How to Write a Strong Resume & Cover Letter for Pharmacy Internships in Australia

A pharmacy internship in Australia offers practical experience, and hence, its importance cannot be overstated.

Making sure that your resume and cover letter are well structured is the first step to getting a hiring manager’s attention.

For interns who are on the job market for the first time, the first step is to learn how to write a resume and cover letter. Here are some basic steps to follow when putting together your resume.

Understanding Australian Pharmacy Internship Requirements

If you want to start working as an intern in Australia, you have to consider a few points:

Internship framework: To get an internship, you need to clear the OPRA exam, sit for the APC intern written exam and oral exam, and then start your supervised internship program.

Eligibility: You can apply only when you have finished a BPharm, MPharm, or PharmD and have the documents approved by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

Registration: You must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Employer Expectations: Employers looking for an intern want good communication skills, knowledge of pharmacy practices, and a willingness to learn.

Also Read: Australian Visa Options for Pharmacists to Pursue Internships

How to Structure Your Pharmacy Internship Resume

How you organize and present your pharmacy internship resume will help recruiters to instantly know why you are suitable for the pharmacy intern job in Australia. Try to make it short and straightforward; it should be no longer than two pages. A pharmacy internship resume for a Pharmacist in Australia generally consists of the following:

1. Contact Information – Full name, phone, professional email, and LinkedIn (if applicable).
2. Professional Summary – A two- to three-sentence introduction focusing on your pharmacy education, career objectives, and willingness to contribute as an intern.
3. Education – Give information about your pharmacy degree, Ph.D. in pharmacy, or any other related field, university of study, year of completion, relevant courses, and academic successes.
4. Clinical Placements/Practical Training – Write down the description of your practical training locations (hospital, local community, or clinical) and point out the skills you have acquired, i.e., dispensing of medications or counseling of patients.
5. Work Experience – If you have had a job that is entirely different from the area for which you are applying, do not hesitate to show it in the part-time jobs section of your resume. There you can also show skills like teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving.
6. Pharmacy Skills – Build a section only for you to show the skills that you are good at, both technically and also the skills that can be used in different industries.
7. Certifications & Memberships – For instance, first aid, vaccine certificates, or the membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
8. References – Only add references if the employer asks for them.

Also Read: How to Get a Pharmacy Job in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pharmacy Skills Employers Value in Australia

Employers are looking for specific skills when they are hiring for an intern, beyond just knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. Some sought-after skills are:

• Interpersonal skills – talking to patients, attention to detail, and accurately communicating what they need. Being able to explain dosage, use, and side effects.
• Dispensing accuracy – Demonstrating accurate understanding of medications and medication preparation. Providing them to patients after receiving a diagnosis.
• Drug development is the foundation, and any pharmacist or Pharm Tech must be adept at it. Understanding how even the simplest of drugs, be it paracetamol or complex biological drugs, undergo extensive planning, testing, and optimization, pharmacologists must understand the intricacies.
• Knowledge of PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) – Essential for working in community pharmacy.
• Teamwork – If you are working in an environment that requires teamwork and quick decisions, this skill will help. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals is essential.
• Technological Literacy – This cannot be overlooked, as you have to fill in patient details, data, and other medication-related details. Highlight these skills using specific examples from your placements or work experience rather than just listing them.

How to Write a Targeted Cover Letter

A resume showcases your skills, but a cover letter highlights what makes you stand out as a candidate from other candidates.

It convinces the selector to invite you for an interview. It is your motivation and your skills in communication. Here is how you can do this:

Opening Paragraph:

Starts with an introduction that captivates the selector’s attention. Mention the position you are applying for and express your enthusiasm to work as an intern.

Body Paragraph:

Highlight your relevant coursework and achievements that demonstrate your pharmacy knowledge and commitment. Showcase your experiences related to pharmacy, your communication, and your ability to solve problems. Connect them to the requirements of the position.

Closing Paragraph:

Reiterate your interest in the intern position. Express your eagerness to contribute and gain experience from a team of experts. We would like to request an opportunity to interview and discuss your qualifications. Express your appreciation to the hiring manager for their time.

Tips for International Graduates

• A resume and a CV are a reflection of you, your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm. So, tailor it according to you. Here are some tips:
• Network with people. Attend career fairs, connect with pharmacy or healthcare professionals, and don’t hesitate to ask potential mentors for guidance.
• Ensure that you are meeting the standards and qualifications set by the APC.
• Highlight the unique skills you bring and your adaptability in cross-cultural communication.
• If you have any unique experiences, ensure to highlight them.

Final Checklist Before Sending

Here are six tips before sending your resume and cover letter

1. Keep it concise and focused
2. Tailor each resume and cover letter to the specific internship
3. Be professional
4. Highlight your achievements and skills
5. Proofread once completed
6. Show enthusiasm and motivation

Conclusion

Securing pharmacy intern jobs is a significant step in career pathways for pharmacy graduates. Through a well-done resume and cover letter, you demonstrate not only your academic knowledge but also your capability to deal with professional practice.

By highlighting pharmacy-specific skills and carefully managing each application, you can significantly increase your success probability.

Students or graduates who desire more guidance may benefit from the support of Elite Expertise for various licensure examinations, such as the OPRA exam preparation, the Australian Pharmacist Intern Written Exam

and oral exam, PEBC exam, PSI exam, and PTE exam. The first step of a successful pharmacy career in Australia is submitting a well-prepared application.