A well-made CV is essential for making a strong impression in the pharmacy industry. Your CV should highlight your practical skills, relevant qualifications, and hands-on experience in dispensing medication, offering patient advice, and ensuring safety and compliance.

This guide provides valuable tips, templates, and CV examples to help you craft a pharmacist CV that boosts your chances of securing your next role. Our guide will provide you with everything you need to create an effective CV, including:

  • Pharmacist CV samples
  • Pharmacist CV templates
  • The best CV format for a pharmacist
  • A step-by-step guide to writing a CV
  • Dos and don’ts for your pharmacist CV
  • Frequently asked questions for pharmacists

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    Pharmacist CV sample

    pharmacist cv sample

    Simon Wheeler

    Wigan
    07912 345 678
    s.wheeler@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Experienced pharmacy professional with demonstrated success in retail positions and leadership roles, seeking new professional challenges. Able to manage pharmacy operations with a flexible and resourceful approach. Excellent record-keeper, proficient in administering immunisations and monitoring supplies.

    WORK HISTORY

    06/2014 – Current
    PRIMARY CARE PHARMACIST
    Manchester Primary Care Trust | Trafford

    • Administered pneumococcal and HPV immunisations, increasing take-up by 7% year on year.
    • Improved organisation and supply management policies for all medicines and materials.
    • Trained and mentored pharmacy support technicians.

    02/2011 – 05/2014
    HOSPITAL PHARMACIST
    Salford Royal Hospital | Stockport

    • Collaborated with hospital Accident and Emergency, Outpatient, and Purchasing and Supplies department staff to assist with patient treatment.
    • Prepared or directly supervised the preparation of IV admixtures, verifying all work performed by technicians and clerks.
    • Provided patients with pamphlets and verbal instructions on how to properly take, handle, and store medications, achieving a record-high patient satisfaction rating of 96%.

    04/2008 – 01/2011
    COMMUNITY PHARMACIST
    Jackson’s Pharmacy | Trafford

    • Established clear and effective customer service policies to increase satisfaction and pharmacy loyalty.
    • Reviewed physician orders to assess accuracy and safety.
    • Oversaw work activities, performance, and service quality of eight pharmacy staff over a two-year period.

    SKILLS

    • Calculating doses
    • Controlled drug logging
    • Delegating assignments
    • Documentation abilities
    • Drug interaction understanding
    • Patient confidentiality
    • Profitability understanding
    • Regulatory requirements
    • Supervising technicians
    • Verifying inventory

    EDUCATION

    Msc Pharmacy | 2008
    Aston University, Birmingham

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    Pharmacist CV templates

    Our CV templates are crafted to highlight your expertise, skills, and experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Designed for clarity and professionalism, these templates allow you to showcase your strengths in key areas such as patient care, medication management, dispensing, and regulatory compliance. They provide a well-organised format to present your qualifications and experience, helping you stand out to potential employers.

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    The ideal pharmacist CV format

    For most pharmacists, the chronological CV format is the most effective. This structure allows you to highlight your most recent roles at the top, showcasing your career progression, key skills, and areas of expertise. Listing your latest positions first demonstrates your up-to-date knowledge and practical experience, which is crucial for employers seeking competent and reliable pharmacy professionals.

    However, a skills-based CV format might be more suitable if you’re new to the pharmacy industry or have limited professional experience. This format emphasises your core competencies, such as medication dispensing, patient care, regulatory knowledge, and any relevant training you’ve completed, rather than an extensive work history. It allows you to highlight transferable skills gained through voluntary roles, internships, or academic qualifications, demonstrating your potential to succeed as a pharmacist.

    Here are some general CV tips for pharmacists:

    • Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages, focusing on the most relevant experience and qualifications.
    • Use a professional font: Stick to clear, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.
    • Organise your CV into clear sections: Include contact details, personal summary, work experience, skills, and education.
    • Use bullet points for clarity: Bullet points help employers quickly identify key skills and achievements.

