Job Hunting

Veterinary Science Graduate Certificate from UofI
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gumtree said:
I'm sorry! I bet you'll get some good news from the other places you applied to.

I was talking with a 4th year last week who told me about a HORRIBLE interview she had with a veeeeeery "old school" vet. He "doesn't get along with vet techs" so he hired only 2 receptionists to run the hospital. Everything is on paper (actually, patient records are kept on index cards). There's 1 computer in the hospital. He does surgeries BY HIMSELF and his only anesthesia monitoring equipment is a PULSE OX. SCARY SCARY SCARY!! I'm terrified that when it's my turn to send out resumes, the only vets who respond are people like this crazy vet.
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Pretty sure I talked to this guy. Ultrasound is voodoo, and if you base your diagnosis on ultrasound findings, you are ripping your client off. Why? Because you'll always find something wrong when you use newfangled gadgets, duh. Also, the hospital was created so that clients didn't have to go the moneygrubbing vet down the street, and we need to make allowances for the state of the economy and never pressure clients into doing diagnostics or gold standard treatments, etc etc.
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cowgirla said:
Pretty sure I talked to this guy. Ultrasound is voodoo, and if you base your diagnosis on ultrasound findings, you are ripping your client off. Why? Because you'll always find something wrong when you use newfangled gadgets, duh. Also, the hospital was created so that clients didn't have to go the moneygrubbing vet down the street, and we need to make allowances for the state of the economy and never pressure clients into doing diagnostics or gold standard treatments, etc etc.
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Ahh yes! Technology BAD!! Nevermind that it may improve the health of your client's pets.. I don't even understand how the 4th year I talked to made it through the entire interview with this guy.
 
I got another response to a job app finally. He didn't officially offer an interview but he asked if I was going to be available for senior interview day at school so I think it will turn into an interview offer.
 
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Why is it that half of the job listings that'll remotely consider a new grad are nightmare clinics? Oh right... Because those are the only places hiring due to their high turnover. Blergh
 
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Minnerbelle said:
Why is it that half of the job listings that'll remotely consider a new grad are nightmare clinics? Oh right... Because those are the only places hiring due to their high turnover. Blergh
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yep.

btw i am happy to help anyone with anything relating to jobs. even if it's just ranting, etc, feel free to PM
 
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dyachei said:
yep.

btw i am happy to help anyone with anything relating to jobs. even if it's just ranting, etc, feel free to PM
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And can I add that dyachei is really good at listening!
 
dyachei said:
yep.

btw i am happy to help anyone with anything relating to jobs. even if it's just ranting, etc, feel free to PM
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any tips on what kind of questions to prepare for for a phone interview? I am so much more comfortable in person with body language and all that, but thanks to a snow forecast, my in person interview is now a phone interview.

also, any questions you wish you had asked in an interview?
 
cowgirla said:
any tips on what kind of questions to prepare for for a phone interview? I am so much more comfortable in person with body language and all that, but thanks to a snow forecast, my in person interview is now a phone interview.

also, any questions you wish you had asked in an interview?
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is it a first interview?

Be prepared to talk about your experiences and why you would be a good fit at this practice. I would research as much as you can about a given practice. Show that you are interested. if small animal, what have you done to make yourself stand out against other interviewees? Good to think about that sort of thing.

I would ask what kind of work environment it is, will there be opportunities for mentoring, what kind of staff they have, etc. It gives you a good idea on turnover rates and what you will get your first year out.

If it's more than the first interview, you can ask about things like compensation, etc.
 
dyachei said:
is it a first interview?

Be prepared to talk about your experiences and why you would be a good fit at this practice. I would research as much as you can about a given practice. Show that you are interested. if small animal, what have you done to make yourself stand out against other interviewees? Good to think about that sort of thing.

I would ask what kind of work environment it is, will there be opportunities for mentoring, what kind of staff they have, etc. It gives you a good idea on turnover rates and what you will get your first year out.

