52 Veterinarian School Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?

If your interviewer asks you to give an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty, they are not necessarily interested in the example itself. Instead, they want to ensure that you are the type of worker that will work hard to get the job done properly, rather than just to get the job done. Additionally, they want to know what your definition of 'going above and beyond' is. Because the interviewer is most interested in ensuring that you have the quality they are looking for, your answer should focus on that quality. In this case, you should focus on dedication and hard work.

Ryan's Answer

"At my last job, I was given a project and the expectations for it, but I knew that the minimum requirements were not going to get the job done properly. I had to work weekends, but I did it how I knew it had to be done. That is how I define 'going above and beyond': doing what needs to be done and not just what is expected of me. "

Anonymous Answer

"When I was working within a group to prepare science-based lessons for primary children, the plans weren’t being made and lessons organized. So I decided to find ideas, plan the number of materials needed, create a rota, and organize group meetings to ensure the lessons would run smoothly. My group wasn’t as enthusiastic or interested as I’d hoped, and did not meet deadlines, so I took matters into my own hands."

Rachelle's Answer

The fact that you took matters into your own hands shows a lot of initiative, confidence, and leadership capabilities. All of these are critically important qualities for a Veterinarian to have as well! This was a good example to use.

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Anonymous Answer

"While working at my first job as a pizza cook/manager, I had to do what would benefit the restaurant. One day one of my coworkers did not show up to work. Since I opened the restaurant at 8 a.m., this individual would have been closing. The coworkers and I finished the dinner service, but since I was the manager, I stayed to close the restaurant because I did not think it was fair to ask them to stay. I worked a 16 hour shift that day to help the restaurant and my staff. My boss was very proud that I took responsibilities as a manager and did not try to get out of it."

Rachelle's Answer

It's very nice that you did what you felt you needed to, on behalf of your employer and staff. Your answer shows a lot of integrity!

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2.

Is there a specific area you wish to work in as a vet? Do you have any aspirations to work outside of a standard practice?

The interviewer is questioning your future career choices and wishes to know if there is an area of specialism, within the veterinary industry, which appeals to you. This question is often useful for an interviewer to understand your future career aspirations, and will likely assist in guiding you through this process to reach them (should you be successful).

Ryan's Answer

"I have a strong interest in specialising in Equine Health, due to my passion for horses. I believe this to be the career route for me, and I intend to study hard to fulfil this dream. Equine Studies is a tough area to specialise in, however, I feel ready for the challenge"

Anonymous Answer

"There is no one specific area that I wish to work as a vet because, over the years, my interests and curiosities have changed. I feel that as a student in veterinary school, I will learn and discover new passions that may lead to new paths. I do, however, at this current time have aspirations to work outside of standard practice and to be able to work with exotic animals, aquatic species in particular."

Rachelle's Answer

It's entirely alright to have fluid interests! Your interests are exciting, and you sound very open to new experiences.

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Anonymous Answer

"I aspire to work with farm animals since I found the farm and large animal aspects of my work experience the most fascinating. I would also like to travel and work with various breeds of farm animals all over the world. I have always dreamt of working in New Zealand. In the long term, I would like to set up a mixed practice, in a rural area, much like the practice I attend for work experience."

Rachelle's Answer

These are interesting and exciting goals! Your specifics will help the interviewer to picture your goals better.

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3.

Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

Prior to answering this question think about your choices, as this is a situational question that is looking to challenge. Did you not want to conform to the policy because it was unethical--but then you did? You may think of yourself as the martyr in that situation, but you'll just come across as someone who is OK with being unethical. That's not the image you want to project. Did you not want to conform because you knew best? Saying that you knew more than your previous boss is a bad tactical error in an interview because then you're badmouthing them--and that's always a no-no. The best way to handle this question is to understand that the interviewer wants to know how you would really react in a difficult situation. What's your communication style? Did you confront your boss? Did you avoid the whole discussion?

Ryan's Answer

"I might ask questions or express concerns over a policy because I believe it's part of my job to support the team and that includes spotting potential issues before they become actual problems, but in the end the decision belongs to my supervisor and I always respect that."

