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It’s finally time—you’ve aced your last exams, graduated from veterinary school, and are ready to enter the veterinary profession. Now comes the real test: the interview process.
Approaching a veterinary job interview—especially for a position you really want—can be incredibly nerve-wracking. But preparing for it is the best way to set yourself up for success. Let’s look at a couple of interview tips for how to best prep.
One of the best ways to prepare for an interview at a veterinary practice is to research it in advance. You want to be well-versed in the clinic itself—its history and culture—as well as the employees you could be working with.
How to research a veterinary practice:
It may feel a little silly to actually rehearse the questions and answers. But trust us, it can make a huge difference.
Here are a few tips:
As you practice, stay positive and confident. The goal is not to memorize your answers. You want to be authentic and relaxed in the interview. Do your research and rehearse your answers, but don’t get so bogged down that you lose your unique spark.
One of the best ways to knock an interview out of the park is to come prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewer. This shows how proactive and engaged you are. And it easily sets you apart from the rest of the pack.
To help you prepare, here are ten questions to ask in an interview.
This is a great question to ask, as it gives you a better sense of what your daily schedule will look like. But even more, this question helps you:
Time and time again, the people we work with make or break a job. Getting a sense of the team you’ll be working with is crucial for understanding how well you’ll like the job. By asking the interviewer to describe the team, you’ll gain insight into their personalities and overall team dynamics.
As a recent grad, you have a long, wonderful career journey ahead of you. By asking about future professional opportunities, you show that you are:
All things that veterinarians want from the people on their teams.
This is a great question to ask. It will show you understand the realities of the industry, and it will give you an intimate insight into this particular clinic.
You want to hear that the practice is prepared to handle emergencies and has a robust set of protocols to manage them. Most clinics face emergencies regularly, and working in a well-organized and safe environment is important.
This helps you understand the type of animals and cases you’ll most frequently encounter. Are patients primarily families with small animals and pets? Or are you working in a rural context with farms and large animals?
Adjusting to the workforce is a big challenge. For years, you have received regular grades and feedback for how well (or not so well) you are doing in school. But that kind of structure doesn’t exist in the workplace. That’s why knowing exactly what is expected of you from the get-go is so key.
Everyone, of course, will have different workplace challenges. But this question helps you gain a realistic expectation of the role. It also gives you insight into some of the employer’s pain points. You could then share:
Continuous learning is key in veterinary medicine. New research, technology, and best practices are constantly developing. Dynamic clinics and practices prioritize employee growth.
Look for clinics that offer mentorship programs, regular workshops, and seminars, and invest in continuing education opportunities.
Since you have thoroughly researched the practice, you could also tailor this question to be more specific. I gathered the practice values X, Y, and Z. How does that inform your day-to-day work?
This will show you’ve done your homework and also provide the interviewer the opportunity to share their experiences. Please pay attention to how well the clinic implements its values and mission. You want to be part of a team that walks the walk.
It’s no secret that many veterinarians experience significant burnout. As you interview for jobs and look for the right fit, keep a close eye out for those that prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being. Having rest and self-care built into the culture of the clinic makes all the difference.
By doing your research and practicing your answers, you will be well-prepared for the interview. Here are a few other tips for what to anticipate during a veterinary job interview:
Once you’ve finished an interview, don’t forget to follow up. Email the DVM you interviewed with to thank them for their time.
As you apply for jobs and prepare for the interview, remember how hard you have worked to be here. You have spent countless hours studying and learning the intricacies of veterinary medicine. It’s now time to let your accomplishments shine.