Pharmacy assistants support licensed pharmacists and are responsible for preparing medicines, filling prescriptions, and providing essential health advice to pharmacy patients and customers. From dealing with enquiries to ensuring the accurate delivery of medicines, their work is vital in providing safe and efficient customer service. The role of a pharmacy assistant goes beyond technical skills and requires excellent communication, organisation, and attention to detail.

Writing a CV that demonstrates these qualities can make all the difference in landing your ideal role. At myPerfectCV, we’re here to help. With expert advice, professional pharmacy technician CV examples and templates, and our easy-to-use CV builder, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the perfect application. Start your journey to a fulfilling pharmacy career today.

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    Sample pharmacy assistant CV

    Experienced pharmacy assistant CV example

    Lydia Rivera
    39 Church Street
    Manchester M3 7J7
    07912 345 678
    lydia.rivera@example.co.uk

    Professional summary

    Customer-focused Pharmacy Assistant with skills in medication preparation and insurance communication. Proven excellence in pharmaceutical SOPs and local regulations. Dedicated to answering customer questions to promote understanding of medication protocol.

    Work history
    Pharmacy Assistant, 06/2022 – Current
    Westpoint Pharmacy, Manchester

    • Merchandised pharmacy goods according to company standards and with an eye for grabbing customer attention.
    • Updated computer system with current customer, payment, and inventory information.
    • Counter and labelled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.

    Pharmacy Service Assistant, 11/2020 – 06/2022
    Dennis Gore Chemists Ltd, Manchester

    • Greeted customers and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
    • Received incoming supplies and stocked in correct locations.
    • Prepared bills for insurance companies.
    • Verified order information against computer database.

    Pharmacy Counter Assistant, 10/2018 – 11/2020
    Limelight Pharmacy, Manchester

    • Kept the pharmacy counter and related areas clean, neat, and organised.
    • Processed incoming medication orders.
    • Assisted pharmacy staff in preparing medications and filling orders.
    • Provided administrative support including filing, copying, and faxing.

    Skills

    • Dispensing medication under supervision
    • Knowledge of UK pharmacy legislation
    • Stock management and ordering systems
    • Understanding of drug classifications
    • Strong customer service and communication skills
    • Confidentiality and discretion 

    Education

    NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services Skills (2018)
    Pharmacy Training College, Manchester

    GCSEs (2016)
    Manchester Secondary School, Manchester

    Pharmacy assistant CV templates

    Creating a winning pharmacy technician job application is easy with our expertly designed CV templates. Choose one of the templates below or browse our template library to find a design that suits your needs and allows you to present your qualifications in an organised and professional way.

    The best format for your pharmacy assistant CV

    Before writing your CV, take some time to think about the format you want to use. The most widely used CV format by pharmacy assistants worldwide is the reverse chronological format, which showcases your most recent or current position first. This structure emphasises your professional experience and makes it easy for recruiters to see how you’ve progressed in your career. In addition, most recruiters are used to seeing this CV structure, making it easier for them to quickly find the information they need, like specific duties you’ve had in your most recent job.

    If you’re unsure whether the reverse chronological format is right for your pharmacy assistant CV, other options are available. The functional format focuses on skills over job history. This format is ideal if you are moving into pharmacy from another field. The third most popular format is the combination CV. This hybrid structure is the ideal choice if you have diverse qualifications, as it allows you to showcase your skills and experience in a balanced way.

    Regardless of the format you choose, here are some universal CV formatting tips you can use to make your pharmacy assistant CV stand out:

    • Keep your CV clean. Use an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Verdana. Ensure consistent spacing and margins.
    • Use a larger font (bold, if preferred) for your name. This makes the header stand out, allowing recruiters to easily locate your contact details.
    • Know which format to save your CV in. If the job description doesn’t specify this, save it as a PDF. This format preserves your formatting and ensures the document looks the same on any device.

    How to write an effective CV for a pharmacy assistant

    To write an effective CV for a pharmacy assistant role, focus on showcasing your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Our step-by-step guide will ensure your CV is structured well. These instructions will also tell you exactly what recruiters are looking for and how to make each section of your CV stand out. In this section, you will learn everything you need to know about:

    Adding contact details to your pharmacy assistant CV

    Start your CV by creating a contact section at the top of the page. Use a larger font to write your full name. Write your address, phone number, and email in the next line. If you’re submitting a cover letter with your application, make sure its contact section matches the one from your CV.

