CVs Part 2: Writing Tips For a Great Vet or Vet Nurse CV

In part one of our series we focused on some tips for vet managers/employers to spot dodgy CVs. In part two we turn the spotlight onto the person writing the CV – the job seeker.

I can’t write your CV for you, but if you (or someone you know) is about to apply for a new job in vet medicine then please do everyone a favour and follow some of these tips.

CV Writing Tips

Tip 1 - Stand out by matching your experience to what an employer is looking for. Read the job ad carefully and do a little research by checking out the practice website before sending your application.  The write word or phrase can make a huge impact. If you send the same CV to everyone then chances are you won’t come across as perfect for any.

Tip 2 - Say what you need in as few words as possible. If I’ve got 40 CVs to review, I’ll appreciate the information up front.



Tip 3 - Don’t use your “hilariously funny” private email address. It isn’t cool. You will look like an idiot. My favorite so far is stupid_k***y@hotmail.com (name is a little hidden to protect the guilty)- I almost deposited this otherwise well written CV in the bin which would have been a tragedy as the person involved was one of the best young vets I ever hired. Things like fluffy_bunny@iamawetblanket.com are very, very bad PR. Stop it immediately.


Tip 4 - Spelling and grammar – rin yoor spell checkar u idoits & don’t type like it’s a txt.  


Tip 5 - Photos seem to be common CV addition in certain European countries – I really, really wouldn’t recommend it.


Tip 6 - Make sure your employment dates are listed with most recent first and there are no gaps. If there are then prepare to explain them.


Tip 7 - If you say something like “I pride myself on my attention to detail”, then for god sake don’t leave the name of the other practice manager you sent your CV to at the top of one you were supposed to address to me! 


Tip 8 - Get someone from outside of the profession (not your mum – unless she’s in HR) to read your resume and take the feedback points constructively.

Dave’s Tuppence-Worth

Your CV has one purpose – to get you an interview. Make sure it doesn’t lose you the job…

Bonus Reader Download – Free CV Template

Click to download this template as a starting point for a professional looking CV.

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