Tips on Landing Your First Job Out of Vet School

May 16, 2025

Graduating from vet school is a major milestone, but finding the right veterinary job after graduation can feel overwhelming. If you're looking for help navigating your job search for your first full-time DVM role, you're not alone. Most veterinary students have experience applying for externships and summer jobs, but as you approach the finish line, it's time to shift your focus to securing your first entry-level veterinarian job.

The transition from vet student to practicing DVM is exciting, and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. To help you navigate the veterinary job market with confidence, we’ve gathered expert advice from Kaley Unger, a seasoned Veterinary Talent Acquisition Manager at Vetcor.

Whether you’re looking for tips on how to stand out to employers or guidance on building a great resume, this is your go-to resource for landing your first veterinary job after vet school.

1. Brag about yourself!

Your resume should showcase your hard work and highlight your education. Include items such as expected graduation, extracurricular activities, externships, prior veterinary experience, and special interests.

2. Include a personal statement.

A brief, personal statement on your resume. Include things like why you are applying to a particular practice and how the position aligns with your career goals to help affirm your interest.

3. Post your resume on career sites.

When you add your resume to career sites, recruiters can contact you directly with job opportunities in your area. The AVMA is an excellent resource to maximize your exposure with area hospitals and recruiters. You can also post your resume to Handshake and your university’s careers page.

4. Use conferences as networking opportunities.

The exhibit hall at any given conference is filled with companies eager to share information with job seekers. Use this time wisely to have conversations about things that are important to you like mentorship, work-life balance, sign-on bonuses, and more. Remember, you are interviewing a company or practice as much as they are interviewing you.

5. Research, research, research!

Before applying and interviewing, ensure that your goals align with the practice’s or company’s mission, vision, values, and services offered. Curious about how Vetcor's values line up with yours? Read more about us here.

Resume tips from a veterinary recruiter

Your first veterinary job is just the beginning of an exciting journey. Taking the time to craft a standout resume, write thoughtful personal statements, and actively network will help you make a strong impression on potential employers. Remember, every interaction—from career fairs to interviews—is a chance to showcase your passion and professionalism.

Using these tips, you’ll find a role that fits your goals and sets the foundation for a rewarding career.

And don’t forget—Vetcor is here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re looking for an externship or that all-important first job after graduation. Reach out to a recruiter today, and get one step closer to landing your first job out of vet school!

Thank you Kaley for these insightful job search tips for vet students! Connect with Kaley on LinkedIn for more career tips and job updates.