CV Advice for Veterinary Professionals

Vet Seekers CV Advice for Veterinary Professionals 

This is your first introduction to potential veterinary employers, and some may only spend a few seconds scanning your CV. Getting this step right can determine whether you get short-listed for interview.

There is no set format for the perfect CV, however these basic guidelines should be of help:

Cover letters

• The status of cover letters in the job application process is somewhat controversial, with some saying they are outdated and others saying they are still relevant.
• In our view cover letters help explain why you’re a good fit for the position and how your experience aligns with the job criteria / practices values / requirements.
• If you choose to use one, be clear to the point covering your skills / attributes / suitability for the role.
• Add key details from the job you are applying for.

A powerful CV personal statement

• A powerful CV personal statement for a veterinary professional should demonstrate your passion for the field and highlight your unique qualifications.
• Use a short personal statement to explain why you are the best person for the job. Successful CVs are ones that cover the right bases in all the right places, so writing a powerful personal statement for your CV is important if you want it to shine.
• Add in sections such as: Passion and Commitment, Achievements, Future Goals, Experience, values etc

Tailor your CV for the job your are applying for

• Targeted Content: Tailor your CV to the specific veterinary role and practice you’re applying to.
• Focus on the skills and experience most relevant to that position, whether it’s small animal, equine, large animal practice / lead senior position etc
• Highlight Key Competencies: If the job requires surgical experience or expertise in certain diagnostic techniques, team management, ensure these are prominent in your CV.

Font / Layout:

• Use black for text and avoid headings that are too bright in colour.
• Normally the use of Arial, Verdana or Times New Roman fonts, with a size of around 11 -12 for text and 14-16 for headings is the right format
• Use short bullet points and paragraphs of text
• Try not to use images, boxes, lines or fancy artwork etc – This can lead to a formatting nightmare
• Try not to span more than two sides of A4 – employers spend an average of just eight seconds looking at any one CV, so having a clear informative readable CV  is key to get to the top of the pile!

State what specific interests you are keen to pursue and why?

Skills and Competencies:

• Highlight specific veterinary skills such as anaesthesia, ultrasound, endoscopy, or laboratory diagnostics. If you have specialisations / certificates (e.g., ECC, Oncology, Surgery Cardiology), mention these clearly.
• Add any soft skills such as communication skills, client relations, teamwork, and leadership abilities. These are critical in veterinary roles and valued by employers.

Include any CPD / training courses / events that you have attended

• The veterinary profession values continuing education. Include any relevant CPD courses, seminars, or certifications, especially those completed recently.
• It is a good idea to list all training courses attended and try to summarise your professional development in the veterinary sector.
• Add in related achievements/awards
• Focus on specific accomplishments such as improving clinic procedures, managing difficult cases, or increasing client satisfaction. Use bullet points for clarity.

Are you a member of related professional organisations

• RCVS, BVA for example?

Does CV work history match your and your LinkedIn profile?

• These days most employers will look over your LinkedIn profile to see more about you, your work history (matches your CV), accomplishments, achievements etc.
• With this in mind, it is a good idea to update your LinkedIn profile

Use metrics in your CV

• Human nature, people like to see stats and numbers.
• Have you helped increase practices sales. Perhaps assisted in recruitment, retention, saved money for the current or past practice by… or you have done x number of specific ops in a day/month or sold x amount of pet food, 100% stock take / RCVS Inspection etc.

Hobbies and interests:

• In this section, you can talk about what you do outside of work, especially if you’re involved in sports, technology or volunteer work.
• Include any that are directly relevant to your career, the skills needed on the job or leadership abilities.

Any gaps in your employment history part of my CV?

• Work history gaps could be down to maternity, childcare, redundancy, caring, travelling or education etc.
• Please do acknowledge these gaps with dates and a short explanation.

References

• It is always a good idea to provide these

Finally

• Make sure you contact details and address are up to date
• Check for typos and for anything you have missed that may be relevant