Ace Your Next Animal Health Job Interview

Congratulations, you're interviewing for your next potential job in animal health!

How can you show the company that you are the right person for the job? The answers are as critical as they are simple.

Blue-ribbon preparation

Like the immaculately-prepared yearling in the show ring, show up as your best self. Everything you do before, during and after the interview should show your respect and interest in the job.

Dress professionally, even a little more formally than usual. Research the company, its products, and its competitors. Ask your network for insights about the hiring manager and potential colleagues. Put in the effort that shows how much you care.

Before any video interview, test your tech and set up a professional background with no distractions. Find a quiet interview space where you won't be disturbed.

Prepare for questions asking you to describe a situation you experienced. These questions are designed to explore traits like leadership, initiative, and integrity. Answer with specific examples that highlight your accomplishments.

Because this is an animal health job interview, expect to talk about animals: Those that matter to you now, or those that made a difference in your past. Show that your heart connects with the animal health industry.

Interviews are two-way explorations. Ask thoughtful questions about the job, the company and the competitive environment. Discuss the company culture and ask what makes an employee successful. On a practical level, ask for the next steps in the hiring process so you and the company know what to expect.

Don't be a dodo

You know what the don'ts are: Don't be late, distracted or unprepared. Don't assume the job is yours for the taking; animal health is a desirable industry and there many strong candidates for every role. Don't take on a fake personality; good interviewers can quickly spot phony behavior. Just be your best self.

Never bad-mouth your last job or manager. Animal health is a small industry, and this hiring manager may have worked with him or her before. Keep your reasons for leaving neutral.   

Leave a strong parting impression

Your last impression is as important as your first one, and can make the difference between the job going to you or to another candidate. Finish your interview strongly.

At the end of the conversation, thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours, then follow up according to the timeline you discussed in the interview. Show them again that you want the job.

Your resume got you the interview. The interview is your chance to get the job. Observe these Dos and Don'ts, leave a strong parting impression, and make it easy for the company to see that you are the person they need. Then celebrate your success!

---

Successful interviewing starts with applying for the right jobs. Animal Health Jobs can help you find them. Register and search for job openings with the top animal health and animal nutrition companies.  

Register for job alerts and our newsletter  to stay on top of the latest jobs and trends in animal health and animal nutrition.