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Veterinary interview fails: how not to do it

Written by: vet times jobs
Published on: 12 May 2019
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Bugs Bunny

Photo by Leonardo Sagnotti / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Whether you are a new graduate looking to make your first career move or an experienced vet in need of a fresh challenge, searching for a job can be a daunting task – and the interview stage is arguably the scariest part of the process.

You've done the hard work – gained your qualifications, gathered your experience, updated your CV, penned the perfect cover letter, bought a new outfit – and now it’s time to meet your potential employers face-to-face.

Unfortunately, the interview is where many people fall short.

Awful examples

After speaking with one practice owner, we discovered some incredible interview mishaps – lessons everyone going to an interview can learn from.

We were told of one experienced veterinary nurse who called up the practice minutes before an interview asking if they could change the location. The practice was based deep in the countryside and the candidate said they had an allergy to grass.

What's up, Doc?

Then there was the candidate who turned up dressed as Bugs Bunny. They thought the interviewer would see the funny side… they didn’t. It’s safe to say this candidate was told to leave with their rabbit tail between their legs.

Another would-be vet said they would be fantastic at working with animals as they had “dated enough of them in their time”.

One candidate took it upon himself to offer his “professional” opinion to one of the surgery’s clients while waiting in reception for his interview – telling the owner, having assessed her elderly cat’s symptoms, she should start saying her goodbyes.

Extreme examples

Of course, these are extreme examples of terrible interview mishaps, but it is worth doing your preparation before taking on the most important part of the recruitment process.

When you arrive, make sure you have researched the industry and the practice, dress smartly (not like Bugs Bunny), be enthusiastic, appear confident (but not arrogant), prepare questions for your interviewer and don’t be vague with your answers.

If you prepare well, there is no reason why you won’t be offered your dream job.