If it's more than the first interview, you can ask about things like compensation, etc.
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first interview with this clinic.

my first interview was with anti-technology guy so I figure it can only get better from here :)

I'm a little worried simply because this place has no online presence whatsoever so I can't find out much about them. even asking around isn't getting me much, but my resources in that area are limited :-/.
 
cowgirla said:
first interview with this clinic.

my first interview was with anti-technology guy so I figure it can only get better from here :)

I'm a little worried simply because this place has no online presence whatsoever so I can't find out much about them. even asking around isn't getting me much, but my resources in that area are limited :-/.
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not even patient/client reviews?
 
one other thing. You guys are all members of VIN, right? Go to their classifieds to look for jobs, too. Also, do searches on the names of ppl interviewing or their clinics.
 
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Moving to New Orleans this summer so doing the long distance job hunt. Blerg.

So far have applied to 2 places and gotten 2 interviews which is great but I was JUST down there looking at areas to live in and let the places know I'd be there, and of course they send me interview invites the week after I get back. See ya $$
 
Just had a really good phone interview. They want me to come out for a working interview so I will be flying out to NY (Syracuse area) in early march.
 
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Things are starting to look up. I have 4 interviews over the next 10 days, two of which seem like places I would really like to work. How's everyone else doing?
 
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I just accepted a job :D
Small animal 2.5 doctor general practice back home!
 
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I accepted one too. 3 clinic, 9(ish) doctor small animal and exotic practice close to home that doubles as an e-clinic on the weekends :)
 
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Congrats, guys! So happy for you! It seems the job market may be turning around a bit...I've heard from a few people that don't seem to be having as much trouble as the past few years have let on.
 
Have my first (currently only) interview this afternoon. Not super sure about the position, but its just a relief to have an interview at all.
 
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Looking in a super saturated area is super depressing. Each position I've heard back from tells me they're considering dozens of candidates...
 
Feel like my interview yesterday went pretty well, but they aren't doing round two interviews until March. This is killing me! Hopefully that gives me time to hear back from a few other places though.
 
Flying down to New Orleans Tuesday night for an interview on Wednesday! I've been kinda lazy about sending more resumes out, I'm thinking I might pop into some places and drop of my resume while I am down there.

What's everyone been wearing to interviews? Business casual?

And congrats Bunnity and everyone else on your first jobs!!
 
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Headed to interview #2.
 
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It's good to know that some of you and my classmates from the Class of 2014 are finding jobs. I was worried that not doing an internship in a competitive market was hurting my chances, but I've got 3 interviews lined up, with one of them involving a trip to the Pacific NW this Thursday, which should be fun even if it doesn't turn into a job offer. I'm planning to send out cover letters and resumes in early March to practices I'm interested in so that I can plan personal days off in April in case I get any invitations for interview.
 
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So Thursday, I had 4 interviews. They went pretty well and I really liked what 2 of the doctors had to say. I liked the third one, too but I'm not sure if the personality aspect would mesh well. And I am supposed to be on a plane right now for an out of state interview with a place that seems perfect but my flights have been getting canceled so I'm probably going to have to reschedule that one. I am also in the process of setting another interview up here in Oklahoma. I really hope something comes of all these interviews because I would really like a job lol
 
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GellaBella said:
Moving to New Orleans this summer so doing the long distance job hunt. Blerg.

So far have applied to 2 places and gotten 2 interviews which is great but I was JUST down there looking at areas to live in and let the places know I'd be there, and of course they send me interview invites the week after I get back. See ya $$
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I didn;t know that. So cool!
 
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Just had the most fantastic interview! Really wouldn't mind if it turned into an offer even though it means moving an hour away.
 
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Got a phone call last week that the place I interviewed at and really liked down in New Orleans wants to hire me and is sending me an offer package!

Also have a possible job lined up with a vet I externed with for the 1.5-2mo from graduating til I move down south!

@StartingoverVet - you and Mrs SOV will have to come visit sometime!
 
