Top Pharmaceutical Resume Examples

Hiring managers for pharmaceutical jobs look for applicants with a mix of soft and hard skills, specifically: 

• HIPAA compliance
• Extensive knowledge of medication, drugs and pharmaceutical product
• FDA drug safety guidelines
• Equipment management
• Time management
• Regulatory compliance
• Data entry
• Microsoft Office
• Medication dispensing
• Pharmacy operation
• Medicare and Medicaid process

Qualifications and required certifications vary according to position. For example, a pharmacist technician needs a pharmacy technology postsecondary education or a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Meanwhile, a pharmacist will need to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and obtain their state license to be able to practice.

A pharmaceutical salary varies by employer, job title and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median pay for a pharmacist is $128,570. BLS also reported the following as median pay for similar occupations:

• Pharmacy technicians: $36,740 per year
• Biochemists and biophysicists: $102,270 per year
• Medical record specialists: $46,660 per year

The annual projected growth is 2%, which is slower than the national average. However, it still translates to 13,600 job openings per year this decade. There’s a 5% projected annual growth for pharmacy technicians, which is on par with the national average.  

The ideal resume format will highlight your strengths and value as a candidate. Choose one according to your years of experience and career goals. 

• Functional format: The choice for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase everything that you can do.
• Combination format: Ideal for those with a few years under the belt, this format balances skills and work experience. 
• Chronological format:  Perfect for candidates with a decade or more of experience. This format showcases expertise through a detailed work history section.