I know how stressful and challenging the interview process can be. The process may start a few months before graduation, or some weeks after getting your veterinary state license. It doesn’t matter what your time frame is! It’s always good to start early and do your best.
The first step to nail your job interview is to research the veterinary company or hospital. Try to read as much as you can and write down what makes you interested in that place. I suggest reading their story, vision, location, and online reviews to get started. Then, compare it with a list of the things you are looking for in your first job. Some things to look into include work-life balance, growth opportunities and training in vet med, cost of living, salary range, etc.
The second step is to sit down and think about the answers to standard interview questions. Practice case scenario questions with difficult clients or coworkers. It’s very helpful to have a draft of your answers and review it the day before. Some examples of frequently asked interview questions are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Describe your previous veterinary experiences and externships.
- What are your favorite areas of interest in veterinary medicine (ex: dentistry, internal medicine, etc)?
- How confident are you on surgery? How good are your surgery skills?
- Are you looking for a full-time or part-time position?
The third step is to make a list of good questions to ask at the end of the interview. It’s important to learn as much as you can and see if the position is a good fit! Some examples include:
- What is the work schedule?
- Do you alternate work shifts on weekends?
- How is the mentorship program for recent grads structured?
- Do you offer a signing or relocation bonus?
- What are the next steps after this call or video call?
Lastly, always be honest with your answers and show them that you are eager to learn new things. It’s important to show them who you are, your future career goals and how you think your potential employer can help you to achieve them. During my interview process, I liked to remind them that my number one priority is to get a strong mentorship and build confidence in my skills.
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