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Frequently asked questions

People usually have a lot of questions about being a pharmacist in a large supermarket and about the best way to apply. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered here:

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About being a Tesco pharmacist
Q. Surely pharmacists have to work nights in 24hr stores?
A. Certainly not. You’ll be asked to do shifts that fit around your lifestyle.
Q. Working in a supermarket, pharmacists don’t have time to spend with customers?
A. Couldn’t be further from the truth. Our pharmacists have all the time they need to carry out medicine use reviews with customers. In fact, they have regular patients who they get to know very well.
Q. Tesco pharmacists don’t feel part of the community do they?
A. Completely wrong. We’re a community pharmacy, we just happen to be based in a large supermarket.
Q. Tesco pharmacists don’t get to offer customers the latest services?
A. Of course they do. At Tesco we like to lead our market. That’s why we offer customers smoking cessation, medicine use reviews, blood pressure testing and allergy testing, in designated consultation rooms, in all our pharmacies.
About your application
Q. Can I apply by post rather than online?
A. We prefer to receive application forms online, so that the recruitment process is efficient. If you are unable to complete the application form online then please print the application form and once completed post to:-

Pharmacy Resourcing Manager
Tesco Stores Limited
Cirrus Building A, Level 3
Shire Park,
Welwyn Garden City
Herts
AL7 1GA
Q. Can I call someone to follow up the progress of my application?
A. Yes. You can call 0207 853 9554 to speak to a pharmacy recruitment advisor who will be able to update you on the progress of your application.
Q. If there are no vacancies in my preferred location, can I still apply?
A. We understand that location is important to pharmacists. If your preferred location is not available you should still apply and we will put your application on hold for 3 months and contact you if a suitable position becomes available.
Q. Can I apply if I don't have the right to work in the UK?
A. Our main requirements are that you have a pharmacy degree and you are registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. We can support candidates to complete documentation and apply for a certificate of sponsorship. For more details on this, please discuss with the Regional Pharmacy Manager at your interview.
Q. What can I expect at an interview?
A. Once we have screened your application form, you will be contacted by one of our Regional Pharmacy Managers, who will arrange a convenient time to hold a face-to-face interview with you. For more information refer to the interview tips provided in the ‘what to expect’ page.
Q. Where can I find out more about Tesco as a company?
A. Just visit www.tescocorporate.com for more information.
About positions for European pharmacists
Q. When can I apply?
Q. You can apply immediately, we accept application forms all year round. Your application form will then be screened and kept on hold until we launch the next programme
Q. When will I know if I have been successful in getting an interview?
Q. One of our Pharmacy team will contact you to discuss the initial application. If successful, you will be invited to an interview 12 weeks before the start of the next programme.
Q. What can I expect at the interview?
Q. The interview will be carried out in English.

The interview questions will be based on scenarios, where we will expect you to be able to demonstrate examples of the following skills from your everyday life and your work experiences:
  • Drive and determination.
  • The ability to plan and organise.
  • Working as part of a team.
  • An understanding of customer service.
Candidates should ideally have the Cambridge Basic Certificate. The UBELT English Language test will be carried out at interview or at an agreed date after the interview. For further information on this test you can refer to the UBELT website.
Q. What happens if I am not successful in gaining a place with Tesco to work as a pharmacist?
Q. Following the interview you will be given feedback on your performance at the interview. We will tell you why you have been unsuccessful on this occasion and help you identify the areas where you will need to develop to be able to re-apply in the future.
Q. When will I be expected to start work in the UK?
Q. Our European Pharmacist Bridging Programme runs throughout the year. One of our Pharmacy team will be able to advise you of the start date for the next programme.
Q. What will the package that I am offered look like?
Q. Full details of your individual package will be described in your offer letter. It is likely to include the following:
  • 12 weeks salary at current training rate – this will be discussed at your interview.
  • Conditional offer of employment based on your successful completion of the programme.
  • 22 days’ paid holiday (in addition to national public holidays - 8 days).
  • Sick pay (after the qualifying period).
  • Funded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time.
  • Payment of Royal Pharmaceutical Society registration fees .
Your contract is issued by your store once you start your employment.
Q. Will I be given any help and support to prepare me for working in the UK?
Q. Yes. We carry out a familiarisation training session when you arrive in the UK. This day aims to provide as much information as possible on working in the UK and on the British culture. You will also complete paperwork during the familiarisation, including setting up a bank account.
Q. What support do I get for working as a pharmacist in the UK?
Q. The 12-week programme we provide will support all your training needs for working as a pharmacist in the UK. During this 12-week programme you will work under the supervision of a UK pharmacist who will help you understand the pharmacist’s role in the UK.

The programme is structured to provide the following knowledge and experience:
  • An understanding of UK pharmacy law.
  • An understanding of the National Health Service and the payment structures for pharmacy under the pharmacy contract.
  • Making recommendations to customers for minor conditions, and knowing when to refer to their doctor.
  • The medicines that are available for sale to customers with an understanding of their use, side effects and contra-indications. Product knowledge.
  • Dispensing prescriptions and the provision of advice to customers on their medication.
  • Pharmacy services – medicines use reviews, screening services. healthcare  and lifestyle advice.
  • Communication with customers.
  • Language development – supported by a tutor from the University of Bath Language School.
In addition to the support of the pharmacist tutor and the pharmacy team in store you will also receive support from the pharmacy regional teams and the head office pharmacy team.
Q. What happens at the end of the 12-week programme?
Q. Your progress during the 12 weeks will be monitored and assessed. At the end of 12 weeks we will formally assess your knowledge with an examination. This examination will be based on the examination taken by all pharmacists before they can register with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and is based on the practical knowledge they require to work in a community pharmacy.

You will also need to have completed your registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (see below for note on registration).
Q. What support will Tesco give me in travelling to the UK?
Q. If you are relocating from another country, Tesco will book and pay for your flight to the UK at the start of the programme.
Q. Will Tesco support me in finding accommodation?
Q. We will find accommodation for you in a hostel or bed and breakfast, close to where you will be carrying out your placement. The first four weeks will be supported by Tesco.
Q. Am I tied into Tesco for a specified period of time?
Q. We would expect you to work for us for one year. If you choose to leave before this period, we would expect you to repay the cost of your flight to the UK and any accommodation support.
Q. Will Tesco help me with my registration with The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)?
Q. Yes. The fact that you will not be practicing as a pharmacist during the 12 week programme means that we will then be able to support you in registering with the RPSGB when you arrive in the UK. Your paperwork will be screened by us before being sent to the RPSGB to make sure that it is all correct and your registration is not delayed in any way.

We will pay the RPSGB registration fee.
Q. Whereabouts in the country will I be working?
Q. We will discuss with you our current vacancies at the interview stage and part of your offer letter will state the position you are being offered subject to your successful completion of the programme.
Q. How will I find out about the area that I am going to work in?
Q. The best source of information is the internet. There are lots of sites that will give you information on the area you will be placed.