NAPPSA Young Professionals

Start with an honest account of what you have done. A student rotation, research project, or volunteer role can demonstrate useful skills.

1. Choose the role you are applying for. List its main responsibilities and the experiences you have that relate to them.
2. Organize your education, experience, projects, presentations, publications, service, and relevant skills. Include dates and describe your own contribution.
3. Write achievement statements using action, context, and outcome. Use numbers only when you can support them; describe an outcome plainly when you cannot quantify it.
4. Check names, dates, spelling, formatting, and links. Ask references for permission before naming them. Follow the employer or program’s requested format and length.
5. Ask a trusted reviewer for specific feedback, then save a clearly named version for that application.

Try this structure: “I [action] in [setting], which helped [supported outcome].” Do not include patient identifiers or confidential employer information.

Open the CV and application tools

Prepare examples rather than memorizing a speech. Help the interviewer understand how you think, learn, and work with others.

1. Research the organization and role. Prepare a short explanation of why this opportunity connects with your interests.
2. Choose three real examples: working with a team, handling a challenge, and learning from feedback. Be ready to describe your specific contribution.
3. For each example, outline the situation, your task, the action you took, and the result or lesson. Keep the explanation focused and protect confidential information.
4. Practice aloud with a peer or mentor. Ask whether your answer is clear, relevant, and supported by what actually happened.
5. Prepare your questions: What does onboarding involve? How is success assessed? What support is available when a new team member needs help? Confirm interview logistics beforehand.

Practice prompt: “Tell me about a time you received feedback. What did you change, and what did you learn?”

Explore the interview question bank

You do not need to master everything on day one. Agree on expectations, learn where to get help, and review progress with your supervisor.

1. Before starting, confirm your onboarding schedule, supervisor, responsibilities, and required documentation through the employer’s official process.
2. During your first week, learn the local procedures, support contacts, and how to raise questions or concerns. Ask before doing unfamiliar work.
3. Agree on two or three learning goals with your supervisor. Choose goals appropriate to your duties and current experience.
4. Keep a private learning log without patient identifiers or confidential business details. Note questions, feedback, and skills you want to develop.
5. Arrange a progress conversation. Discuss what is going well, where you need support, and your next learning priorities. Review workload and available well-being support as part of that conversation.

Conversation starter: “What should I be able to do independently at this stage, and when should I ask for help?”

Explore ASHP career-transition resources

A focused question makes it easier for a mentor to help. Use these prompts to prepare even while you are looking for a mentor.

1. Write one goal you want help with and why it matters to you. Choose a specific decision or skill rather than asking someone to plan your entire career.
2. List what you have already tried and where you are stuck. Prepare two or three questions.
3. Ask whether the person is available to help, and agree on a suitable meeting length, communication method, and boundaries.
4. During the conversation, listen, clarify suggestions, and agree on one next action you will take. Ask permission before sharing the mentor’s contact details or advice publicly.
5. Follow up with thanks and a brief update on your agreed action. If you would like ongoing guidance, ask about availability and a realistic meeting schedule.

Your worksheet: My goal is ____. I have tried ____. My main question is ____. My next action is ____. I will review it on ____.

Ask NYP about mentor availability