From managing prescriptions to lending a kind ear to patients, pharmacists juggle a lot of tasks! We know how busy being a pharmacist can be, and at CVapp.ie, we’re focused on simplifying the cover letter creation process. If you’re a pharmacist looking for professional advice on how to create a compelling cover letter, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we get started, it’s important to know that generally speaking, most cover letters contain the following elements:
We’ll help define what makes each section important and how to craft each section effectively, plus we’ll provide you with customisable examples at the end of each section. Sound good? Super! Let’s get started with the first section — the cover letter header.
Dear Mrs. Powell,
As a pharmacist, you have an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. Each time you greet customers, you are reminded that customers require empathy, sensitivity and consideration, and that you have a commitment to the highest level of customer service.
I am fully registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from University College Cork in 2010. During my college days, I had the opportunity to intern at three pharmacies in the area, servicing the needs of the local community. After obtaining my Masters of Pharmacy from University College Cork three years later, I established a full-time job as a pharmacist.
In addition to my formal qualifications, I pride myself on my organisation, communication and problm-solving skills. To date, some of my proudest career achievements include the following:
I would love the opportunity to discuss this role with you and welcome any and all questions. I truly believe that I would be a great addition to the Green Gables Pharmacy team, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Fallon
Ok, so why do we need a cover letter header, anyway? Firstly, headers contain important contact information so employers know how to get in touch with you! In addition to this, headers provide your cover letter with a pop of colour and refreshing design. While it’s what is written that counts, great visual presentation can get you noticed by employers and hired faster. At CVapp.ie, we have a wide range of professional templates and design layouts for you to choose from, so you can let employers know how to reach you in style. Simply browse our selection of cover letter designs on our website to find the best template for you!
You should include your contact information, such as your full name, phone number, and email address, as well as links to professional websites that you’d like to include. Remember to only include links to websites that show you in professional settings and to double-check that all the contact information in your header is accurate and up-to-date. Nobody wants to miss out on an important call from potential employers because of a pesky typo!
The best cover letter greetings are professional, personalised and polite. This means that if you know the name of your employer, you should choose to include it in your greeting! As opposed to vague and generic greetings such as “to whom it may concern,” personalised greetings, such as “Dear Mr. Owens,” or “Dear Ms. Ryan” offer a personable touch. If you don’t know the name of your potential employer, that’s fine! Simply address your cover letter to “Dear Company X” or “Dear Company C Hiring Team.” As long as your greeting is professional, you’ll be sure to start your cover letter off on the right foot.
In the introduction of your cover letter, you’ll want to grab the reader's attention and provide a brief but powerful overview of your qualifications, skills and professional strengths as a pharmacist. You can start by mentioning the specific position you are applying for and highlighting your relevant professional experiences and accomplishments briefly. As you write, it’s important to align any existing skills and expertise you have with the criteria listed in the job description. Tailored applications are always more likely to yield successful results, so be sure to read the job description over a few times to ensure you have a great understanding of what employers are looking for. Try to convey your enthusiasm for the role and elaborate upon why you are interested in working with the specific company or organisation. You can end your introduction by reiterating how your skills make you an ideal candidate for the role, providing the perfect segue into the next, and most important section of your cover letter: the body paragraphs.
As a pharmacist, you have an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. Each time you greet customers, you are reminded that customers require empathy, sensitivity and consideration, and that you have a commitment to the highest level of customer service.
If the body paragraphs had a catchy tagline, it would be: this is where the magic happens. If your cover letter was a sales pitch, this would be the most important part! In the body paragraphs of your cover letter, you should expand on your professional qualifications, experiences, and achievements, especially any you may have mentioned in the introduction. Each paragraph should provide concrete examples to support your claims. Use this opportunity to explain how your skills and background make you a strong fit for the position. Additionally, you can highlight relevant technical skills, knowledge of drug interactions and dosages, and familiarity with pharmacy regulations and procedures. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our example of an excellent body paragraph below:
I am fully registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from University College Cork in 2010. During my college days, I had the opportunity to intern at three pharmacies in the area, servicing the needs of the local community. After obtaining my Masters of Pharmacy from University College Cork three years later, I established a full-time job as a pharmacist.
In addition to my formal qualifications, I pride myself on my organisation, communication and problm-solving skills. To date, some of my proudest career achievements include the following:
The conclusion of your cover letter should summarise any significant points you’ve outlined in your cover letter that emphasise your professional potential. Don’t include any new material or details, rather, reiterate why you’re the best person for the job and the value you can add to the institution or organisation you’re applying to. Lastly, be sure to thank the recipient for their time and consideration, and choose an appropriate sign-off for your cover letter such as “yours sincerely,” or “kind regards.” You can end your cover letter with your full name. Congratulations, you’re all done!
I would love the opportunity to discuss this role with you and welcome any and all questions. I truly believe that I would be a great addition to the Green Gables Pharmacy team, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Fallon
CVapp.ie is here to support your professional growth throughout all stages of your career. Be sure to check out the CVapp.ie website and blog for more career tools and resources. Good luck, we believe in your greatness!