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So for people trying to get jobs in cities other than the ones you're currently in... how does that work, really? Did you schedule an externship block there and do in-person resume drop-offs then, are you doing lots online and just flying out for interviews, etc? I ask as a lowly second year who would quite like to move and practice elsewhere after graduation (potentially cross-country), but the logistics are seeming a bit daunting.
 
Trilt said:
So for people trying to get jobs in cities other than the ones you're currently in... how does that work, really? Did you schedule an externship block there and do in-person resume drop-offs then, are you doing lots online and just flying out for interviews, etc? I ask as a lowly second year who would quite like to move and practice elsewhere after graduation (potentially cross-country), but the logistics are seeming a bit daunting.
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Seconding because I'm not opposed to doing this especially if it opens up more job options. I like the East Coast and all, but I think I would like living in new places as well.
 
GellaBella said:
Got a phone call last week that the place I interviewed at and really liked down in New Orleans wants to hire me and is sending me an offer package!

Also have a possible job lined up with a vet I externed with for the 1.5-2mo from graduating til I move down south!

@StartingoverVet - you and Mrs SOV will have to come visit sometime!
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I have actually never been there… and would love to.

I should bring the dogs, at least I will know a local vet!
 
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Trilt said:
So for people trying to get jobs in cities other than the ones you're currently in... how does that work, really? Did you schedule an externship block there and do in-person resume drop-offs then, are you doing lots online and just flying out for interviews, etc? I ask as a lowly second year who would quite like to move and practice elsewhere after graduation (potentially cross-country), but the logistics are seeming a bit daunting.
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I have mostly been doing phone interviews. I just did my first working interview and will fly to New York on Thursday to FINALLY do another one. I have had some clinic owners ask me to come by and see their clinics, meet the staff, etc. after phone interviews but it has been really difficult to work into my schedule since they are all 1.5hrs away at least and not all are willing to do interviews/site visits/whatever on weekends. We only get 2 days off per rotation so that makes it difficult as well.
 
Even Banfield will not consider new grads in the 2 out of 4 states I'm looking at. There aren't positions open in the other 2 (at least in commuting distance, if any at all). Fml

It hurts extra when attendings who ask about the job situation go "you're fabulous I'm sure you'll find a great job. Whatever you do, don't settle." Say wut??? There isn't even a f@$&?$!/ crappy job to settle for!!! At least the residents are more in touch with reality and will actually acknowledge the problem and agree that it sucks.

Was encouraged by an interview at a practice that was everything I could possibly want in a first job. Well there were dozens of experienced vets also in the running... so that didn't go well for me. Now I know how many people I have competing with me on top of people graduating this year... Fml

At this point I'm on a lookout for a nice sturdy cardboard box to call my new home. Ugh...
 
Got my first interview offer today--eek!
 
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Minnerbelle said:
Even Banfield will not consider new grads in the 2 out of 4 states I'm looking at. There aren't positions open in the other 2 (at least in commuting distance, if any at all). Fml

It hurts extra when attendings who ask about the job situation go "you're fabulous I'm sure you'll find a great job. Whatever you do, don't settle." Say wut??? There isn't even a f@$&?$!/ crappy job to settle for!!! At least the residents are more in touch with reality and will actually acknowledge the problem and agree that it sucks.

Was encouraged by an interview at a practice that was everything I could possibly want in a first job. Well there were dozens of experienced vets also in the running... so that didn't go well for me. Now I know how many people I have competing with me on top of people graduating this year... Fml

At this point I'm on a lookout for a nice sturdy cardboard box to call my new home. Ugh...
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Keep your head up! I know it's easy to get discouraged. Are there just no jobs in your desired area? Have you considered expanding your search at all?

skittles12 said:
Got my first interview offer today--eek!
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Congrats!
 
Got two no's today from clinics I was very excited about, both of which are in my ideal location. A little bummed and my level of freaked-out-ness is steadily climbing.

