Interview Techniques

Re: Interview Techniques

Maisy — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:15:21 GMT

Completely agree Miss Sal!

I don't really think age itself is ever a factor about whether someone can train as a VN. The only sticking point would be if that person maybe lived alone/had a mortgage and was on a decent current salary to support themselves because as a student this is unlikely. However there are ways of getting around the money issue and it does mean a fairly frugal 2 + years whilst training - not impossible though!

Re: Interview Techniques

Nichola231 — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:08:55 GMT

Some good points Sal! Thank you!

I have never mentioned age in interviews. I don't see the point. But I do wonder if maybe I was younger would a practice be more willing to hire me? You're right about the wages aspect of it. It is cheaper to hire a 17 yr old than 23 yr old so I guess that does play a part, but hopefully a very small one.

Worst question I have ever had was - "4 yr old greyhound with a broken leg. It can't race anymore so the owner wants it put to sleep. Staff have tried reasoning with him and offer to treat the dog and rehome it at no cost to him but he refuses. What would you do?"

That question was unexpected! They gave me a moment to think about it. No right or wrong answer I guess so I gave them my opinion. Not sure what they were looking for!

Re: Interview Techniques

Sal the 1st — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:09:42 GMT

there is a very fine line between appearing eager and appearing desperate - just aim down the middle and be keen. trainee nurses I have had the most problems with have been the desperate sort - and to be honest I am wary of them now (or was at the time I was involved in training).

in my book anybody that has held down a job has demonstrated that they are able to work that is a plus point, to me it is better if they can hang onto their job until they find a veterinary position - ditching a job to try and find a veterinary one I dont think is smart - but hey it happens and we can all make mistakes I have to say somebody wanting to leave a well paid job to come in on the lowest level of this job does set the alarm bells ringing but it wouldnt mean I wouldnt consider them.

I prefer older trainees if I am honest, but practices may prefer younger for various reasons and yes it may be down to wages, or apprenticeships or funding for training or a million other reasons. There are those younger trainees that learn very quickly and that theoretically are the best nurses around and then there are older nurses with a few years behind them, some life experience outside of the veterinary world that have a maturity and a more practical side. The important thing is no matter what your experience or knowledge you go into the interview in a positive frame ie walk the talk, but in saying that not to appear cocky.

Why have so many of YOU got a hangup on age? if you are mentioning this sort of stuff at interview to me it would be a turnoff, if you were to mention in an interview that you are x years old and are worried that you may be too old - my immediate thoughts would be 'what makes him/her think she/he is too old?' - ie is she /he really saying I am too old to learn ie are they saying they are too set in their ways? unable to see themselves as a trainee? Start pointing out your not so good points and rather than endear you to the interviewer it will give them all the reasons they need not to employ you.

What I am trying to say is that no two practices are the same and what fits for one perfectly might be a perfect turn off for another.

Getting the cv right so you are getting interviews means you must be halfway there.Have you tried your local careers office? - sometimes they run short courses on interview technique. failing that see if you can get somebody to do a mock interview with you

yes vets like free labour ( who doesnt?) and I guess among the members of this forum there will be hundreds of thousands of 'donated' hours work - but if it gets you a chance its worth it?

how about posting on here some of the 'sticky' questions you have had to answer at interview and have found it difficult to give an answer for or questions you feel have tripped you up a bit and maybe we can come up with some more possibilities for replies

Its always going to be hard to get into this job - it always has been and I dont see it changing. There has always been a shortage of training places with hundreds of hopefuls chasing them, the pay has never been good and I dont suppose that will ever change either. The important thing is to stay positive and as disappointing as it is to just keep trying. So forget this 'oh woe is me cant get a place' bit and stay positive.

Use the site pro actively and you will get a lot more from it There wasnt anything like this around when I was training its a great resource

Re: Interview Techniques

Nichola231 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:28:02 GMT

Vets like free labour!

I had a placement in one and I'm volunteered in another at the same time and there is always things to do. I'm 23 as well and have loads of retail experience and a degree in art. Not were I wanted to be either. Thanks a lot school!

It would probably be easier for us both if we had started at 16 but the Vet I volunteer with at the moment said she would rather hire someone older because she sees that as a sign of commitment. Not to brand all teenagers with the same brush, but she believes an older wannabe nurse is more likely to appreciate the job and not lean against the wall all day.

There's hope for us yet!

Re: Interview Techniques

claire twomey — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:41:01 GMT

see now i think i get screwed either way- i'm 23 and currently a shop supervisor (NOT where i wanted to be at all) so it's like well i've technically got a career blah blah why would i want to change - and most people looking for vn apprenticeships are 16-18 so i kinda luck out there for being "older" and then i'm "only 23" so i might change my mind or something!

i even seem to strike out offering myself up for voluntary work- i've just done a ring round and am going to send a load more cv's and begging letters, hopefully someone will want some free labour!

Re: Interview Techniques

loopylou711 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:00:18 GMT

[quote user="claire twomey"]

i have same problem, and have previously received the dreaded rejection letters- always the same pat answers 'found someone more suitable' or more experience blah blah- what are you supposed to do if the job your going for doesn't necessarily require experience (eg veterinary or animal care assistant) but they always choose someone who has done the job before? how do you get a foot in the door to show how brilliant you could be if they gave you the chance?

[/quote]

Same with any job to be honest! I have been applying for loads of thing recently. The main fault I have is my age, apparently at 20 am simply not mature enough to want a 9-5 job! and despite loads of exp in what am applying for am still no use! GR!

As for vet nurse jobs, unfortunately, the ones with more exp and who come across well in interviews will always get picked! Just get more exp!!

Re: Interview Techniques

claire twomey — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:57:29 GMT

Re: Interview Techniques

Nichola231 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:35:07 GMT

Thanks ladies

Re: Interview Techniques

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:22:33 GMT

I think it's really important to show that you can fit into their team. They have seen your CV so they know what past experience you have and they have called you for interview based on this information - what I am trying to say is that they like you on paper (confidence boost!). Use the interview to show them what you are like in person! It's OK to be nervous but try and channel those nerves into being positive and enthusiastic .

I went for an interview, wore small heels and stupidly managed to get my heel well and truly stuck in a the drain in the kennel area. Laughed it off and was offered the job there and then! Don't put pressure on yourself to act perfectly because nobody is perfect - we all get nervous, do something silly etc - but at the end of the day, if they like you, they like you!

Best of luck!!

Re: Interview Techniques

Honeybadger — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:08:28 GMT

I try to be relaxed, friendly and smiley. I think if you have a genuine enthusiasm for the position that shows through in an interview. Maybe take some kalms tablets before if you feel nervous (I used them before my practical exams recently and they seemed to help)