Anonymous Answer

"I think an example and one that I have discussed with my vet while volunteering is the situation where a healthy animal has to be put down because the owner cannot afford to look after it. This is a very controversial topic for obvious reasons, and there are many factors that people need to take into consideration. However, at the end of the day, I will support the decision of the vet as I know that he has much more experience."

Rachelle's Answer

This example is very good. I have reworded it for the sake of grammar and sentence structure.

"One policy to which I cannot agree is when a healthy animal needs to be put down because the owner can no longer look after it. This topic is highly controversial, and many factors need to be taken into consideration when facing this type of job as a veterinarian. I came across this very scenario while volunteering at an animal clinic. Of course, I supported the vet in what he needed to do; however, I did not agree with the action taken."

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Anonymous Answer

"There have been some cases where I did not agree with a policy within the workplace or professional setting. In these situations, I support and respect the decision of the veterinarian and office management. There was a case where the owner was not capable of paying for extensive treatment and requested euthanasia. The doctor in charge of the case handled it with great wisdom. A co-worker ended up adopting the dog. If the animal had been put down, I would not have agreed, but I would have supported the doctor."

Rachelle's Answer

It sounds as though you bring a strong professional balance to the workplace. Thank goodness for this co-worker adopting the dog! Try offering up what you feel would have been a best-case solution had your co-worker not stepped in.

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4.

What do you think are the best parts about working for a private practice? And why?

This question is asking for your personal opinion, however, prior to the interview, you should prepare for this question by researching the benefits of working for a private practice, so that you can gain an understanding of the differences between corporate and private workplaces.

Ryan's Answer

"Working in a private practice is appealing as you have more control and autonomy with decision making than in a corporate organization. You can also determine your pricing structure and treatment plans independently. Working for a private practice seems to cut out some of the paperwork that is involved with purchasing equipment, and you are often working in a more 'local', smaller team"

Anonymous Answer

"The private practice may allow more freedom of choice for veterinarians to decide what direction their practice will take. Private practices also allow people to have more options in terms of the level of veterinary care they want."

Rachelle's Answer

Great! Choices are always important to have, for both sides; the clients/patients and the providers.

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Anonymous Answer

"You can have a more significant say in decision making and can provide a wider variety of treatment or focus on specific areas more. The amount of paperwork is reduced by working privately. The emphasis on the financial gain of each consultation is less. You are working as part of a smaller group, so perhaps it is more of a community or team."

Rachelle's Answer

It sounds as though you have a clear vision of what private practice would offer you. Good perspective!

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5.

Veterinary school can be an intensive, stressful experience at times. Can you tell me about a time where you have had to handle a pressurised situation? What happened and what was the outcome?

This is often a common question to be asked during an interview process. Interviewers understand that stress and pressure can be handled in many different ways. The interviewer does not want to hear that you never get stressed; after all, everyone feels stress at one time or another at work. Instead, the employer wants to see if you know how pressure affects you, and how you manage it.

Ryan's Answer

"I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't become stressful. For example, when I deal with an unsatisfied customer, rather than feeling stressed, I focus on the task at hand. I believe my ability to communicate effectively with customers during these moments helps reduce my own stress in these situations and also reduces any stress the customer may feel."

6.

In your opinion, what do you think would be the most difficult situation you could face as a Vet? Justify your answer.

Interviewers are asking this question to establish your thoughts and views on the difficult situations vets encounter within their role. There is no wrong or right answer to this question, however, it is recommended that you look into, or consider some challenging situations prior to an interview, such as death/loss of an animal, mistreatment etc.

Ryan's Answer

"For me, I think facing a situation that involved animal mistreatment or cruelty would be one of the most difficult things to encounter, purely because of my love and respect towards animals. I will find it difficult to understand how someone could mistreat animals, and am sure these types of situations can be very testing."

Anonymous Answer

"That would be facing the situation of having to put a healthy animal down because the owners cannot afford to look after it but having to respect the decisions of the owners."

Rachelle's Answer

Solid answer! I have reworked the working for you.

"The most difficult situation that I could face as a vet would be having to put a healthy animal for the convenience of the owners. This topic is a controversial one that I find difficult to understand. Unfortunately, animals are considered property so, in my region, I would have to oblige."

