Vet Techs: Stand Out to Get Ahead In Your Career

Flickr image: Cheryl Cox

By: Rodger Crane

The vet tech occupation is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, explains Diploma Guide. However, based on this projected growth, and the fact that you don’t need a four-year degree, means steep competition. Subtle differences in the way you present yourself as a professional can make a huge impact on employers. Video resumes, modern and creative business cards and integrating search engine optimization to your online resume, are all simple ways to get ahead in your job search.

Video Resumes

In today’s job market, creativity is king. In order to get an employer’s attention, making yourself stand out from the rest of the pack is crucial. One way to do this is by ditching the old paper resume format and creating a video resume to send to employers. Keep video resumes short — usually five minutes or less is a good rule of thumb.

Your resume intro should focus solely on you; the middle consisting of slides highlighting your professional experience and B-roll footage of you working and/or caring for animals, all narrated by you. If done correctly, the video resume can serve as a first interview of sorts, as the potential employer will be able to gauge your attitude, personality, professionalism and professional experience by viewing it. You can easily create a video resume using webcams and computer editing programs. If you’re not comfortable sending employers just a video, send a traditional resume and let the employer know of a URL where they can view your extended video resume.

Impactful Business Cards

Create a good business card that sends the right message, as this can pay off big time in marketing yourself, states Entrepreneur. Include an image of yourself and print text on both sides of the card. On one side, offer your information, any personal website URL and icons to your social media accounts that people can visit for further information and/or to connect. Veterinary technician Pinterest pages offer creative ideas. On the back, include any specialties, your education and any other information relevant to your aspirations. A good business card is a great way to make a powerful first impression.

SEO Your Resume

Part of getting ahead is making it easy for potential employers to find your resume on the Internet. In saying that, strive to be found. You should already be on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. It’s important to use terminology that potential employers will recognize and language that appears in respective searches, especially as the Internet is becoming a more prominent recruiting tool. For instance, if you’re a veterinary technical specialist, be sure to use the VST acronym in your online resume as well, as that’s terminology relevant to the industry.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Aug 8 2013. Filed under Health & Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.