It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete your studies and qualify as a vet, but once you have, there are new challenges to face in terms of finding your first position. Here we have put together some advice for new grad vets.
How to look for your first position
As a new grad vet, you will likely be keen to secure your first position, if you haven’t already done so. One of the first places you should look is our vacancies page where you can find job listings from a range of employers looking for various experience levels, including new grad vets. You can also upload your CV to register with us and speak to a consultant.
Our consultants are ready to find you the perfect position and guide you through each step of the job searching process and will be happy to offer advice on a range of topics such as CV preparation and interview techniques.
Even if you are not successful right away in finding a position, don’t give up hope! Keep applying for appropriate positions when they become available and, if you can afford to, try and find more relevant voluntary work in the meantime. This will help to strengthen your CV and you might make some useful contacts who can lead you to permanent employment.
How to prepare for a vet interview
Once you have an interview for a position, it is important that you prepare. One of our consultants can help you with this in more detail, but here are some general tips:
Research the employer/practice
Try to find out all the key information about the company or practice offering the position, such as any specialist treatments they provide, awards or accolades they have won, and any community or charity involvement. This will show eagerness, thoroughness, and interest in your prospective employer.
Study the job advert
The job advert should provide you with details of the responsibilities involved, as well as the traits and skills the employer is looking for. This will allow you to come up with examples of when you have demonstrated these skills, which you can then discuss in the interview.
Practice your answers to common interview questions
While interviews for veterinary positions are thorough and specific to the role and the required qualifications, there will likely still be common interview questions such as your greatest strength and weakness and where you see yourself in 5 years’ time.
Practice speaking about why you want to pursue a veterinary career
Although your many years of study show your dedication to the veterinary field, you should still practice speaking about why you are passionate about this area of work. Your passion could be the difference between you and another candidate!
Practice speaking about your work experience and your studies
Your university studies and your relevant work experience and volunteering will be the foundation of your suitability for your first new grad vet job. The interviewer will be able to see the key information on your CV, but practice talking about the details and why those experiences make you the best candidate.
Dress the part and arrive early
Finally, to make a good first impression (which you only get one chance at), make sure you are dressed professionally and familiarise yourself with the location of the interview so that you can arrive in plenty of time.
Tips for your first few months in your new job
Each practice is different, but there are some general tips that should apply to most positions:
- Familiarise yourself with the location of all the key items in the consultation room before you have your first consultation with a client.
- Learn the brand names of the drugs in the dispensary, as you will likely only be familiar with the names of the drugs themselves from your studies.
- Familiarise yourself with the practice’s vaccination protocols and the recommended flea and worming treatments, as these will be common procedures and FAQs.
- Keep useful resources nearby such as books in case you need a refresher, or have appropriate sites bookmarked on your computer.
- Keep a notebook and pen(s) handy at all times.
- Prepare your lunch in the morning in case you don’t have time to leave the practice (at least at first).
- Don’t make too many social plans during your first few weeks – you will likely be very tired as you get used to your new schedule!
- Get to know your team and build strong relationships – the relationships you make in your job will help you succeed and be your support in challenging times.
We hope this guide to starting out as a new grad vet has been useful. Your first few months as a new grad vet are sure to be challenging, but you will learn quickly and, as you find your feet, the experiences will create the foundations for your career!