Minners, I think you and I are looking in the same region. Things are definitely tough around here in all aspects of vet med :-/
 
GellaBella said:
Got a phone call last week that the place I interviewed at and really liked down in New Orleans wants to hire me and is sending me an offer package!

Also have a possible job lined up with a vet I externed with for the 1.5-2mo from graduating til I move down south!

@StartingoverVet - you and Mrs SOV will have to come visit sometime!
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Congratulations :D
 
cowgirla said:
Got two no's today from clinics I was very excited about, both of which are in my ideal location. A little bummed and my level of freaked-out-ness is steadily climbing.

Minners, I think you and I are looking in the same region. Things are definitely tough around here in all aspects of vet med :-/
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Yup, there are multiple listings of great clinics with salaries of $100k+ but they're looking for specialists and experienced emergency docs... Bahhhh
 
Trilt said:
So for people trying to get jobs in cities other than the ones you're currently in... how does that work, really? Did you schedule an externship block there and do in-person resume drop-offs then, are you doing lots online and just flying out for interviews, etc? I ask as a lowly second year who would quite like to move and practice elsewhere after graduation (potentially cross-country), but the logistics are seeming a bit daunting.
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And @orca2011

I didn't know I'd be moving away til just last month or so, but if I had, I definitely would have scheduled externships at places I thought might be hiring/would want to work.

Since I didn't do any externships down there I scoured the internet for job postings (avma career forum, vin, lvma jobs page, LSU job postings for their students etc - this one has postings for most states, Cornell's job posting page etc basically anywhere I could think of), then I emailed my cover letter and resume. I also just cold emailed my cover letter and resume to a bunch of places that weren't advertising.

Some places called me for phone interviews first, the place I accepted at asked me to just fly down and meet with them which I did, some places I never heard back from.

It's definitely tough, but I've accepted my first veterinary position and I'm psyched. And scared. Mostly scared. If I hadn't had any luck with my method, and if I had been more organized, and lots of money, I prob would have taken a few days off, flown down, neighborhood shopped and dropped off resumes in person at places when I was down there, but then I'd still prob have had to fly back again for interviews! Def not an easy process
 
First interview today---the interview itself went well but I just don't think the opportunity is a good fit for me. It's an older vet with some health issues looking for someone to basically take over the practice. There's another vet there now but I got the feeling he didn't want to really stick around long term. They made me an offer and said I could be hired right away. But, they did say I would probably end up as the solo vet and I just don't think it would be a good idea for me to pretty much strike out on my own fresh out of school. I said I would take some time to consider things, but I felt really bad because it was an old couple and they seemed so eager about finding someone. :/

If anyone is looking for something in TN...let me know and I can pass along the info.

On the plus side, I have an interview at the end of March with the clinic I'd really like to work at!

Also: what are people's opinions on time between graduation and starting a new job? Is June too soon if graduating in early May?
 
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Where was it Skittles? I'm still looking to stay in TN.
 
I had another working interview over the last couple of days. I think it went pretty well. I still haven't heard back from the other working interview I did so I'm thinking the job went to my classmate who also interviewed. I am supposed to do a working interview with Banfield on Saturday but I got scheduled for emergency duty so now I have to figure that one out. I have an interview tomorrow and two more I need to get scheduled. The two I need to get scheduled are both jobs that would allow us to stay in our current location so I'm excited about those. I really hope something comes from all these interviews because I am getting worn out and am running out of personal days at school.
 
skittles12 said:
Also: what are people's opinions on time between graduation and starting a new job? Is June too soon if graduating in early May?
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I wish this was an issue for me....

My orientation starts the 9th...I have finals the 9/10. Fly out the 11th, start the 12th. Oh...and my graduation is the 4th of July....
 
Kinda sorta got a job offer today. They said they want me on their team and asked when I would be making a decision. I am not thrilled with the clinic for a few big reasons but it is nice to have an offer.
 
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Got another No Thanks today, for a job that sounded amazing too. But I have a second round interview at another clinic on Wednesday.

So ready for this nightmare to be over!
 
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