    Example of contact section for a pharmacy assistant CV

    Lydia Rivera
    39 Church Street 
    Manchester M3 7J7 
    07912 345 678 
    lydia.rivera@example.co.uk

    Writing your pharmacy assistant CV’s personal statement

    Your personal statement, or professional summary, is one of the most important sections of your CV. Its purpose is to grab the recruiter’s attention and present you as the perfect candidate for the specific role you want to secure. 

    A personal statement should clearly outline your current employment status and key professional attributes. If you are applying for your first role, you could describe yourself as a ‘school leaver’ or ‘college graduate’. This could be a pharmaceutical qualification or a relevant skill.

    Our UK pharmacy assistant CV samples demonstrate how to craft a personal statement that is concise (just two to three sentences) yet compelling. This brief introduction grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to explore your CV further.

    Example of personal statement for a pharmacy assistant CV

    A dedicated and detail-oriented pharmacy assistant with over two years of experience in customer service and medication dispensing. Adept at managing inventory, assisting pharmacists, and providing excellent patient care. Seeking to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to a dynamic pharmacy team.

    OR

    Enthusiastic pharmacy assistant with a strong commitment to delivering accurate and efficient service. Skilled in prescription handling, inventory management, and patient communication. Eager to apply my knowledge and training in a fast-paced pharmacy environment.

    Adding experience section to your pharmacy assistant CV

    If you’ve chosen the reverse chronological format, you’ll want to place your work experience section just below your personal statement. The work history section is critical for demonstrating your skills and showing recruiters how you’ve applied them in real-world work scenarios. Start with your most recent or current position and provide the following information for each job:

    • Your job title
    • Name of the organisation and location
    • Employment start and end dates
    • Bullet points listing your key responsibilities

    You can include any customer service or retail jobs you’ve had if you haven’t worked in a pharmacy before. For example, you can detail how you helped resolve customer conflicts, handled transactions accurately, and provided product recommendations during your time as a customer service representative. This way, you’ll demonstrate your transferable skills and provide evidence of your ability to perform the tasks required in a pharmacy setting.

    Example of work experience for a pharmacy assistant CV

    Pharmacy Assistant
    Lloyds Pharmacy, London
    June 2022 – Current

    • Assisted in the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions under the supervision of pharmacists, ensuring accuracy and compliance with national regulations.
    • Managed stock levels and processed medication orders, maintaining organised inventory and minimising stock discrepancies.
    • Provided exceptional customer service, offering advice on over-the-counter medications, health products, and general pharmacy services.
    • Ensured the pharmacy environment adhered to health and safety standards, maintaining cleanliness and proper storage of medications.

    Pharmacy Assistant (Apprentice)
    Boots, Birmingham
    October 2020 – May 2022

    • Completed an apprenticeship, learning to accurately process prescriptions, label medications, and assist with patient queries.
    • Supported the administration of prescription records and maintained patient confidentiality according to NHS guidelines.
    • Assisted in stock management, including checking expiry dates and rotating stock to ensure medication was used within the correct time frame.
    • Helped prepare displays for health campaigns and promotions, contributing to increased customer engagement.

    Customer Service Assistant
    Superdrug, Birmingham
    July 2019 – September 2020

    • Delivered high-quality customer service in a busy retail pharmacy setting, assisting customers with product inquiries and purchases.
    • Gained experience in handling cash transactions, operating point-of-sale systems, and maintaining a clean and organized store environment.

    Top skills for your pharmacy assistant CV

    To become a pharmacy assistant, you must have a strong combination of hard and soft skills to carry out the pharmacy assistant’s duties and responsibilities. These include numeracy, record keeping, communication, confidentiality, knowledge of medical terminology, and an excellent telephone manner.

    Whether they’re serving customers or calling GPs on the phone, pharmacy assistants need to have excellent interpersonal skills. Don’t forget to include your soft skills on your CV, such as communication, problem-solving, and confidentiality. Here are some additional tips for your skills section:

    • Use bullet points for clarity. This allows the recruiter to quickly scan your CV and find the most relevant information.
    • Tailor skills to the job description. Read the job description carefully and ensure your CV reflects the skills they require.
    • Keep it brief and to the point. List only the skills that will help you succeed as a pharmacy assistant, as each skill you list must add value to your application.

    Top skills for a pharmacy assistant

    • Communication
    • Attention to detail
    • Writing prescriptions
    • Customer service
    • Numeracy
    • Knowledge of medical regulations

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Record keeping
    • Confidentiality
    • Teamwork
    • Organisational skills
    • Multitasking
    • Inventory management

    Outlining education on a pharmacy assistant CV

    You don’t necessarily need any qualifications to apply for an entry-level pharmacy assistant role, so if you do have relevant training, this is a great way to stand out. Whether it’s a Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, an undergraduate degree, or HIPAA training, make sure to highlight this on your CV. 

