Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro

jenvetnurse writes "Interviews can often be a nerve racking experience. However, with the right preparation the more confident you will be and it is less likely the nerves won’t get the better of you.

First impressions count. Make sure your appearance is smart, regardless of the practice you are visiting. Smart attire shows respect, and creates a good and lasting impression. Make sure that you are clean shaven, and look as though you have made an effort to be presentable. There are going to be a number of applicants going for the same vacancy and often there won’t be a lot to choose between applicants at the decision stage. A lasting impression will count in your favour.

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Plan the journey to the practice well in advance. Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare. Check the train times, distances from the station to the practice. If you are driving make sure you plan for traffic and that there is parking at the practice. You don’t want to spend 30 minutes trying to park your car, only to end up being late for your interview. If you are able make the journey a few days before so you know how long it will take and how to get there. If you do arrive late, you will become anxious and this will come across in the interview. It won’t come across well with the practice if you are late, and this may count against you. If you are running late make sure you phone the practice in advance and let them know.

Study the job specification in detail. Look at the attributes the client is looking for and make a note of how you match criteria and think of examples of these. Unfortunately with growing competition for vacancies you are going to have to ‘sell’ yourself. So think about what you have done that matches the job specification and make sure you cover these during the interview. You may not be asked directly so make sure you get your main points across backed up with examples. It is useful to make a list of the key attributes and experience the practice is looking for and work your way through them making notes on how you match the attributes and always provide evidence of this.

Research the practice as thoroughly as possible. Look at their web site. Look for any articles on the practice on the internet. Ask your colleagues or friends whether they have heard anything about them. Make sure you mention some of the research you have done as this again shows you are interested in the practice and made the effort to find out about them. Make sure you know who is interviewing you and what their positions are. You may find out on their web site that they graduated from the same University. Use that information it will be a great ice breaker.
Think about the standard interview questions, and how you may answer those questions. Typical questions may include, What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to join this practice? What do you want from your employer? (In terms of training, promotion etc) Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? Also if you are travelling a long way and possibly looking at relocation make sure you tell the practice you are happy to do this.

Find out what the interview process will be. Is it informal? Will there be some kind of technical or skills test? Will you have to make a short presentation? The better prepared you are and aware of what’s coming next the better you will be able to react.

Make sure you have a list of questions about the role and practice. Ensure you ask questions as well, it’s not a one way street with the practice asking all the questions. The more interest you show in the practice and interview the better you will come across. Also make sure that this is the type of practice you want to work at and that it provides you with the things you are looking for.

Finish the interview strongly. Tell them that you are interested in the position at the end of the interview (if that is the case!) and that if they want to pursue things then you are interested. Thank the interviewers for their time. Find out when they will be making a decision and how many people they are interviewing. At least you know what the situation is and when to expect a call or feedback.

Above all, be yourself! Smile, relax and enjoy it. Personality counts a lot, and often more than experience.
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