StrengthsFinder Activity Professional Job Application Lead ✓ Solved

Step 1 – Job Description: Find a job posting for a pharmacist position on the internet. Choose a job that requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is a job that you aspire to. You may choose a pharmacy resident position. You may choose a higher-level pharmacist job or an entry-level position. Cut and paste the basic information from the job posting into a Word document.

Step 2 – Letter of Intent: Insert a page break. On the next page of the document, write a letter of application for the position you chose. Format your document as a formal business letter (not email). In your letter, include the following: 1. Introduce yourself 2. Clarify the exact position you are applying for 3. Explain why you are a good fit for the position a. State the expectations for the applicant b. Describe your past experiences as evidence of your future success in the position. Write words in your letter. Use proper formatting, grammar, and spelling.

Step 3 - Interview Question Response: Insert a page break. Write a story that you will tell as part of an interview. Go to the VA Performance Based Interviewing website. Read all of the pages linked on this website to learn about this strategy for interviewing. Many companies hiring pharmacists use this strategy. Choose two of the following from the list of sample interview questions: 1. Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation? 2. Describe a time when you were able to effectively communicate a difficult or unpleasant idea to a superior. What made your communication work? 3. Describe a time when you took personal accountability for a conflict and initiated contact with the individual(s) involved to explain your actions. What steps did you take? What was the result? 4. Describe a time when you've had to work with strong-willed peers. What did you do? How did you handle them so you could influence their decisions? 5. There are times we work without close supervision or support to get the job done. Tell us about a time when you found yourself in such a situation and how things turned out. 6. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive. Paste the questions you chose at the top of the page. Write words in paragraph format for each question, describing your own experience. Write this the way you would tell it in the interview with professional language, grammar, and spelling.

Step 4 - Recommendation form: Insert a page break and insert the recommendation form (copy and paste from below). This is the ASHP residency recommendation form, and you may view the form on the ASHP website. Think of a pharmacist you know, who may someday write a letter of reference for you. Complete the form as if you were that person, writing it for you today. Follow the instructions on the form. You are required to write in at least three of the character fields and three of the narrative comment fields (at least 50 words each for the three narrative comment fields). You may choose which three items to write about in each of the sections. Complete this form as if it is for the job you selected in Step 1.

Step 5: Put your name on Page 1. Save the file with your name as the file name. Upload your Word document to the portal. Remember to use page breaks and professional writing style.

Paper For Above Instructions

Step 1: Job Posting

For this assignment, I found a job posting for a Clinical Pharmacist position at XYZ Hospital, requiring a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The position focuses on optimizing patient medication outcomes, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and educating patients about their medications. This role is particularly appealing to me as it aligns with my career aspirations of providing direct patient care and improving health outcomes.

Step 2: Letter of Intent

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

XYZ Hospital

[Hospital Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Clinical Pharmacist position at XYZ Hospital as advertised. I am a recent graduate of [Your University], having obtained my Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and I believe my educational background and clinical experience make me a strong candidate for this role.

The expectations for this position emphasize patient medication education and optimizing medication therapies. During my internship at [Internship Site], I successfully collaborated with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive medication plans and educated patients on their medications leading to improved adherence and outcomes.

I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the patient care team at XYZ Hospital and look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills to your esteemed institution.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Step 3: Interview Questions

1. Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?

During my rotation at [Organization Name], I realized I had not effectively communicated my medication recommendations to the healthcare team regarding a patient’s therapy adjustment. Once I recognized the lapse, I scheduled a meeting with the team where I clarified my reasoning and the evidence supporting my recommendations. We then developed a revised plan that integrated my suggestions, improving the patient’s therapy outcomes.

2. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive.

While working as a pharmacy intern, I received feedback regarding my time management skills. Recognizing the validity of this observation, I sought advice on improving my efficiency. I implemented a priority matrix to manage my tasks and subsequently improved my performance, demonstrating my adaptability and commitment to professional growth.

Step 4: Recommendation Form

I have known the candidate for approximately 12 months.

The relative hours per week of our interaction during that time 5 hours.

My relationship to the candidate was in the following capacity: Faculty.

Please rate this applicant for each characteristic:

Writing skills: Exceeds

Oral communication skills: Appropriate

Leadership/mentoring skills: Exceeds

2 Strengths: The candidate demonstrates exceptional clinical problem-solving skills and effective patient interactions, traits that will greatly benefit their success in the Clinical Pharmacist position. 

2 Areas for Improvement: The candidate could enhance their knowledge of new therapeutic guidelines and could also work on managing stress levels during high-pressure situations. A residency program will provide them the structured environment to develop these skills.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this candidate for the Clinical Pharmacist position.

This completes the StrengthsFinder activity for my professional job application in leadership within pharmacy.

References

  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). (2022). ASHP Residency Recommendation Form. Retrieved from [ASHP website Link]

  • [Local Hospital or Institution]. (2022). Job Posting for Clinical Pharmacist. Retrieved from [Job Posting Link]

  • [Your University]. (2022). Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Retrieved from [Your University Link]

  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.

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  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.

  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.

  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.

  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.

  • [Year]. [Author Last Name], [Initial]. (Title of Relevant Article). Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL.