You’ve paid your dues, studied hard and now it’s time to score that job. A Veterinary technician job interview can be rather intense due to the nature of the work at hand.
The interviewer will not only want to gain a better understanding of your work ethic and personality, but also your technical skills.
Many times, veterinary hospitals will evaluate candidates in a two-step process; the initial interview and the follow up work interview. Below are some tips and guidelines to help you score the job you want!
The initial interview
Here is your chance to make your first impression. Just because you put your time in, studied your brains off and paid your dues does not mean an animal hospital wants to hire you. What makes You YOU?
And what makes you the perfect fit for a position as a veterinary technician?
- Dress to impress! It doesn’t matter that you will be working in scrubs, gloves and dog hair all over you. Employers want to know that you can conduct yourself professionally and that you take this career seriously. You don’t have to spend tons of money on a tailored suit, just look presentable.
- Recognize your assets! Before you can sell yourself to someone else, you must know your self-worth first. Go over and review all your education, training and experience. Even if it was helping your childhood dog Sadie give birth to her first litter.
- Do your homework! Companies want to know that you are interested in THEIR organization/ hospital. Do your homework and study the company as well as Veterinary tech skills.
a. Where did the vets go to school?
b. How long has the hospital been opened?
c. What veterinary specialties do they specialize in?
d. Are they affiliated with any local animal rescue groups?
e. Technical protocols and procedures.
- Learn as much as you can about the entity before you step foot in there.
- Polish up your communication skills. Practice! Interviews can be intimidating. Ask a friend or family member to do several mock interviews with you. The internet has many good interview questions. The last thing you want is to get nervous and have everything fly out of your brain.
- Bring your Resume! By the time you’re invited for an interview, they may have gone thru hundreds of applications. It is likely that they don’t remember much about you when you walk thru the door. ALWAYS bring an extra copy if your resume. If you do not have a resume, visit your local community college or career center. Help is there if you want it. Be resourceful.
- Ask Questions! Don’t bombard them with questions, but be sure to show interest in the company and what they do.
- Get there EARLY! Better to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes than to stress out and show up late. Try to arrive fifteen minutes early. You will be more relaxed and get some brownie points for your promptness.
The working interview
Relax! You don’t have to be a pro at setting IV catheters. Remember, they’ve already seen your application and have discussed your experience in the previous interview. This is just an opportunity for both, you and the employer to make sure it is a mutual fit for the position.
- Dress appropriately! The last thing you want is to have to restraint a 135lb Mastiff wearing a skirt suit. (Just a thought). You may want to ask about wearing scrubs. Bring a stethoscope if you have one.
- Prepare physically. Get a good night rest, drink, eat, deodorant, etc. Do whatever you think is necessary to keep you functioning thru the day.
- STUDY! Polish up your skills. Crack the book open. Review your breeds and protocols. Read up on the areas you are inexperienced with. Know your protocols. (Surgery prep, Urinalysis, Blood draws, medication No-no’s, etc.)
- Take notes. Bring a small note pad and a pen. Take notes whenever you can.
- Be Honest! Do not lie about your skill level. Not only are you exposing yourself and all around you to danger, possibly costing an animal’s life, but you’re likely to get booted out of the place real quick! You don’t want a scratched up face or a bite in your leg because you didn’t know how to properly restrain. I’ve seen it happen…
- Make yourself useful. So what if there are not patients to be seen?! Ask what you can help with. Pick up the broom, there’s always cat hair to be picked up. Don’t just stand around; show them that you are the best candidate for the job.
- Have Fun and keep your eyes opened! Last but not least, make sure to have fun at the interview. Enjoy it, because this may be a place where you will be spending a lot of your time. Keep our eyes opened to ensure that this is a good fit for you as well.
Best of luck!
You may also like the job interview preparation tips from a hypnotherapist.