If you are a cat cradler, a Weimaraner whisperer and a Dr. Dolittle all rolled into one, then a job as a veterinary assistant may be perfect for you. An outstanding veterinary assistant resume will have you making a difference for pets and their owners before you know it.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this writing guide and the corresponding veterinary assistant resume example:
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Veterinary assistants help vets treat and care for animals in a variety of ways, including:
A veterinary assistant resume should be only one page and consist of the following sections:
When writing your resume, avoid cliches and fluff, striving instead for original, compelling language that exudes competence and confidence. Write an irresistible pitch that will convince vets that your contribution will make their operation more efficient, more humane and more profitable.
Your resume needs to look as good as it reads, so pay close attention to format and design issues. Your resume should look good at a glance, with a professional font, a font size between 10 and 12 points, one-inch margins and a judicious use of white space.
You may choose the reverse chronological or functional format in listing your employment history. If you have steady work experience in this field, your best bet is to list your past jobs in reverse order, last job first and first job last. But if you have little or no experience, other solutions are available. For detailed advice on all aspects of resume preparation, read our article on how to write a resume.
Be aware that larger employers usually use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes for their relevance. These systems search for key job qualifications that employers are seeking, and they may automatically reject resumes that don’t list crucial keywords. Read job listings closely to see what employers are looking for, and make your resume match the desired qualifications as closely as possible.
The resume summary, also known as a profile, is your professional self-portrait, describing your qualifications, skills and passions. Think carefully about the value you would bring to a potential employer, and express this in well-chosen language. Check out the summary from our adaptable resume sample below.
Find more tips and advice in our related medical resume examples, including our veterinarian resume sample, nurse resume sample, medical support assistant resume sample or medical receptionist resume example.
Driven veterinary assistant adept in providing optimal support to veterinarians and technicians. Passionate about high level veterinary care and exceptional service. Highly knowledgeable about hospital procedures, treatment protocols, computer systems and veterinary terminology.
If you have work experience in this field, list your past jobs in the employment history section. Be specific about what you accomplished at these jobs, using facts and figures where possible in bullet points under each one. Check out the employment history section from our veterinary assistant resume sample below.
Veterinary Assistant, North Shore Animal Hospital, Orlando
March 2018 - October 2021
Veterinary Receptionist, Coastal Veterinary Specialists, Sanford
November 2014 - December 2016
You may be able to get your foot in the door at a veterinarian’s office performing basic functions like cleaning cages before you’ve even finished high school. But if you want to make a career out of this – or eventually transition to veterinary tech or full-fledged veterinarian – you’ll want to complete a veterinary assistant certificate program. List your educational achievements and any certifications or special training in reverse chronological order. See the education section from our veterinary assistant resume sample below.
Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, University of Central Florida, Orlando
September 2016 - May 2018
Every resume should have a list of both “hard” and “soft” skills in this vital CV section. Hard skills involve job-related technical capabilities like the ability to collect blood or urine samples. Soft skills are less technical talents like effective communication and compassionate care. See the skills list from our veterinary assistant resume example below.
The look and feel of your resume can send a clear message to veterinarians that you’re an assistant to be trusted – even if you haven’t completed formal studies in the field. Make sure to pay attention to the balance of white space to text and use a coordinated color scheme that’s appropriate for the medical field. A professionally-designed resume template can help.
Profile
Driven veterinary assistant adept in providing optimal support to veterinarians and technicians. Passionate about high level veterinary care and exceptional service. Highly knowledgeable about hospital procedures, treatment protocols, computer systems and veterinary terminology.
Employment history
Veterinary Assistant, North Shore Animal Hospital, Orlando
March 2018 - October 2021
Veterinary Receptionist, Coastal Veterinary Specialists, Sanford
November 2014 - December 2016
Skills
Education
Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, University of Central Florida, Orlando
September 2016 - May 2018