I was asked to do a live Q&A for a Facebook vet group called Vets: Stay, Go or Diversify this week on the subject of how to get a job in veterinary industry. The forum is a hotbed of discussions and this was a recurring question.
The forum is a closed group for vets only, established by Ebony Escalona, a vet from The Brook, a global equine charity. Ebony has done a fabulous job building a diverse group of over 1,600 vets and growing. The level of peer support is great and contributions come from experienced vets giving freely of time and expertise. If you’re a vet, check it out and join the conversation.
Why was I asked? Well, after fifteen years at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, I’ve been thoroughly trained in competency based interviewing and have interviewed hundreds of people for jobs in the business, whether vets or not. Here are my five top tips for getting a job in veterinary industry and I start with a bonus question that you must answer for yourself first.
Why do you want a job in industry?
Everyone knows that many vets reach a point in their veterinary careers where clinical work ceases to satisfy for one reason or another. Industry is an escape from practice, but that’s not the right reason to go for an industry job. Please reflect carefully on your reasons for wanting an industry role and make sure you want it for the right reasons, not just because it offers a route out of practice. Be honest with yourself or others will find you out and you’ll remain unfulfilled in your vet career.
Here goes:
- Do your company research and network with those reps in your clinic
2. Be on LinkedIn and have an All Star Profile
3. Register with the recruiters that vet industry companies use
4. Have a differentiated CV and covering letter
5. Do your interview prep properly; because it’s unlikely you’ve had this kind of interview before.
The recording will be live on the forum shortly and it’s loaded with more detail and a number of great questions from the audience on the night.
If you need help with your CV, preparing for an industry job or interview technique, then the VBC can help. Get in touch and we’ll help you maximize your chances of landing your job in industry.
Veterinary Business Consultancy ltd 