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Anonymous Answer

"The most challenging aspect of veterinary medicine would be the inability to treat an animal due to refusal of treatment by the owner. There are many occasions I have seen where a doctor will recommend a treatment the animal needs. Many times owners are not willing or able to spend the necessary funds on treating an animal."

Rachelle's Answer

This is a sad situation, for sure, and one that happens far too often. Do you have a recommendation for this type of situation? If you were the clinic owner, what would you do?

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7.

Studying at Veterinarian School will require dedication and commitment to your workload. How will you ensure you remain motivated to your studies?

The interviewer is asking this question to ensure you have considered and are prepared for the high levels of coursework you will be required to complete. When you answer this question, be honest -- but also keep your audience in mind. Will you use any specific methods to keep you focused, such as personal targets or an achievement board?

Ryan's Answer

"I am prepared for the high workload that will come with this course, however knowing that I will gain my qualification as a Veterinarian at the end of it is motivation in itself to me. I do, however, also like to set myself weekly goals and mark them on a task board so I can visually see my progress also."

Anonymous Answer

"Having the end goal of being a veterinarian will most definitely keep me motivated. I can handle the workload by keeping organized using a planner, for example, to keep track of the work I need to complete day to day."

Rachelle's Answer

This question is referring more to how you will remain motivated rather than organized. Try to focus on action steps such as changing your scenery when things become dull, taking advantage of new experiences, or taking on group work.

"I feel ready for the commitment and dedication required of me during veterinarian school. To maintain motivation, I plan to take on more group-work where I can work with the energy of others; try a new study space for a change of scenery, or open myself up to new experiences to keep my environment fresh."

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Anonymous Answer

"I plan on keeping a planner so I can keep track of deadlines and goals. I will write larger overall goals for veterinary school and break them up into manageable steps in my planner. I will use positive reinforcement, rewarding myself for achieving these steps."

Rachelle's Answer

These are all excellent forms of motivation. When it comes to positive reinforcement, what rewards will you explore for your achievements?

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8.

What experience have you had working within Veterinary Medicine? What have you most enjoyed?

Interviewers often ask this question in order to gain a better insight into your career and work history. This question is asking you to explain your previous experience, if you have any, and then explain what areas you have most enjoyed. Try to focus on skills and specifics here, and think of examples which could be transferable into your new role, as this will show you have an understanding and experience of how your past career can be utilized further.

Ryan's Answer

"I have had experience working within a local veterinary surgery as a weekend assistant. My role was to support the veterinary surgeon during local surgery, assisting with preparation and paperwork prior to and following surgery. The most enjoyable part of this role was having exposure to various surgical procedures, which allowed me to learn processes and ask questions throughout."

Anonymous Answer

"I have shadowed at both a small and mixed animal clinic, which has allowed me to observe a wide range of routine to emergency cases. I have learned about many diseases and treatments from the vets and learned how to take a heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing rates of patients during surgeries. I most enjoyed watching the surgeries as I found it fascinating to see various organs within an animal."

Rachelle's Answer

It seems that you have a broad and valuable range of experiences, which is wonderful!

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Anonymous Answer

"I have had experience with two separate equine veterinarians. One of the practices focused on breeding, and the other focused on sports medicine. I was able to assist in some surgeries as well, such as castrations and orthopedic surgeries. I was fascinated by the operations, and I tried to learn each procedure and asked questions to get a better understanding. I found myself to be comfortable with the gross aspects of surgery, and that would be a specialty I would consider."

Rachelle's Answer

It seems your experiences have been broad, exciting, and highly targeted to your desires as a veterinarian. Great answer!

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9.

How will you ensure you are financially stable to complete your studies at Veterinary School?

In order to be successful at Veterinary School interviewers will be looking for evidence to support your financial commitment to the course. When answering this question it would be beneficial to show how you intend to finance your studies, i.e monthly budget sheets, savings/investments, loans/grants. Interviewers are looking for individuals who can clearly show they have considered the financial aspect of the course.

