Had anouther set back today :(

[kirsterz09]

well 2 weeks ago I went in for a veterinary nurse's assistant job at a veterinary centre not to far from me, I thought I was more than adequate for the job all they wanted was GCSEs and some experience around animals which I have and more. I have them and a A level in animal care and health, a NVQ 2 in equine management, currently doing a HND in animal physiology and behaviour and have experience in nearly every animal job known to mankind including: zoos, kennels, animal welfare kennels and equestrian centres and vets.
I got a letter from the vets today and it said my application wasn't successful, it broke my heart :bigtears: I just looked at it and burst into tears, it's always been my dream to work with animals and I've worked hard to try to achieve this and gone in for many jobs and every time this happens it's like more salt to the ever growing wound. I don't know why know one wants me, no one liked me in school and now no one wants to offer me a job :bigtears:!
I'm trying to work on my side/back up projects such as drawing and drumming but all I've ever wanted to do is work with animals, I don't know what else to do, I really don't want to give up on my dreams but the heartache is getting too much!

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Hmmm... First off, hugs to you, Kirsty :hug: You sound quite disappointed.
I felt similarly disappointed a while ago.
If you don't mind me asking, was this a paper-based application, or a face to face interview?

 

[Amy27]

I am so sorry Kristy. But don't give up on your dream. You will find your dream job one day and you will be so happy you worked so hard and didn't give up looking.

I don't know how much free time you have. But do you think you could volunteer at a vets office to get you in the door and if you do well they could hire you for the next opening?

Good luck

 

[kirsterz09]

thanks for your kind words northern autumn it was a paper application, I didn't even get to the interview stage and Amy27 I asked about volunteering at the new vets that has opened just down the road from me and they said they won't be ready to take volunteers till next year a lot of other places near me won't take on volunteers due to insurance costs I used to volunteer at a local stables but then she wanted me to start paying to attend courses she ran and for riding lessons which, I couldn't afford I was kind of hoping that she might give me a discount as I helped her a awful lot but I found out they were very money oriented so I left which, was a great shame because I loved working around the horses.

 

[myLoki]

Never give up! Never surrender! You can do this. I'm sorry that so many obsticles have crossed your path. I can relate with having to wait so long to realize your dream. I, too, am having difficulty staying on the path I want. Keep heart.:hearts


t.

 

[kirsterz09]

myLoki wrote:

Never give up! Never surrender! You can do this. I'm sorry that so many obsticles have crossed your path. I can relate with having to wait so long to realize your dream. I, too, am having difficulty staying on the path I want. Keep heart.:hearts


t.

Thanks I will try but there is so little animal jobs round here which, is why when one comes up it is such a disapointment when I don't get anywhere.

 

[CKGS]

Awww ((((Kirsty)))). I know the feeling. About 6 years ago I put in for my dream job working at a big vet clinic as a vet tech and lo and behold- I got accepted! BUT then my vehicle broke down (engine) and my father was letting me borrow his car but wouldn't allow me to drive it to this job because it was 30 minutes away. He said it was stupid. I was crushed and still think about it quite often...

I feel for you hun. I think, though, if you keep on going after that dream you will get it! I wish I had but alas, after that disappointment I gave up. Then I had my youngest son and now my daughter and have put myself on hold again... Maybe one day..... I say go for your dreams and don't let ANYONE stomp your fire out! I believe in you.

 

[kirsterz09]

Thank you CKGS I'm defiantly going to keep trying, I do enjoy doing my art work as a secondary thing to keep some extra money coming in and there is a course that I'm considering in animation next year as a kind of back up plan till the dream job comes along.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

kirsterz09 wrote:

thanks for your kind words northern autumn it was a paper application, I didn't even get to the interview stage

I will make a small suggestion.

I went to a school that had a vet college. Over 800 women went through there annually. There is no way that each and every one of them is working in their field, as the market tends to be oversaturated with vet techs/animal assistants in my region.

I took a business class alongside those girls. Our prof reiterated over and over again, that an exceptional resume/application/cover letter is the only way to get a foot in the door, unless you've personally networked with someone. She suggested that we all should either hire a professional writer, go to a local small business support office, or ask a friend to look over our letters and edit them heavily.

My father and mother often assist me with editing... I can now do it a bit for friends. Every cover letter I write is tailored to the job. [With Ministry work (what I was trained for), you essentially have to list their own criteria, and show how you fulfill each one. If you don't, they pitch out your app Thus, I use their words often in writing my letters. ]
I try to look extra respectable & well dressed when I drop off anything, as the receptionist can be very helpful/detrimental to my future.

If you get through all that, and land an interview, obviously, personal appearance and composure win out... whole nother can of worms. I know how very tough it is for you guys/gals in vets ... everyone really has to bring their A game, all the time. Such a competitive field!

So, Kirsty, if you already know all that stuff, please forgive me for writing it down. I'm confident that this is probably more of a case of super high competition for the position, rather than anything about you personally.

