We caught up with Veterinary Graduate, Emma Driver from Edinburgh University who was happy share her 5 tips to prepare for a Graduate Veterinary Job Interview to help you secure your first position as a graduate vet.
Here’s what Emma had to say about how to prepare for a Graduate Veterinary job interview
Starting to apply for jobs can be a daunting prospect towards the end of University. So you’ve sent off your C.V. to potential employers, secured an interview and are now on to the preparation stage. Here are a few of my top tips, which I hope will give you a head start:
1. Do your Research
The first step in preparing for a job interview is finding out information about the company you’re applying to work for. Knowing about the practice, their ethos and what they’re looking for in a candidate will help you to specifically tailor your responses. Employers want to know you understand what the job role involves and hear the reasons why you want to work for them.
2. Know your C.V.
The only thing the interviewers know about you is what you’ve written in your curriculum vitae and cover letter. So it seems natural that they are going to ask you some questions based on them. Therefore know what you’ve written off by heart and be ready to elaborate on anything you’ve mentioned.
3.Be Organised
Once your foot is in the door by securing an interview, don’t let simple planning let you down. Knowing exactly what time and where your interview is taking place and how long it takes you to get there will save you a lot of stress on the day. Research all the travel options available and look for accommodation nearby if it is a long journey.
4.Work Up Examples
Interviewers will commonly ask you to give an example of when you’ve displayed key skills, for example teamwork and communication. Therefore have a few examples already up your sleeve so you don’t get caught out on the day. If the company has already stated the qualities it’s looking for in a candidate, then make sure you have examples for these as well as the basics.
You might get asked to give a description of interesting cases you have seen on work experience or at university. Be able to discuss the treatment plan of a range of a couple cases you have seen and why you found them fascinating.
5.Act Confident
Finally, my last tip for all you soon to be graduates is to keep calm and act confident (even if you are feeling far from it!). Veterinary jobs will be filled with stressful situations and showing you can stay composed during an interview will reassure your prospective employer that you can handle anything thrown your way.
If you would like to learn more about how Prospect Health can help you find your first veterinary job call us on 01423 813453 or email us at [email protected]