finding a TP

Re: finding a TP

Maria Mahon — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:26:08 GMT

Just like everyone else, firstly I want to say DON'T GIVE UP!!!!

Keep sending letters, follow up with phonecalls, if they don't having anything 'now' then ask them to keep you on file & contact you when something does become available.

Another thing is to offer yourself as work experience/a volunteer. Although it won't pay in financial terms, the practise is invaluable, looks great on a CV and you will be the first to be contacted when a vacancy arises. This is how I got into my TP.

I had no experience whatsoever working with animals let alone in a Veterinary Practice, however I gave up all my free evenings and after a few months I was offered a job over others who had applied!

If all else fails, maybe volunteer at a kennels/cattery etc. in the meantime, so you'll have some experience to show them that they should hire you. It may also shed some light on whether or not you do want to do Veterinary Nursing or another related field. If you don't keep trying then you'll never know!

Re: finding a TP

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:10:01 GMT

[quote user="gaelle konak"]

Oh thank you everybody, it cheered me up!

I have already sent my CVs to some of these places before. I have got nursing experience even though it dates back a few years when I was in France. I even got vet nursing qualifications over there. I am really hoping that my more "mature" age (28), my previous experience and my qualifications (animal care and psychology degree) even if French, may give me a little advantage over younger, less experienced applicants. So should I send my CVs again? How long should I wait? I want to show them I'm keen, but don't want them to get irritated either!

Cheers

[/quote]

Oooh you sound ideal then! I sent out some in January, May and then October. I wanted to sound keen and luckily my most favourtie local practice remembered me (and this is where I will start working soon). Whilst at my second interview I spent the day with them and one of the QVN's said that they actually prefered a more mature student then someone straight out of school (I am 30 next month) as they tend to be more mature and are able to deal with the clients better. Also may be able to cope with the work load a bit better too.

Wishing you lots of luck - you'll get there. Just don't give up - it is so disheartening, I know as I used to get really down but I'm so glad I stuck at it and didn't just give up.

Re: finding a TP

Gaelle Konak — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:30:16 GMT

Oh thank you everybody, it cheered me up!

Cheers

Re: finding a TP

Fleabee99 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:15:41 GMT

hi!! just wanted to reply because im in exactly the same situation as you looking for a TP while working at ASDA (which is horrid) i sent out 15 CVs at xmas and then completely reformated the CV as it was too wordy and it didnt even get considered for interview at a VCA position i applied for, so now im working two days aweek at different TP voluntarily (if you can do this its your best shot at getting a position) so with the new CV and covering letter which basically said everything i had ever done with animals to convince them i was serious about the job i sent out about 60 and now im through an interview at one practice and into there half day stage but this interview opportunity was found here on vetnurse!!

so in summary as that was all a blabby, i would look at finding work experience in as many different TPs as you can afford on a once a week basis as most people will tell you if a job comes up in a practice they mostly wont advertise as they already have so many CVs and if they have a work exp the job will most likely go to them as theyve shown commitment (and they found out about the job first)

but dont feel discouraged as trainee positions are like gold dust at the moment, i mean for example the tp im being interviewed at only takes on one trainee at a time so they can devote all their training to the one person so in all that means theyll only advertise every 2 years!!!

also put a post up in the job forum every few weeks telling people where you are and what you want as this is how i found mine

hope this helps!!!

Re: finding a TP

Debbie Allgood — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:08:31 GMT

Try asking if any of your local TPs would consider having you for work experience as this is how alot of trainees get started. Many practices will also still look at at what previous experience of animal care/veterinary experience you have so the more experience you can get under your belt the better!

I manage a recruitment service within The College of Animal Welfare. We occasionally get TPs that register trainee vacancies with us so we may be able to help, but we have had to limit our candidate registrations to those who have some veterinary practice experience as 99.9% of the time that is what practices would like.

Have a look at our website at www.cawrecruitment.com , any trainee vacancies are also advertised on here too but it is a little quiet on the trainee side of things at the moment......everyone seems to want QVNs!

Thanks

Charlotte Cooper

CAW Recruitment

Re: finding a TP

Frith — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:17:16 GMT

Definately keep trying, just because they don't need anyone now, doesn't mean they won't need someone later in the year.

I think this sort of situation is only going to get harder, as many practices don't like to make decissions about taking new students, until they know their current students are going to be finishing training (not want to overload their assessors) And with the increase in exam events, student finishing is becoming much more staggered.

Good luck!

Re: finding a TP

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:48:07 GMT

Whatever you do don't give up, it does take time unfortunately. It's taken me over 2 years of trying (but that's not to say it will take you that long!). I wrote to all of the TP practices in my area and some of them didn't even bother replying too.

Luckily out of all the practices I kept writing to the one I wanted to work at the most called me up and said I was now at the top of their waiting list (she liked my enthusiasm!!) - then a couple of months later I was invited to an interview.

Chin up, if you really want this you'll get there in the end. Good luck