Interview Advice
They say on average 33% of interviewers know within the first 90 seconds if you are the right candidate for the advertised job role, therefore advanced preparation is key to a successful interview and setting you apart from all other rival veterinary interviewees. So, we have put together suggested interview tips below:
Before you attend your interview:
- Read through the full Job description
- Research the practice and company
- Plan your journey and allow for traffic and weather conditions
- Bring with you your ID, CV, pen, notepad and any other related material
Dress Code:
- Smart business dress or veterinary
- Due to the profession you may go straight from your current employment, so you're working uniform will suffice
- Presentable appearance always goes a long way
- Conservative colours are suggested to be appropriate
- Feel comfortable
Vet Seekers top 10 questions you could ask the interviewer at the Practice:
- What are the characteristics of the person you are looking to hire?
- How would you describe a typical working day or week of the advertised position?
- How long have you been at the company and what made you stay?
- How would you describe the work environment and culture of the practice?
- What are the growth plans for the practice – short and longer term?
- When and how would my performance be measured?
- What is the team structure and who will I be reporting to?
- What are some of the company's initiatives regarding personal training and development?
- How do you see this practice developing in the future?
- What scope is there for being involved in any other aspects of the company, such as…...?
The Interview:
- Acknowledge everyone as soon as you walk into the practice
- Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer
- Maintain good eye contact during the interview
- Try and feel relaxed and comfortable. Remember though, you are constantly being appraised, so always keep professional
- Find out what the key parts of the job specification are so you can show how you meet them
- Make sure the interviewer knows the benefits and strengths of employing you
- Sell yourself, what do you have to offer/contribute to the practice
- Quote real examples of when you've used certain skills or if you have any weaknesses tell them how you are improving on these
- Take your time when answering the questions: Make sure you understand the question if you need to think
Some don'ts:
- Don't be late or too early (try and arrive around 10 minutes before)
- Try not to give vague responses and if you make a mistake be honest and correct this
- Avoid bad mouthing your current or previous employer or co-workers
- Having done little or no preparation on the role or the practice
- Try not to be over nervous (we all know this can be difficult)
- Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of your chair
Closing the interview:
- Ask any questions you may have.
- Agree exactly what the next steps will be and timeframes
- You should also find out if they are running second interviews and when they are likely to be and offer some dates when you could attend
- They may ask you in for a trial day / morning / afternoon, offer some dates you could attend
- If you are interested in the position, make sure that you let the interviewer know and explain why
After the Interview:
- Phone your Consultant at Vet Seekers while it's all fresh in your mind.
- They will then run through the interview with you and obtain your feedback and any questions that you may have
- Your consultant will then obtain feedback from the interviewee at the practice and provide you with honest, constructive feedback
- You consultant will then come back to you with any answers or negotiations you may have.