what you’re asking for.
Boss: “Whoa, now hold on, $15 an hour seems a bit too much from someone just starting out. In fact, many of my senior technicians didn’t even start at $15 an hour. Why should I even give you that much money?”
You: “I understand that what I am asking for may be a bit different from what you may have been used to, Mr. Herpaderp, but there is a reason that I believe I am worth $15 an hour. While I do understand that it may be a bit higher than what most of your senior techs started out with back in the day, it is because the training that I have is current, modern, and aligns with what the CPA expects from it’s pharmacy technicians/assistants. Aside from that, I am an open slate, a fresh mind–You can mold me and make sure that the work I do will be the work you want to see, almost as if you made it yourself. And, let’s not forget too that the rate of inflation and increased standards of living will definitely create a rift between your senior tech’s starting salary back then, to what it is now. In fact, I guarantee that you’ll love having me as a part of your team that if I have not performed my duties in accordance to your expectations, you won’t have to pay me for a full day of work, and I personally will leave myself.
Boss: Wow, you’re really confident with your skills and the benefit you’ll bring my company that you’re willing to put this job on the line?
You: Yes–Because I know I Can Deliver.
6. Money Is Not The Measure Of Everything–Try To Win Not Just The Money
While ultimately, your goal will be to make as much money possible within this industry, also remember that not every perk or benefit should be measured in dollars. In fact, oftentimes negotiating can easily be swayed to your benefit by dropping a dollar and picking up a perk instead. So if a potential employer begins to offer you non-financial compensation, don’t be afraid to consider it. Likewise, if there is a non-financial perk or option you would like to have, don’t be afraid to bring it to the table in a casual, non-threatening way.
Back to you and your potential boss, Mr.Herpaderp:
Boss: “I see on your resume that you are an avid surfer, Mr.Derp, and that you also love spending time with your kids.”
You: “Yes indeed I do.”
Boss: “I see. What if, instead of $15 an hour, I’ll start you at $13.50, give you full family benefits, and a 2 week vacation during the summer months. How does that sound?”
You: “That does sound amazing, but how about this: You can start me off at $13.75, with full family benefits, and instead of 2 weeks during the summer, a guaranteed 1 week vacation during Christmas week? That way, I can fill in for the rest of my other colleagues who would want to travel around or outside of the country in the summer months, and they can fill in for me during the holidays? That way everyone is happy.”
7. Make Your Offers Reasonable–Not Good, Great, But Reasonable.
This is a trick I learned from the CEO of one of the companies I used to work for. When you add the phrase “Doesn’t that sound reasonable to you?” to any offer, it will not elicit a straight up “no” answer–rather, and more often than not, it will elicit a positive response–especially when the person you are talking to is as educated and academically intelligent (most doctors and healthcare professionals are left-brain thinkers–they use logic and reason more than fantasy and imagination). And for a logical thinker that uses reason, saying something is “reasonable’ allows them to process any doubt into a positive–after all, it is reasonable, it is justifiable.
You: “See Mr. Herpaderp–my offer benefits my colleagues, benefits me, and most importantly, benefits you–it’s a win-win situation. Doesn’t that sound reasonable?”
Boss: “Yes, well, indeed, you are correct. I suppose that is a good offer.”
8. Humanize Yourself
This is one of the worst things I have both done and see others do–that is, become robots who literally just spew out a resume from their mouth when asked questions. 99% of pharmacists barely care what’s on your resume. Rather, many pharmacists (and many employers) nowadays look at a person’s human qualities and personality. Fact-based exams get replaced with behavioral questions that are often repetitive. It’s about you as a person, and how you will fit in with your employer, your colleagues, and most importantly, your customers. So don’t be afraid to laugh at a joke. Talk about your kids, your life, and what matters to you–but only in moderation. You’re there to get a job, not just to make friends. If asked for a story, don’t be afraid to draw a personal story.
What you need to do is OWN the job. OWN in the sense that you show your potential employer that the paperwork and further questions are just a formality, that the job is already yours, like so:
Boss: “Well that offer does sound reasonable…”
You: “Fantastic! Would you like me to start on Monday?”
Many employers would be taken aback by such a response, but from my personal experience, it will either elicit a laugh, reinforce how zealous and dedicated you are, or even better, a counteroffer–in this scenario, possibly a start date in a week or so.
10. Emphasize NOT What You Can Do For Your Potential Boss, But Rather, What You Can Do For His Customers.
The reason why this isn’t #1 is because I know many would be looking at this post (first and last position.) This, besides #1, is the most important advice I can give you. Let’s face it: while your potential employer may be the one paying your bills, it’s the customers and the government that will be paying the pharmacy. In the interview, emphasize what you can do for his/her customers–how you’ll make his/her customers happy. The pharmacist could care less if you can compound faster, can search for bottles quicker, or create a website–All those duties he can accomplish himself. But when you tell a potential employer of the ways you can make his customers happy, how you can cut down wait times, or how you can do the deliveries by yourself to help ease up any scared customers who may be afraid to open their windows–that will surely grab his attention. After all, a pharmacist’ bloodline is the community he serves.