    While many entry-level positions offer on-the-job training, certifications and qualifications demonstrate your commitment and genuine interest in the profession. Including relevant qualifications on your CV can also help you transition into higher-level roles more quickly, as employers often value candidates who have taken the initiative to gain specialised knowledge.

    In your education section, you should include:

    • Name of the qualification you’ve obtained
    • Date of completion
    • Awarding institution with location
    • Optionally, you can include grades or achievements for key subjects or qualifications

    And remember: even if your qualifications are not directly related to pharmacy work, they can still demonstrate transferable skills, such as communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable in any healthcare environment.

    Example of education for a pharmacy assistant CV

    Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (June 2023)
    Pharmacy Training Academy, London

    • Gained essential knowledge in pharmacy practice, including medication preparation, stock management, and patient care.
    • Developed skills in pharmaceutical terminology, record-keeping, and confidentiality standards required in a pharmacy setting.

    GCSEs (June 2021)
    Hillcrest Secondary School, Birmingham

    • English: Grade 7 (B)
    • Mathematics: Grade 8 (A)
    • Science: Grade 7 (B)

    Top dos and don’ts for pharmacy assistant CV writing

    Do

    • DO use keywords from the pharmacy assistant job description

      Many recruiters use applicant tracking software (ATS) to filter for the most relevant CVs – so don’t let yours slip through the net. By including keywords and phrases from the pharmacy assistant role description, you can make sure your application is seen by an actual recruiter.

    • DO mention the metrics

      If you delivered medicines to hospital wards in just 10 minutes or served an average of 15 people daily, mention the metrics on your CV. It will help a recruiter quantify your success and is much more compelling than a list of your everyday duties.

    Don't

    • DON'T make your CV too long

      A pharmacy assistant role is an entry-level position, so there’s no need for a lengthy CV. A concise CV allows you to demonstrate your suitability for the role without wasting the reader’s time. Your CV should be no longer than one page. Your CV should only include details directly related to the role, such as customer service experience, knowledge of pharmacy operations, and any certifications or training.

    • DON'T forget to proofread your application

      Pharmacy assistants must have acute attention to detail to accurately weigh medications and fill prescriptions. Ensure your CV is free of errors to demonstrate your suitability for the role, as even a minor typo could give the impression of carelessness.

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    Your pharmacy assistant CV questions answered

    What are the duties and responsibilities of a pharmacy assistant?

    A pharmacy assistant is responsible for carrying out day-to-day duties within a pharmacy (this could be a chemist or a hospital dispensary). Their responsibilities include dispensing medicines and writing prescriptions under the instruction of a licensed pharmacist, taking stock checks and labelling different medications in the inventory, and serving customers at the front desk.

    How do you write a pharmacy assistant CV?

    The way you write your pharmacy assistant CV will depend on the amount of experience you have. Some applicants will have graduated from a college course, while others could be applying straight out of school. It’s always important to highlight your relevant experience on your pharmacy assistant CV, so make sure to include a work experience section even if you’re applying for an entry-level role. You can include any roles or experiences that have furnished you with transferrable skills, such as numeracy or customer service.

    How do I become a pharmacy assistant in the UK?

    While no formal qualifications are required to begin working as a pharmacy assistant, many employers look for specific qualifications that make you suitable for the role. You will typically need at least two GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths, and science. You can also get a Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) or a Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science.

    How much do pharmacy assistants get paid in the UK?

    The National Careers Service states that the average salary bracket for a pharmacy assistant in the UK is £23,000 to £27,000 a year. Your salary may depend on your experience level, location, and whether you work in a private chemist of NHS hospital dispensary.

    What’s the difference between a pharmacy assistant and pharmacy technician?

    A pharmacy assistant supports pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with tasks like managing stock, handling prescriptions, and providing customer service. They don’t require formal qualifications to start and typically learn on the job. A pharmacy technician has more advanced responsibilities, including preparing and dispensing medications, advising patients, and supporting pharmacists in clinical settings. Pharmacy technicians must complete a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science and register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

     Build your pharmacy assistant CV today

    Writing a pharmacy assistant CV can be challenging – but our top tips and resources can help you get it professionally done in minutes. Discover what UK healthcare recruiters want to see in your application today. Use our intuitive CV and cover letter builders to create a winning application and secure the pharmacy job of your dreams.

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