The summary section is one of the most important parts of your CV. This section allows you to provide an overview of your career while showing off your passion and knowledge.
You have about 100-200 words to show that you're the best fit for the practice you're applying to. Don’t be afraid to list any relevant strengths, qualifications, or your motivation behind why you’d like to become a vet. Use descriptive and relevant words to describe your approach with animal owners and your expertise. Check out our example below:
Professional and passionate veterinarian with more than five years experience working with animals. Committed to improving the health outcomes of both farm animals and domesticated animals. Hands-on learner, attentive to detail and highly growth-oriented. Focused on helping animals achieve healthy lifestyles and offering the highest possible level of care.
Employment history CV sample: crow a little
You want your prospective employer to see the best of you, and the employment history section of your vet CV is one of the best places to showcase your professional edge. That means instead of listing all the responsibilities you had at your last job, you need to think of how each bullet point in your employment history section can serve as proof of your excellence.
Highlight a different skill with each item to give a great impression of your talents. You don’t just work with animals, but with their owners too. You must keep careful records and constantly brush up on your medical knowledge.
Use the STAR method to compile your bullet items. Start with the *situation.* Then, describe your *task.* Relate the *action* you took to solve the problem and the *results* you achieved. Whoop!
Veterinary Technician at Fonterra, Auckland
2018 - Present
- Provided on-site support for sick and injured farm animals
- Assisted in animal examinations and vaccinations
- Performed emergency surgeries and educated junior team members on creating effective birthing plans
- Provided on-call support for farm animal owners in rural areas
- Gathered medical histories of animals and created highly-individualised treatment plans
Veterinarian at Whangarei Vet Services, Whangarei
2016 - 2018
- Performed routine animal health examinations and assessments
- Developed specific treatment plans for sick and injured animals
- Conducted research projects to improve animal health and well-being
- Prescribed and prepared medications for animals
- Advised pet owners on appropriate after-care practices for their pets
CV skills example: a breed apart
Your skills section is a quick way for recruiters to determine whether you have the right attributes for the job and set yourself apart from the pack. It also gives them insight into what your key skills may be, and if they’re appropriate for the job you’re applying for. It’s among the first things they’ll look at, and they may not bother looking further if they don’t see what they’re after. That’s what makes customising this CV section so important.
Choose your top 4-7 skills, but don’t lean too heavy toward one area. Use examples of your medical knowledge, people (and animal) skills and admin abilities. Double-check the job listing to make sure you’re optimising for the ATS and listing the attributes your prospective employer is after.
- Communication Skills
- Leadership
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Vet CV education example
In this section, you’ll want to list any outstanding, relevant and important qualifications you have. It’s also important to include details, e.g. the name of the institution you received your qualifications from and the location, the dates you attended and the name of your degree programme. Any honours or distinctions should be noted here, too!
Master of Veterinary Medicine at Massey University, Palmerston North
2021 - 2022
Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University, Palmerston North
2015 - 2020