For anyone reading this post, I'd be happy to help you out with any letters/resume stuff. Better than nobody, right ?

Things will look up, Kirsty. You sound incredibly well qualified... they would be fools not to snatch you up

 

[kirsterz09]

NorthernAutumn wrote:

kirsterz09 wrote:

thanks for your kind words northern autumn it was a paper application, I didn't even get to the interview stage

I will make a small suggestion.

I went to a school that had a vet college. Over 800 women went through there annually. There is no way that each and every one of them is working in their field, as the market tends to be oversaturated with vet techs/animal assistants in my region.

I took a business class alongside those girls. Our prof reiterated over and over again, that an exceptional resume/application/cover letter is the only way to get a foot in the door, unless you've personally networked with someone. She suggested that we all should either hire a professional writer, go to a local small business support office, or ask a friend to look over our letters and edit them heavily.

My father and mother often assist me with editing... I can now do it a bit for friends. Every cover letter I write is tailored to the job. [With Ministry work (what I was trained for), you essentially have to list their own criteria, and show how you fulfill each one. If you don't, they pitch out your app Thus, I use their words often in writing my letters.  ]
I try to look extra respectable & well dressed when I drop off anything, as the receptionist can be very helpful/detrimental to my future.

If you get through all that, and land an interview, obviously, personal appearance and composure win out... whole nother can of worms. I know how very tough it is for you guys/gals in vets ... everyone really has to bring their A game, all the time. Such a competitive field!

So, Kirsty, if you already know all that stuff, please forgive me for writing it down. I'm confident that this is probably more of a case of super high competition for the position, rather than anything about you personally.

For anyone reading this post, I'd be happy to help you out with any letters/resume stuff. Better than nobody, right ?

Things will look up, Kirsty. You sound incredibly well qualified... they would be fools not to snatch you up

thank you for the post, some of it I did know others I didn't and I will certainly take it all on board
I did managed to be one of the lucky 12 out of apparently 5,000 applicants to land a interview for another job I went for which, was nice to know even though I didn't get the job.
I been hearing and seeing when helping at places that a lot of people hire friends, people that live locally and people that have volunteered their for years. Is this true? and if so how can I better myself against these people?

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Lord Woman! You're duking it out with 5000 applicants!
5000?
Go you!
Then, it's just a matter of time.

Yes, people typically hire friends, locals and volunteers. Why not? Better the devil you know than the one you don't

Do you have glowing letters of recommendation? Can you get them? I know a lot of people say "references available upon request". Instead, I try to be proactive, and include my references' #s and a letter from each one in my initial contact with the company. If not all the letters, at least one awesome one.

Might as well start volunteering while you're hunting.. can't hurt, and will help you network with others in the area (who may have a relative who knows someone, etc. )

 

[kirsterz09]

I might be able to get a letter from the stables, it was the one I spent the most time at.
If I get one do I send it with my resume?

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Sounds good! Go ask former instructors for letters too... surely, you being a fine student has left a good impression.
Do you know any professional people well, on a personal level? (Dr., lawyer, minister/priest/mayor, authority figures, relatives who work for banks, family friend, whatever) They are often good character references.

You could do one formal work experience letter, one volunteer work experience letter, and one character reference letter.

So I don't pester my dear references over and over, I keep all the original documents, and photocopy them for inclusion with the letter/resume package.

Only ever include someone that you are 100% confident in as your reference. I try to make sure that I maintain good working, friendly relationships with all my references. Otherwise, why would they support you?

 

[kirsterz09]

I have my uncle Dr. Gary Coulton, I think he works at the teaching college in London and has a top job but I didn't think close family can give you a reference because of it being biased?

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Honestly, a lot of people's close family members hate their guts LOL!
I would say that if that is the only option, go for it. Provided your last names are not the same, who would know?

Who taught you in school that you really enjoyed?

 

[kirsterz09]

yeah they are I'll get married quickly to my fiancee nick then they won't lol!
Hmmmmmm in school there was a few who backed me but my maths teacher was one of the best, my school did write a leaving letter for me in my record of achievement book, should I maybe photocopy and include that?

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Of course, include it if it says wonderful things about you!
Go ring your maths teacher, and request a letter. They can probably make statements about your work habits.. {ie: she's a diligent worker, devoted to solving all challenges presented with proper protocol.}

Perhaps make a list of all the people you know, and all the people you've met through events, volunteering, etc. I am confident that you know more people than you think you do Any friends of the family?

 

[kirsterz09]

lol I wish my friends had some but it's a big family and my nan's family have different last names so maybe one of them could help.

 

[kirsterz09]

Anywho I'm off to bed for tonight, please feel free to post any other tips or ideas as, all the advice you have given and support you have all given so far has been great! and I'll check in the morning.
Night everyone.
Ps. Please check my post in the rabbitry and showroom regarding the colours of 2 of my buns, I'd really love to know what they are as, I really stuck on identifying them on my own.