And there you have it! These 10 simple tips will guarantee that you find a job as a pharmacy assistant wherever you go. Just always do your best each and every time, from job hunting, to the interview, and when you finally become a Pharmacy Assistant. Good luck and all the best!
One of the most difficult things many fellow pharmacy assistants often encounter is the lack of jobs openings, and the fact that every job often has many competitors. So what does a fresh graduate do or say to make sure he gets the position? Read on…
If there is any tip I can give you on how to get ANY job, this above all else matters. Be confident, despite how nervous you are. Take a Tums if your stomach is growling. Look your potential boss in the eye. Shake his/her hand in a firm, strong way–before and after the interview. Smile, and keep your eyes on them at all times. Let your eyes be a reflection of your confidence and joy. Never get distracted by your surroundings either. Keep your focus on him/her alone. Always listen to what he/she says, and in the end, make sure that you leave his/her office with the same confidence you had coming in–even if you get rejected for the position. A weak exit (a sigh, slumping back, and weak handshake) will only re-affirm your interviewer’s decision not to hire you–while a strong, confident exit will make them second guess themselves as to why.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away.
This is the #1 reason why many pharmacy assistants make so little money–they feel that if they don’t take that initial offer, they’re doomed and that they’ll never find a job offer again. False. You ALWAYS have a choice–use that choice wisely. If the pharmacists’ offer is downright insulting, feel free to politely walk away–but do it in a professional manner. For example:
Boss: “Okay, Mr.Derp, I can see that you’re qualified, how does $13 an hour sound like?
You: “I’m sorry Mr.Herpaderp, but I feel that your offer does not justify the benefits I know I can provide to your company, so I’m afraid I’ll have to pass up this otherwise great opportunity.”
Either the pharmacists lets you leave, or he will ask you to stay and negotiate.
3. When The Negotiation Table Opens, Take Advantage.
And when I say take advantage, don’t just demand things to be given to you simply because you believe you deserve it. That is a sure-fire way to NOT get the job. Instead, when the boss opens the negotiation table, think of it as a win-win situation. Why? Because when a potential employer opens up the negotiation table, odds are he/she really wants you to join his/her team. That upon itself means that 99% of the time, the job is yours. Use that to your advantage.
Going back to our previous scenario:
Boss: I see…I’m sorry you found my offer wasn’t enough. Maybe we can work something out.
You: I am very much interested–what did you have in mind?
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More–But Don’t Overdo It.
When asking for more money, don’t just think about what would benefit you. Sure, everyone would love to start at $25 an hour–but is it realistic? Fact of the matter is, even a hospital-employed pharmacy assistant doesn’t start at $25–and hospitals are one of the most generous employers. Just remember that an employee-employer relationship goes both ways; both parties have to benefit, and both parties have to be able to sustain that professional relationship. For example, unionized work environments such as Safeway have strict, union-enforced pay ceilings, based on your level of experience. Other more mainstream retail pharmacies such as Shopper’s Drug Mart do have pay ceilings, but the space in between the minimum wage and the ceiling is where it’s fair game. Likewise, your small, neighborhood independent pharmacy may not be able to offer you a higher wage. As Walter White of Breaking Bad said: Tread Lightly.
Back to our scenario:
Boss: Well, Mr. Derp, as you may know, Shopper’s Drug Mart is a well-established company, and our pharmacy assistants make $4 more than standard provincial minimum wage. Don’t you think that is more than fair?
You: I am totally aware and I fully understand, Mr. Herpaderp. But I believe that the role of a pharmacy assistant, and the level of responsibility that it entails to keep our clients healthy and satisfied, is simply above and beyond your offer of $13 an hour–given the skills and abilities I can bring to your organization, I believe a $15 per hour rate is justified.
5. Offer A Guarantee–And Back It Up.
One of the greatest things consumers have at our disposal is the “money back guarantee” that so many businesses offer nowadays. Why? Because it assures us that in case the product is not up to par, that we can return it and get our money back. While a money-back guarantee is not common in the workplace and employment scenario, offering a guarantee of some sorts will oftentimes put many employers at ease. Not only that, but a guarantee is a sign of dedication and quality: There is a reason 99% of all guarantees start with “If you are not fully satisfied, simply return…”–because those companies stand by the quality of their product. And you should be able to say the same thing about yourself. Make him/her believe why you’re worth what you’re asking for.
Boss: “Whoa, now hold on, $15 an hour seems a bit too much from someone just starting out. In fact, many of my senior technicians didn’t even start at $15 an hour. Why should I even give you that much money?”
You: “I understand that what I am asking for may be a bit different from what you may have been used to, Mr. Herpaderp, but there is a reason that I believe I am worth $15 an hour. While I do understand that it may be a bit higher than what most of your senior techs started out with back in the day, it is because the training that I have is current, modern, and aligns with what the CPA expects from it’s pharmacy technicians/assistants. Aside from that, I am an open slate, a fresh mind–You can mold me and make sure that the work I do will be the work you want to see, almost as if you made it yourself. And, let’s not forget too that the rate of inflation and increased standards of living will definitely create a rift between your senior tech’s starting salary back then, to what it is now. In fact, I guarantee that you’ll love having me as a part of your team that if I have not performed my duties in accordance to your expectations, you won’t have to pay me for a full day of work, and I personally will leave myself.
Boss: Wow, you’re really confident with your skills and the benefit you’ll bring my company that you’re willing to put this job on the line?
You: Yes–Because I know I Can Deliver.
6. Money Is Not The Measure Of Everything–Try To Win Not Just The Money
While ultimately, your goal will be to make as much money possible within this industry, also remember that not every perk or benefit should be measured in dollars. In fact, oftentimes negotiating can easily be swayed to your benefit by dropping a dollar and picking up a perk instead. So if a potential employer begins to offer you non-financial compensation, don’t be afraid to consider it. Likewise, if there is a non-financial perk or option you would like to have, don’t be afraid to bring it to the table in a casual, non-threatening way.
Back to you and your potential boss, Mr.Herpaderp:
Boss: “I see on your resume that you are an avid surfer, Mr.Derp, and that you also love spending time with your kids.”
You: “Yes indeed I do.”
Boss: “I see. What if, instead of $15 an hour, I’ll start you at $13.50, give you full family benefits, and a 2 week vacation during the summer months. How does that sound?”
You: “That does sound amazing, but how about this: You can start me off at $13.75, with full family benefits, and instead of 2 weeks during the summer, a guaranteed 1 week vacation during Christmas week? That way, I can fill in for the rest of my other colleagues who would want to travel around or outside of the country in the summer months, and they can fill in for me during the holidays? That way everyone is happy.”
7. Make Your Offers Reasonable–Not Good, Great, But Reasonable.
This is a trick I learned from the CEO of one of the companies I used to work for. When you add the phrase “Doesn’t that sound reasonable to you?” to any offer, it will not elicit a straight up “no” answer–rather, and more often than not, it will elicit a positive response–especially when the person you are talking to is as educated and academically intelligent (most doctors and healthcare professionals are left-brain thinkers–they use logic and reason more than fantasy and imagination). And for a logical thinker that uses reason, saying something is “reasonable’ allows them to process any doubt into a positive–after all, it is reasonable, it is justifiable.
You: “See Mr. Herpaderp–my offer benefits my colleagues, benefits me, and most importantly, benefits you–it’s a win-win situation. Doesn’t that sound reasonable?”
Boss: “Yes, well, indeed, you are correct. I suppose that is a good offer.”
8. Humanize Yourself
This is one of the worst things I have both done and see others do–that is, become robots who literally just spew out a resume from their mouth when asked questions. 99% of pharmacists barely care what’s on your resume. Rather, many pharmacists (and many employers) nowadays look at a person’s human qualities and personality. Fact-based exams get replaced with behavioral questions that are often repetitive. It’s about you as a person, and how you will fit in with your employer, your colleagues, and most importantly, your customers. So don’t be afraid to laugh at a joke. Talk about your kids, your life, and what matters to you–but only in moderation. You’re there to get a job, not just to make friends. If asked for a story, don’t be afraid to draw a personal story.
9. Don't Ask For The Job--Own It.
An interview is like a sales pitch–instead of selling a product,
you’re selling yourself. And just like in any sales demo, the point will
come where the presenter–in this case, you–will be asking the members
of the audience if they liked the product, and then you’d ask them to
buy the product. In this situation, you should NEVER ask if your
potential employer would hire you; again, this shows your lack of
confidence in yourself and your abilities, and you’ll most likely
receive the dreaded “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You”–which often means
“No, we’re not interested”.What you need to do is OWN the job. OWN in the sense that you show your potential employer that the paperwork and further questions are just a formality, that the job is already yours, like so:
Boss: “Well that offer does sound reasonable…”
You: “Fantastic! Would you like me to start on Monday?”
Many employers would be taken aback by such a response, but from my personal experience, it will either elicit a laugh, reinforce how zealous and dedicated you are, or even better, a counteroffer–in this scenario, possibly a start date in a week or so.
10. Emphasize NOT What You Can Do For Your Potential Boss, But Rather, What You Can Do For His Customers.
The reason why this isn’t #1 is because I know many would be looking at this post (first and last position.) This, besides #1, is the most important advice I can give you. Let’s face it: while your potential employer may be the one paying your bills, it’s the customers and the government that will be paying the pharmacy. In the interview, emphasize what you can do for his/her customers–how you’ll make his/her customers happy. The pharmacist could care less if you can compound faster, can search for bottles quicker, or create a website–All those duties he can accomplish himself. But when you tell a potential employer of the ways you can make his customers happy, how you can cut down wait times, or how you can do the deliveries by yourself to help ease up any scared customers who may be afraid to open their windows–that will surely grab his attention. After all, a pharmacist’ bloodline is the community he serves.
And there you have it! These 10 simple tips will guarantee that you find a job as a pharmacy assistant wherever you go. Just always do your best each and every time, from job hunting, to the interview, and when you finally become a Pharmacy Assistant. Good luck and all the best!
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