What Does an Employer Look for?

The UK is producing more veterinary graduates than at any time in its history and with the additional efflux from new veterinary schools and increased border permeability, the supply of young veterinary surgeons is likely to outstrip the demand from an industry that is presently experiencing the first prolonged contraction in economic value in living memory.

Against this backdrop, it has never been more difficult for new or recent graduates to find desirable employment, despite being universally intelligent, high achieving and motivated individuals who have reached the pinnacle of the education system.

The key to enhanced employability is differentiation from the increasingly homogenous pool of strong candidates.

There are 4 aspects to the employment process that can be engaged to influence this;

1. Documentation – the covering letter, curriculum vitae (CV) and references.

2. Direct experience – extra-mural studies (EMS) placement, seeing practice, internships, interview.

3. Connections – personal recommendation/word of mouth.

4. Luck.

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