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Interview Tips for Vet Nurses

The chances of securing the job you want are far greater if you are well prepared for the interview/s. To follow are some tips drawn from my own experience and feedback from employers over the last 18 years.

Be on time:
Walk into the practice exactly 10 minutes before the interview is due to start.
Don’t arrive ½ an hour early, as they may not be ready for you, and don’t arrive late.

Dress/grooming:
First impressions are very important. Present yourself in a conservative, professional manner.

Well informed:
If possible source information on:

  1. The staff at the practice and their roles
  2. The practice – opening hours, type of work etc
  3. The local area

Most practices have the required facts on their web site.

Communicate effectively:
Your ability to listen and understand what the interviewer is asking you is as important as having the ability get your message across.

Diplomatically talk about your strengths and what you can offer the practice. Don’t overstate or understate your skills.

Ask well thought out questions about the job.
E.g. What would a normal working day include?
Will there be opportunities to learn and acquire new skills?

Prepare answers for potential questions before you attend an interview.
E.g. How long are you likely to stay? What appeals to you about the job on offer?

Facebook/social media:
Check your privacy settings are on.

Mobile phone:
Turn it off during the interview.

Easy to contact:
Keep your mobile phone on after the interview. If this is not possible make sure you have a sensible message on your message bank.

Thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the role.

I would be delighted to hear your thoughts on this. Could you please leave me a comment below?

Good luck with your next interview!

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3 Responses to Interview Tips for Vet Nurses

  1. Libby English 7 May, 2014 at 4:26 pm #

    Good afternoon Mark

    Long time since we have spoken.
    I find the above very informative for the younger nurse.
    I am not working at the moment by choice. After leaving Kalgoorlie I have had some work in Clinics and of course the last time we met in Perth I was a Rep for Dermcare.

    You sound to be going from strength to strength. Keep the info coming, although not being smart I have given so many interview I could almost write a book on what an employer wants.
    Cheers
    Libby English

  2. Andrea 7 May, 2014 at 6:22 pm #

    I always like to raise questions specific to the role also, like what computer database are you working on (i.e. RxWorks)? Do you run any in-clinic diagnostics? This allows the employer as well as the yourself to gauge whether you are suitably qualified for the role. If you have never run these tests prior it is good to decipher whether or not the jobs you are uncomfortable with can easily be learnt.
    I like to ask lots of questions and I think a good one also is; what are the expectations of the veterinarians of the nurses? Some clinics are happy with the nurses performing most jobs however some vets are uncomfortable with this and prefer to do most jobs themselves.

  3. Geraldine 9 May, 2014 at 9:40 pm #

    I agree with Andrea with vets finding it uncomfortable with nurses performing alot more hands on jobs. I feel that nurses applying for jobs in small country towns are at a disadvantage as these vets seem to be threatened by talented and professional nurses that have a good repor with the public.
    I think that your site is great as all nurses need support in furthering their carees.
    Every little bit of information can help