Ryan's Answer

"I am financially stable and able to fund my studies. I have set up a budget plan each month which incorporates my fee and also includes additional expenses such as study materials, books etc that I may need as part of my course. Sticking to my budget plan will ensure my finances are accurate and up to date"

Anonymous Answer

"Because I understand that veterinary school is both an academic and financial commitment, I have heavily considered the financial aspect of it. I am fortunate in that my parents paid for my undergraduate studies. So, I am going into vet school debt-free. I have been saving up money for school, and I plan to continue to do this throughout my four years in vet school. My family is willing to help me and keep me afloat when it comes to finances if I put the work in school and save money when I can."

Rachelle's Answer

It sounds like you have a lot of family support which will make a big impact as you focus on your studies.

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10.

What are your long-term career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

The interviewer wants to understand more about your career goals and how this position would fit into your grand plan. They care about your career goals because they want to hire someone who is motivated, proactive, and likely to stick around and work hard if hired. If succeeding in this role is important to you as part of your long-term career strategy, you are much more likely to perform well.

Ryan's Answer

"Considering my studies and the process I will be undertaking to proceed in this career, I have long-term aspirations to remain in the veterinary industry. I see myself perhaps focusing on a specialist area, such as equine, but my success in the role is very important to me and I see myself having a long, happy veterinary career"

Anonymous Answer

"My long term career aspirations involve opening my practice after working at a mixed practice for a few years. I want to specialize, and in addition to this, I want to do research."

Rachelle's Answer

These are excellent long term goals!

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Anonymous Answer

"I would love to see myself owning a private practice, this is probably due to the practice I volunteer at being private and not commercial, but I find it a much more enjoyable environment in which to be."

Rachelle's Answer

Have you worked in a commercial environment? If so, be prepared to give a comparison when making a statement that you find private much more enjoyable. Otherwise, omit the comparison and commit to the positives.

"The private practice where I currently volunteer has given me such a positive experience so, in 15 years, I would love to see myself in a position of owning a similar clinic, myself."

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11.

Put yourself in the position of a qualified Vet. What would you do if you felt the animal you were treating may have been abused? What legal avenues would you pursue, if any?

This question is a situational-based question, asking you to answer as if you were the vet. In answering this question it is recommended that prior to your interview you research processes and procedures in relation to animal abuse so that you can show a knowledge and understanding of the role. This shows the interviewer that you understand the position and have researched the correct process that needs to be followed.

Ryan's Answer

"My understanding is that every qualified vet has an obligation to protect the health and welfare of animals, and in this situation, I would report the suspected animal abuse to the appropriate authorities, even when such reporting is not mandated by law or local ordinance. Doing so is for the benefit of the animals, but there are often implications for people, as well."

Anonymous Answer

"Every vet has an obligation to protect the welfare and health of animals. Before taking any action, I would first step back from the situation- is the owner new to the vets, is there any discrepancy in name or address, is there a lack of concern for the animal. I would then take appropriate action by informing the RSPCA."

Rachelle's Answer

These are all exceptional questions to ask yourself when assessing a situation. Good work!

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Anonymous Answer

"Veterinarians do indeed hold legal roles in animal cruelty cases. I would surely present my suspicions to law enforcement and animal welfare authorities. As a vet, I would have a moral obligation to work with law enforcement to protect the welfare of animals as well as prevent further abuse to any animal."

Rachelle's Answer

Nice answer. You show a strong awareness of your duty as a veterinarian.

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12.

Give me an example of a time when you have been required to work closely with your colleagues to keep them motivated. Why was this important, and was it successful?

Employers are typically interested in assessing how well co-workers and clients would respond to you if you were hired, and how you would interact with them. This is a situational interview question, and there is no wrong or right answer. One strategy for your response is to share an anecdote to demonstrate the motivational techniques you have used in the past.

Ryan's Answer

"While at my previous company we had redundancies in the middle of an already understaffed project. The 5-person team I was in was demoralized and also needed to absorb the additional work from the departed staff. I took everyone on the team out for coffee individually. These one-on-one meetings were an opportunity to vent, but also created space for employees to share pain points. I shared all the potential roadblocks in a follow-up team meeting, and we brainstormed solutions together, including adjusting the timeline slightly.
Because the team felt that their frustrations were acknowledged, there was no simmering resentment holding people back. Instead, the team felt enthusiastic and unified in a common goal. "

Anonymous Answer

"As I was the captain of the regional senior team, I had an important job of motivating and encouraging the team during training and competitions. During a game day, our teams' morale was decreasing as we faced tough competition and struggled to play to our best ability. I led by example, giving vocal encouragement and working harder to gain possession of the ball. The team followed suit, and our performance improved. We went on to win the game."

