Things were going well, and then that heartsink moment. “What’s the rate!”
I’ve been interviewing pharmacists since 2004, so I’ve talked to many pharmacists over the years. The degree length has changed, career opportunities have changed, and clinical training has changed. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the ultimate heartsink moment when you are interviewing, when, before a candidate asks you what the job will entail, what training is available and how they may use the opportunity to help their patients, they utter those three little words “What’s the rate.” It’s almost a rejection from me if that is the first question.
It’s even worse when the question is asked via social media like it was this morning.
“Hi Shaun, that’s great. I’m looking for around 15 hours but starting from September. Would that be possible? Also, what sort of hourly rate are you looking at?”
Why? You may ask. Aren’t candidates allowed to ask about salary? Of course, they are, but those three little words say to me that the pharmacist is money rather than career-focused, a loner instead of a team player and commercially rather than clinically focused. Most importantly, it says to me that the person uttering those three immutable words thinks all roles are the same and that pay rate is the only differentiator. Anyone with any sense knows that there are massive variations between roles, especially in Primary care
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with pharmacists who focus on their own income above all things; after all, we all have to pay the bills (especially as the cost of living increases.)
I’m saying that I want pharmacists who are excited by the opportunities out there for all clinical pharmacists to make a difference to their patients. I want clinical pharmacists to join Medacy who will make a difference and ask the question, “What more can I do”.
Maybe I’m being a little unfair to my fellow pharmacists, but if you want a job with Medacy, please don’t utter those three words before you find out if the job we are recruiting for is for you.