    How to write a pharmacist CV step by step

    Creating a pharmacist CV involves more than just listing your previous roles; it’s an opportunity to showcase your key skills, qualifications, and experience while demonstrating your ability to provide high-quality patient care, manage medication distribution, and adhere to regulatory standards.

    In this section, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to make a CV that effectively highlights your expertise and experience as a pharmacist.

    Here are the key steps we’ll cover:

    Present your contact details clearly

    The contact details section of your CV should be placed at the top, as this is the first thing recruiters will see. Ensure your contact information is accurate, clear, and easy to find. 

    Here’s how to format it effectively:

    • Full Name: Include both your first and last name.
    • Location: Mention your city or country, and specify if you’re open to relocation.
    • Phone Number: Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
    • Email Address: Use a professional and simple email address.

    Example contact section format

    Simon Wheeler
    Wigan, England
    07912 345 678
    s.wheeler@example.co.uk

    How to write a professional summary for your pharmacist CV

    Your personal statement (or professional summary) is one of the first sections recruiters will read on your CV, making it an important opportunity to make a strong first impression. It’s your chance to briefly highlight your experience, key skills, and what makes you stand out as a pharmacist.

    Here’s how to structure your personal statement:

    Brief introduction: Start with a short overview of your experience as a pharmacist, including any specialisations (e.g., community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacy) and the types of environments you have worked in.

    Key achievements: Highlight any relevant certifications, training, or successful projects that demonstrate your abilities, such as experience with specific medications, managing patient care, or improving pharmacy operations.

    Match the job requirements: Adapt your personal statement to the specific role you’re applying for. If the position requires particular experience, such as working with certain medications or in a clinical setting, make sure to mention your relevant skills (if you have them).

    Example of a pharmacist personal statement

    A skilled and dedicated pharmacist with over 6 years of experience in providing high-quality patient care in both community and hospital settings. Proficient in medication management, patient counselling, and maintaining regulatory standards. I am committed to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safe use of medication.

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    How to structure your work experience as a pharmacist

    The work experience section of your pharmacist CV is vital for demonstrating your practical skills, pharmaceutical knowledge, and how you contribute to patient care and the smooth operation of the pharmacy. This section allows potential employers to assess your hands-on experience and suitability for the role.

    Here’s how to effectively structure your work experience:

    • Use a chronological format: List your most recent roles first and work backwards. This helps employers track your career progression. For each role, include the name of the company, your job title, and the dates of employment.
    • Highlight key responsibilities and achievements: Focus on specific duties that showcase your expertise, such as dispensing prescriptions, counselling patients, managing stock, or advising on medication. You can also mention any achievements, such as improving patient satisfaction, reducing dispensing errors, or streamlining pharmacy operations.
    • Tailor your experience to the role: Adjust your work experience to match the specific pharmacist position you are applying for. If the role requires specialised experience, such as working in a clinical setting or handling complex prescriptions, highlight the most relevant tasks.
    • Be specific and concise: Use bullet points to list key tasks and responsibilities. Focus on the impact of your work, and avoid irrelevant information. Emphasise activities that directly contribute to patient safety, medication management, or pharmacy operations.

    Example of a pharmacist work experience section

    Pharmacist
    Boots Pharmacy, Manchester
    January 2022 – Current

    • Dispense prescriptions accurately and efficiently, ensuring patient safety and compliance with legal requirements.
    • Provide professional advice on over-the-counter medications, patient conditions, and lifestyle changes.
    • Manage stock levels, ensuring the pharmacy is fully stocked and that expired items are removed promptly.
    • Train and mentor pharmacy support staff, ensuring high standards of customer service and pharmacy practices.

    Pharmacist
    Lloyds Pharmacy, London
    June 2019 – December 2021

    • Delivered patient-centred care, providing advice on medication usage, side effects, and possible interactions.
    • Conducted medication reviews to ensure safe and effective use of prescribed drugs.
    • Administered flu vaccinations and other health services, contributing to the pharmacy’s community health initiatives.
    • Monitored and advised on the proper storage and disposal of pharmaceutical products to ensure safety and compliance.

    Skills to include on a pharmacist CV

    Employers seek candidates with a strong blend of technical pharmaceutical knowledge and excellent customer service skills. Your CV should highlight both your hard and soft skills and aim to include six to ten key skills in total.

    Here are some skills to consider including:

    Specific skills

    • Dispensing prescriptions accurately
    • Administering vaccinations
    • Managing stock levels and medication storage
    • Conducting medication reviews

    General skills

    • Strong communication skills
    • Attention to detail and accuracy
    • Ability to work under pressure
    • Excellent organisational skills

    How to display your qualifications on a pharmacist CV

    Education is key for pharmacists, and relevant qualifications are essential. Start by listing your main qualification, such as your MPharm degree, which is required to work as a pharmacist in the UK. After that, include any additional certifications, such as training in vaccination or CPD courses. Mention the qualification, awarding body, and completion dates to show your commitment to professional development.

    Example of a pharmacist qualifications section

    Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
    University of Manchester | 2018 – 2022

    Vaccination Training
    Royal Pharmaceutical Society | 2023

    Dos and don’ts for a pharmacist CV

    DO

    • DO include your registration details

      Ensure you list your GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) registration number and status. This should be included in your Qualifications section, ideally beneath your degree and any relevant certifications. This shows you are legally qualified and in good standing to practise as a pharmacist. If applicable, you can also include it in your Contact Information section.

    • DO emphasise your clinical experience

      If you’ve worked in clinical settings, include this experience in detail. Highlight your role in patient care, including dispensing medication, counselling patients on their prescriptions, and ensuring the safe use of medicines. Under Work Experience, make sure to list specific responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to work directly with patients.

    DON’T

    • DON’T overlook soft skills

      Pharmacists interact regularly with patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Highlight your communication, empathy, and customer service skills to demonstrate your ability to provide patient-centred care and manage sensitive situations.

    • DON’T use a one-size-fits-all CV

      Every job is different, so your CV should be tailored to each application. Review the job description and ensure your CV highlights the specific skills and experience relevant to the position you are applying for. Customising your CV will make you stand out to recruiters.

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    Your pharmacist CV questions answered

    Can I use a CV template for my pharmacist CV?

    Using a CV template can help structure your information in a professional and organised way. Choose a template that clearly showcases your qualifications, clinical experience, and skills. Tailor it to reflect your unique career path and ensure it aligns with the role you’re applying for.

    What if I don’t have previous pharmacy experience?

    If you’re new to the pharmacy field or have limited experience, focus on your education, any relevant training, and transferable skills. Highlight your knowledge from academic studies, placements, or voluntary roles. A skills-based CV format helps showcase the strengths you’ve developed, even if your work experience is limited.

    Can I include continuing professional development (CPD) on my CV?

    Yes, including your CPD activities on your CV is a great way to show that you’re committed to professional growth. List any relevant courses, workshops, or seminars you’ve attended, particularly those that enhance your skills in patient care, clinical practice, or pharmacy technology. Be sure to include the date of completion and any certification gained.

    Should I include a cover letter with my pharmacist CV?

    Although a cover letter is not necessary, we highly recommend it. It provides an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role, explain your passion for pharmacy, and demonstrate how your qualifications and experience make you a perfect fit for the position. A well-written cover letter adds a personal touch and helps you stand out from other candidates.

    Can I include non-pharmacy-related skills on my CV?

    Yes, you can include non-pharmacy skills, especially those that demonstrate transferable competencies. Skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving are highly valued in pharmacy roles. Additionally, any experience with technology or management software, such as pharmacy management systems or health record databases, should be highlighted.

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    Create your pharmacist CV today

    Ready to create a CV that highlights your pharmacy expertise and experience? We’re here to help you create a professional CV that gets you noticed. With our expert tips, templates, and examples, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next pharmacy role. When you’re ready, use our simple CV builder to customise and download your CV instantly.

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