- What should your pharmacist cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a pharmacist vacancy?
- How to write a cover letter closing
Looking for your next pharmacist job? Learn how to dispense the right information with this comprehensive guide and pharmacist cover letter example.
Applying for a job is a lot like filling a prescription. You need to follow the instructions exactly to provide the right information. Often, this process involves writing a cover letter about your skills and qualifications. A well-written cover letter can show a hiring manager why you’re the best pharmacist for their team.
This cover letter guide and corresponding example will show you how to write a professional pharmacist cover letter. We’ll discuss:
What information to include in your letter
How to write the introduction
What details to include in the body
How to close your cover letter
What should your pharmacist cover letter include?
Your cover letter should convince a hiring manager that your pharmaceutical knowledge and ability to provide patient care will make you a valuable addition to their team. Start your pharmacist cover letter with a header that includes your name and contact information, followed by the pharmacy’s information. Write a professional greeting to the hiring manager. Read our article on finding the right cover letter salutation for some ideas.
The rest of your cover letter should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. We’ll provide tips and advice on writing these sections below.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
A pharmacy director or hiring manager can receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for an open position. Make your cover letter stand out with a unique, engaging introduction. Your introductory paragraph should get a hiring manager’s attention by tying your experience to the position.
If you’re applying to work in a retail pharmacy, for example, you can share a story about how you successfully helped customers in similar settings. For a hospital job, you may discuss your experience working with other healthcare team members to provide excellent patient care. In a few sentences, show a hiring manager why you’re the right pharmacist for the job.
A hiring manager also wants to know that you’re excited about the opportunity. If you can, share a detail or two about why you’ve chosen to apply. For example, you can discuss how the position aligns with your long-term goals.
Dear Erica Jones
As an accomplished and dedicated professional with a diverse skill set and proven record of success, I am well prepared to meet and exceed your expectations in the Pharmacist opening. Confident I will quickly prove myself as a vital member of your team, I have enclosed my resume for your review.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a pharmacist vacancy?
In the body of your cover letter, expand on the information you’ve provided on your resume. Share specific examples or anecdotes to highlight your pharmacy experience.
As you write the body, it’s helpful to think about answering three questions:
Why you? Discuss the unique skills you can bring to the role, such as your ability to form relationships with patients or your experience with compounding medications. You can also describe any specialty or board certifications you’ve earned in your career. When possible, describe your measurable accomplishments as a pharmacist. For example, did you improve prescription accuracy or reduce wait times? These metrics can show employers your value.
Why here? Describe what interests you about the role or the pharmacy. For example, perhaps it offers the opportunity to supervise junior pharmacists, or maybe you have a passion for a specific area of pharmacy, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Mention how your excitement would motivate you to do great work in the role.
Why now? Explain why you’re choosing to apply for the role at this point in your career. How does the position fit with your long-term goals? In our example letter, the applicant mentions their enthusiasm for mastering new systems and protocols. Describe how the pharmacist position can bring you closer to achieving your career ambitions.
For more inspiration, check out our blog on what to write in a cover letter body.
Expert Tip
Use keywords in your cover letter
Just like your pharmacist resume, your cover letter should contain keywords from the job description. Use similar words and phrases to describe your qualifications. Some common keywords for a pharmacist cover letter include “patient education,” “prescription accuracy,” “regulatory compliance,” and “patient safety.”
Equipped with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska and more than 10 years of experience as a pharmacist, I am ready to hit the ground running with CVS Pharmacy. I know what it takes to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and deliver outstanding results. If given the opportunity, I will leverage my background to contribute to the achievement of your goals.
Please also consider the following highlights of my qualifications:
Quickly promoted to management role for ambition and performance.
Exceptional communication, training, customer service, and team leadership skills.
Proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Enthusiasm for learning and mastering new systems, information, and protocols.
How to write a cover letter closing
End your cover letter with a short paragraph, about two or three sentences. Get the hiring manager to contact you for an interview with the following tips:
Emphasize your relevant qualifications. Restate the unique attributes and experience you can bring to the role. For example: “I’m confident that my experience with mail-order programs and my commitment to prescription accuracy would make me a valuable addition to your pharmacy team.”
Include a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to reach out for an interview, like this: “Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail at an interview.”
Get more tips for writing a confident closing with our blog: How to close a cover letter.
In me, CVS Pharmacy will gain a diligent and focused professional with a tireless work ethic and relentless drive to accomplish the goals set before me. As such, I believe I would be a great addition to your team as a Pharmacist. I would welcome the chance to meet with you virtually or in person. Until then, thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Adam Smith
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