You love animals and have always had a passion for caring for them. One of your goals is to work in the veterinary field but you’re unsure on how to get your foot in the door at a veterinary hospital. Working for an emergency vet is definitely one of the most rewarding career choices out there. You have the opportunity to be a part of helping animals in need while simultaneously helping people. We’ve worked with our in-house recruiter to come up with 7 ways to get your foot in the veterinary hospital door.
Stand Out
One of the first things that you can do is make your resume stand out from the crowd. Ditch those black and white resumes and give yourself some flare. Add personality by using color, photographs and creative writing styles. “One thing that always stands out to me is when applicants use different colored paper. It’s an instant eye-catcher.” –April Morgan, Human Resource Director.
By adding unique touches like a personal story in your cover letter, recruiters will more than likely remember you from the rest of the applicants. Don’t forget to use correct spelling and grammar but have fun with your resume.
Job Shadow at a Veterinary Hospital
Job shadowing can be super important in the veterinary world. With the current shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the industry can be a very intense place to work. Know what you’re getting into by job shadowing before interviewing. If you job shadow and decide that veterinary medicine is still the place for you, recruiters will take note of that. Plus, you will have more personal experience to add to your resume, beefing it up to make you look like the ultimate candidate.
Entry-Level Position at a Veterinary Hospital
If you find yourself in pretty competitive job market, try getting your foot in the door by taking an entry-level position. Entry-level positions are a great way for you to get your foot in the door by allowing employers to get to know you better and allowing yourself to learn the ins and outs of the company that you want to work for. Think of it this way, entry-level positions are the building blocks on your lifetime career goal. You have to have a solid foundation to get to the top.
Long-Term Commitment
Employers don’t want to waste their time on someone who isn’t committed to the company for a long period of time. Hiring and training new employees takes up a lot of company time and resources. Set long-term goals for yourself in regards to your future with the company. Make your goals and long term intentions known. Recruiters want to know that they are investing in long-term employees and not temporary staff.
Do Your Research
Recruiters love it when you know the company that you’re interviewing for. Do a little research before you apply. Show them your level of interest by understanding what the company does, what departments they have and having some goals for when you start. Are you looking to make your way into the Oncology Department? Do you have a passion for Surgery? Having this kind of background knowledge tells the recruiter that they aren’t just another interview and that you’ve done your research.
Continued Education
How about adding more bang to your resume? Maybe you’re interested in becoming a veterinary technician but haven’t quite reached that goal yet. Something that you can do is look into certifications that will set you a part. Perhaps you get Fear Free Certified. Certifications and continued education efforts show recruiters that you are actively working towards your goals and also shows your great work ethic.
Volunteer Work
Don’t have any veterinary experience? Try volunteering. Volunteer with an animal shelter or offer a clinic some volunteer work to help with administrative duties or kennel assist work. This kind of volunteer work gets you one step closer to the veterinary world by giving you experience in the industry. “Even if you’ve never worked for a veterinary hospital before, showing some kind of experience working with animals definitely give you bonus points while interviewing”.