When you apply online how can you make your job application stand out? Being a newcomer to Canada can make this process even more difficult. In other words, newcomers often ask: how do I get a job in Canada when I have no Canadian experience? They also wonder how to get experience if seemingly no one will give them a chance to show their talents. These were among the questions that PPRC Connect job seeker Ignace Mboninyibuka wanted to discuss when he took part in a mentor match .
For Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. (PPRC) overcoming barriers to employment for people with disabilities and members of other marginalized groups, like newcomers to Canada, is our specialty. One of the tools we use to help our clients overcome these hurdles is PPRC Connect, a prototype mentoring service. Through connecting with an employer mentor, job seekers receive guidance to learn about a career from a professional working in their field of interest. Job seekers can use the knowledge gained from this opportunity to solidify a career goal before they embark on their employment journeys.
Ignace was interested in learning about the skills required to be a pharmacy assistant and tips on how he could make his online application appeal to a prospective employer. PPRC Connect Coordinator, Susan Forster, enlisted the aid of mentor Kate Swetnam, Owner Pharmacist of the Shoppers Drug Mart on Carling Avenue in Ottawa’s west end. Kate and Ignace had a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to be a successful pharmacy assistant.
This mentor match was conducted in French, as this is Ignace’s first language. While English is mentor Kate’s native tongue, PPRC ensured that a French speaking consultant participated to ensure that both mentor and mentee achieved the most benefit from their conversation.
Ignace asked whether pharmacy assistants need to complete formal training at the post-secondary level or not? Kate responded: “If the person is a good fit then I will hire them. For instance, I hired a lab technician. I have also hired staff who have come here as co-op students.” She emphasized though that there are two key attributes that someone she would hire must possess, a background in science and good customer service skills.
Mentor guide Kate stated, “The trickiest part of being a pharmacy assistant is preparing the medication.” That is what makes a science background essential for this role. A pharmacy assistant must also be able to enter data and review drug plans.
A pharmacy assistant performs key tasks such as responding to phone calls and offering an empathetic ear to customers who could be feeling ill and tired. These tasks call for excellent customer service and communication skills. Experience as a cashier is also an asset.
Ignace wanted to know whether applicants must be familiar with the software that large drugstore chains use. To this query, Kate responded, “Most people would not be familiar with the software that Shoppers Drug Mart uses. We do not expect them to know it. Most of what you would need to know we teach new employees on the job.”
Another question he asked was, “When is the best time to apply for pharmacy assistant jobs? Is there a time of year when more hiring happens?” To this, Kate replied that usually, the fall is the best time to apply for pharmacy assistant and other roles as drug stores gear up for busy times toward the holiday season. However, she was careful to state that since 2022 pharmacy assistant jobs have decreased, just as other positions in retail and related sectors have done.
Ignace’s mentor was able to provide tips on how to make an online application stand out to employers. She recommended applying for part-time positions as well as full-time openings. “If you can secure a part-time job, then once hired you will be in the ideal position to take on more hours and may be able to increase your hours in the future. If you cannot find a pharmacy assistant role then try looking for a customer service merchandising role in a larger pharmacy as a first step toward becoming a pharmacy assistant.”
Another strategy is to visit local pharmacies in the neighborhood where you live. Consider small independent pharmacies that may have more flexibility in their hiring procedures.
However, when you apply online Kate’s best advice was, “Apply online but then go in person and introduce yourself so that you become known. Give your resumé to the pharmacist to show your interest in the job.”
Mentor matches are about gaining knowledge in different employment sectors for PPRC job seekers. Ignace concurred: “This was a great opportunity to observe the activities in a local pharmacy, and it was helpful for me to understand what the job tasks might look like and provided me with a clear direction to make further decisions about my career path. PPRC connected me to professionals in my field which will help open some doors for me in the future and have a professional network.”
You may find out more about PPRC Connect or any other services we offer through our website www.pprc.ca or you can email us at info@pprc.ca. Join us and become a mentor partner or find the career best suited to you.