The UK pharmacy job market is evolving rapidly in 2025. With growing clinical responsibilities, a shift toward integrated care, and increased competition for top positions, pharmacists need to be proactive and well-prepared to land their ideal role.

At Evolve, we specialise in placing pharmacists across all sectors - from community and clinical to industry and digital health. Here's our expert advice on how to stand out and secure the opportunity that truly fits your career goals.

1. Understand the Market Shift

Pharmacy in the UK is undergoing transformation:

  • Fewer roles in large chains, due to closures and restructuring
  • Greater demand for clinical skills in PCNs, GP surgeries, and digital health
  • High locum usage, but a growing desire among candidates for permanent, progressive positions

Evolve insight: We're seeing particular growth in clinical and hybrid roles - especially for candidates with prescribing potential or experience in patient-facing services.

2. Strengthen Your Skill Set

Today’s ideal pharmacist is adaptable, tech-savvy, and clinically confident. To stay competitive, focus on:

  • Independent prescribing (IP) or training towards it
  • Experience with Pharmacy First, minor ailments, and public health services
  • Digital tools – such as PMR systems, NHS platforms, or remote consultation apps
  • Soft skills – communication, collaboration, leadership

Evolve tip: If you’re not yet an IP, talk to us - many of our clients offer training support as part of their package.

3. Tailor Your CV to the Role You Want

Your CV should reflect not just what you’ve done, but what you want to do next.

  • Highlight clinical impact, not just duties
  • Include key performance outcomes (e.g., audits, service uptake)
  • Add current CPD, tech skills, and leadership experience
  • Keep it concise and role-specific

Evolve tip: Our team provides personalised CV feedback and can help you position your experience to match high-quality vacancies.

4. Think Beyond Traditional Settings

With new roles emerging in PCNs, digital health platforms, and private healthcare, your ideal job may not look like the ones you’ve seen before.

Explore:

  • GP practice-based pharmacist roles
  • Remote consultation or hybrid opportunities
  • Specialist clinical roles (e.g., mental health, care homes, anticoagulation)
  • Progressive independents investing in service delivery

Evolve tip: We work with a diverse range of clients - many offering roles with flexibility, clinical development, and better work-life balance.

5. Leverage Your Network - and Ours

Many of the best roles aren’t publicly advertised. Working with a specialist recruiter gives you access to:

  • Unpublished or early-access vacancies
  • Insights into company culture and progression prospects
  • Interview coaching and salary guidance
  • Ongoing support — even after placement

Evolve advantage: We build long-term relationships with both candidates and employers, so we can match you with roles that align with your ambitions - not just your CV.

6. Stay Open, Stay Ready

Not every role will be a perfect match at first glance - but many offer a clear pathway toward your longer-term goals.

  • Be clear on your values and non-negotiables
  • Be flexible on role types or locations if the growth potential is there
  • Keep learning - CPD, digital tools, prescribing courses

Evolve says: Let’s have a conversation. Whether you're actively looking or just exploring, we can help you understand your options and plan your next step.

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