What can I bring to the job? Perceived competencies and job readiness at the conclusion of a pre-registrant training programme.

Abstract

Background: The Australian National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists 2016 (NCSF) describes the skills, attitudes and attributes that enable a pharmacist to practise effectively. Little is known about what pre-registrant pharmacists perceive to be valued by employers. This study investigates the competencies and evidence pre-registrant pharmacists mention in job interviews. Method(s): In 2021, pre-registrant pharmacists completing a year-long extension pre-registration training programme performed a virtual mock job interview for an entry-level pharmacy position (hospital residency pharmacist, community pharmacist in charge or professional services community pharmacist). Participants were asked what skills they could bring to the job. Responses were transcribed and coded using team-based framework analysis using an inductive codebook mapped to the competency domains of the NCSF: Domain 1: professionalism and ethics; Domain 2: communication and collaboration; Domain 3: medicines management and patient care; Domain 4: leadership and management; and Domain 5: education and research. Result(s): A total of 143 interview transcripts were included in the analysis. The top competencies mentioned were leadership of self (98.6%) and communication and collaboration (96.5%). Participants less commonly mentioned evidence of external leadership, such as contributing to innovation (20%). Despite graduating from a course with an integrated research curriculum, participants rarely mentioned research-related competencies (31.5%), and no participant discussed expert or specific professional service-related skills. Responses about skills were often spoken about broadly without relating to evidence/experience and were often not targeted to the job description. There was often a disconnect between the programme opportunities and pre-registrant interview responses. Discussion(s): The results of this study provide insight into the competencies pre-registrant programme participants perceived were relevant for entry-level pharmacy positions. To support employability, future curricula should emphasise portfolio management with regular mentoring from practising pharmacists about how to use specific evidence of competency development in job interviews.