You did it! You completed your veterinary technician training, distributed your resume and have been called for your first interview.
However, if you are like many other people today, you are probably a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect.
If this sounds like you, the tips below can help you get through your interview and get hired for the job.
Dress and Groom Yourself Appropriately
As a vet tech, you will most likely be allowed to wear casual clothing in addition to a smock or scrubs.
Typically, what this equates to is business attire. You do not have to spend tons of money on an expensive suit:
Just do your best to look professional.
Additionally, make sure that you spend some extra time on your personal grooming prior to your interview.
Comb and style your hair, shave and/or trim unruly facial hair and remove any excessive piercings.
You should also keep jewelry and perfume/cologne to a minimum. Finally, you will want to avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing.
Prepare Ahead of Time!
Before going to your interview, be sure to review all of your prior training and experience first.
This can include everything from volunteer work at a local humane society and employment in animal-related businesses to your college education and vet tech internships.
You will also want to research the answers to the following questions prior to your interview.
- How Long Has the Clinic/Hospital Been Open?
- What is the Name/s of the Veterinarian/s on Staff?
- Does the Clinic/Hospital Specialize in Anything?
- Is the Clinic/Hospital Affiliated with a Local Shelter or Rescue Group?
Practice Answering Questions
Interviews can be quite intimidating.
However, when you practice answering typical questions, it can help you remain calm.
Compile a list of practice questions and ask a family member or friend to help you simulate an interview.
While there are many different questions you may be asked during your interview, you will find some of the most common questions listed below.
- Tell Me About Yourself. – Review past positions, education, degrees and job-related strengths.
- Why Do You Want to Work Here? – Explain your career goals and how your qualifications match the business’s job requirements.
- What Are Your Biggest Job-Related Accomplishments? – Pick at least two job-related problems you have been faced with and how you handled them.
- Can You Perform Under Pressure? – Vet tech careers can be extremely stressful.
- Do You Work Well in a Team? – Vet techs are part of an entire medical team that must work well together.
- Why Should We Hire You? – Explain what you think you can do for the clinic or hospital. How can you help them?
- What Are Your Career Goals? – Be honest. Are you looking for a permanent position, or do you want to advance in your career some time in the future?
- What Salary Are You Looking For? – If you are new to the field, stick with the current average salary for your state.
The Day of the Interview
It has finally arrived: the day of your interview. Relax, and take a deep breath. Many people find that by leaving early, they can sit in the parking lot for a few minutes and practice their questions one last time.
Arriving early also helps you to calm down before meeting your interviewer.
Bring a copy of your resume with you. In this way, if your interviewer has misplaced the original, he or she can look over your copy.
When meeting your potential employer, make sure to offer your hand for a confident handshake.
Sit with your legs crossed, and try not to fidget. Further, speak clearly and use proper grammar.
Common Interview Mistakes
All too often, people fail job interviews due to small mistakes that could have been easily avoided.
When you are aware of these mistakes, you can alter your behavior to avoid them. Listed below, you will find some of the things you should never do during a veterinary technician interview.
- Do not offer vague answers to questions: Be clear when responding.
- Never interrupt the interviewer. Wait until he or she is done talking before you speak.
- Do not chew gum, eat or drink.
- Do not smoke.
- Never place anything on the interviewer’s desk.
- Do not tell jokes or be overly friendly.
- Do not ramble when answering questions.
- Do not answer questions with just a yes or no.
- Never lie or use derogatory language.
- Never mention salary unless the employer does first.
Ending the Interview
Typically, at the end of an interview, the employer will ask whether or not you have any questions.
Do not be afraid to ask about anything that you may want clarified. In fact, asking a few questions shows the employer that your are, indeed, interested in the position.
However, be sure to ask only questions that pertain to the position at hand.
When the interview is over, stand and offer your hand for another handshake. Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time.
Lastly, always make sure to ask for a business card before you leave so that you can check back with the employer in a week or two.
When making your follow up call, you can simply ask about the status of your application.
Being called to a veterinary technician job interview can be extremely exciting, to say the least.
Unfortunately, interviews can be quite nerve-wracking as well. Nevertheless, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for an interview, and the above tips are some of the best.
By adhering to these useful tips, you can get through your interview and may even land the job of your dreams.