CVS Health, established in 1963, has grown from a local health and beauty retailer into a leading national healthcare company. With over 300,000 employees and thousands of locations across the United States, CVS offers a wide range of services, including ones relating to pharmacy, retail, corporate functions, and healthcare services. With its diverse workforce and widespread presence, CVS continues to impact the well-being of individuals and communities nationwide. It offers a comprehensive benefits package:
Health and wellness coverage (including vision, dental, and prescription benefits)
Tuition discounts and assistance
Paid time off
Stock options
Employee discounts
What Is the Recruitment Process at CVS?
Online Application and Resume Review
Prospective candidates start by submitting an online application through the CVS careers website. You can search for a specific position by title or location or scan the list of open positions. You will then be asked to create an online profile to complete the application. The CVS recruitment team reviews submitted resumes and contacts potential candidates by SMS.
CVS Assessment Tests
CVS conducts online assessment tests for job applicants, featuring a mix of Kronos psychometric and skills-based evaluations. The exam includes:
Personality test: These assessments include a personality test, utilizing a multiple-choice format to assess alignment with the position. Questions often use a “strongly agree,” “agree,” or “disagree” structure.
Math test: Certain roles, such as pharmacy technicians, may require additional math tests covering basic skills like addition and subtraction. Pharmacy technicians will also undergo a test assessing proper measuring and dosing techniques.
CVS’s Health Virtual Job Tryout (VJT)
The CVS Health VJT is designed to be comprehensive, allowing candidates to showcase their skills, aptitude, decision-making abilities, motivations, and work preferences. It is flexible, does not have time constraints, and is mobile-friendly. Keep in mind that the specific exercises may vary, ensuring that each VJT is tailored to the requirements of the role in question.
Realistic Job Preview – In this section, applicants gain an authentic insight into the role by learning about daily tasks, work challenges, and rewards directly from a CVS Health colleague in the same position. The work environment is described, including customer interaction levels, work pace, and relevant rules and procedures. This section is designed to help applicants decide if the job aligns with their preferences.
Situational Judgement Exercise (SJT) – Applicants encounter problem scenarios relevant to the role they are applying for. Four possible responses are presented for each situation, and applicants must indicate both the response they would MOST likely choose and the one they would LEAST likely choose. This exercise assesses the ability to make sound judgments in job-related situations.
Data Accuracy Check – While not present in every VJT, this section assesses skills related to data entry and verification. Tasks may include activities like taking inventory or comparing prescriptions to medicine bottles. Applicants must accurately enter data or confirm the correctness of presented data, testing their attention to detail and accuracy.
Key Drivers – This section explores applicants’ motivations by presenting two statements related to work preferences. Applicants choose the statement that reflects what they would like more in a job. The assessment aims to understand the factors that drive and motivate applicants in a professional setting.
About You – This segment consists of a series of questions about the applicant’s work history. If they lack work experience, they are encouraged to share information about their school, sports, or other memberships. This section provides insights into the applicant’s background and experiences relevant to the position.
Work Style – Similar to the “Key Drivers” section, this part delves into the applicant’s work style by presenting pairs of statements. Applicants choose the statement that best represents their work preferences. The goal is to understand the applicant’s approach to work and how well it aligns with the CVS work environment.
Interviews
Successful candidates are invited to participate in one or more interviews. These interviews may be conducted by a recruiter, hiring manager, or a panel of interviewers. The initial interview is usually short and is meant to evaluate your interest in the position and how well you communicate. Then, an in-person interview will take place, which lasts around 30 minutes, in which you will be asked questions relating to your relevant experience, skills, and work history.
Sample Interview Questions and Explained Answers
Do you excel in collaborative environments? This question is like, “Are you a team player?”. At CVS Health, teamwork is a critical aspect of the job, as you’ll often be part of a larger group. Demonstrating your ability to work well in a team is essential.
This question requires more than a simple affirmative; it’s an opportunity to elaborate on your teamwork skills. You can reference a past experience or describe the qualities that make you a good team member. It’s important to provide a comprehensive answer that goes beyond a basic ‘yes’. Suggested Response: “I thrive in team settings. I believe that effective teamwork not only enhances the store’s operations but also elevates productivity and overall team spirit. I prioritize respect for my colleagues, actively listening to their ideas, and am willing to find the middle ground when differences arise. However, I also recognize moments where taking the lead is necessary.”
How do you manage tasks in high-pressure situations?
The retail environment is often fast-paced and demanding, involving extended working hours, constant standing, and occasionally challenging customer interactions. During peak times, the stress levels can escalate, affecting everyone on duty.
Your capability to perform efficiently under pressure is a crucial aspect of the role. While a simple affirmative response is expected (ideally, ‘yes’), it’s important to provide a more detailed explanation.
You can illustrate this by applying the STAR method to recount a past experience where you successfully managed pressure, or you can describe your personal strategies for handling stressful situations. Suggested Response: “Absolutely. I maintain consistent performance levels, regardless of the pressure I’m under. When I start to feel overwhelmed, my first step is to pause and take a deep breath, focusing on tackling tasks one at a time. I prioritize my responsibilities based on their importance and urgency, which helps in minimizing stress and maintaining a calm approach.”
How to Prepare for the CVS Assessment and Virtual Job Tryout?
The online assessment and Virtual Job Tryout play a crucial role in the hiring process. Here are some essential tips to remember. If you’re applying for a pharmacy technician role, practice math and dosing skills. The personality test assesses your alignment with the company culture and ethics, with questions often having common-sense answers. It’s essential to understand CVS’s expectations for their employees. Carefully read instructions to grasp the tasks, and make sure you have about an hour free for the Virtual Job Tryout, aiming to complete it in one session. Adequate preparation increases your chances of standing out to recruiters and getting a job offer.