Rachelle's Answer

You sound like a true leader! Using examples from competitive sports is always a great angle to take in a student interview. Nice work!

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Anonymous Answer

"Genetics was a tough class in undergrad. Each exam was very difficult, and I knew that to even perform averagely on the exam, I had to put in many hours of studying. I had a study group for this class, and we studied together before each exam. Before we met up the night before the exam, I would create study plans and practice tests for us to do as a group. I acted as the team leader and kept us on pace as we studied. When we lost momentum, I would lay out achievable goals. It was successful in that I felt prepared for my exams. There was another time where I took new members of my sorority to coffee mid-semester so that we could talk out how their semester was playing out, and I did this to keep them motivated and give advice if needed."

Rachelle's Answer

It seems that you take on a leadership role often, and very naturally so. Excellent examples of working hard, being detailed, and keeping focused to reach your goals. It's awesome that you work so hard to help others along the way!

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13.

What was your motivation for wanting to be a Vet? Have you always had a love of animals?

The interview is asking this question to establish your reasons for wanting to work within veterinary medicine. When answering this question it is important that you explain what influences you have had when making your decision, is it a family profession? have you always wanted to work in this industry?

Ryan's Answer

"I have always wanted to work as a vet, ever since I was a child. I, obviously, have a huge love for animals and wildlife and think that setting my career goal from a young age has kept me focused and aligned to my future employment choices. My father is also a vet and so I think following in his footsteps is a good choice"

Anonymous Answer

"I grew up around animals; my mother always made sure we took in stray cats. My desire to work with animals began with elephants. My heritage in India always seemed to follow me, and I found myself wanting to study these magnificent creatures. I was involved in research in Thailand with elephants, where I met a wildlife veterinarian who inspired me to incorporate my passion for animals with my interest in medicine."

Rachelle's Answer

This is wonderful inspiration, indeed! Nice answer.

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Anonymous Answer

"I always had a love for animals and wanted to work with them even before I knew it was work. As a kid growing up, we always had animals, went to zoos, and watched animal planet. I was also lucky enough to grow up with a veterinarian as a mother. I made every day I could take your kid to work day to get a glimpse at what she was doing. No other career option could ever compare, working with animals and helping them was my calling, and I have spent the last few years making it a reality."

Rachelle's Answer

It is terrific that you are taking on a similar career to your mother; how exciting! You give a nice overview here, bringing your passion for animals to the forefront.

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14.

Why do you think a career in Veterinary Medicine is for you? Do you have any other career aspirations if you are not accepted into Veterinary School?

When talking about why you think a career in veterinary medicine is for you, it is okay to talk about how you have a keen interest in the profession and this is a great way to get the experience you need. Simply saying that you like animals is not going to impress the interviewer because it will automatically be assumed that if you are entering this field that you like animals. Be specific and honest with your response. The interviewer also wants to challenge your commitment to the career, so when answering the second part of the question consider fully other options relevant to the profession which could offer an alternative route to Veterinary School.

Ryan's Answer

"I believe pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine is right for me as I have ambitions to follow in the footsteps of my family, and continue the legacy they have created. I already have experience, which I have gained throughout my education and want to continue to learn and educate myself on the industry. Whilst I believe I will continue to apply to Veterinary School until I am successful if I had to choose an alternative career it would still be working with animals, but more than likely down a zoological route"

Anonymous Answer

"I feel Veterinary Medicine is the ideal career for me, as it involves being sociable and communicating with a team and the public, which I regularly do through my job and enjoy. It is an active job, with each day presenting new challenges from which I can broaden my knowledge. It opens many doors, allowing me to work anywhere in the world and specialize in a wide range of aspects. I believe no animal should suffer, so I would feel privileged to be able to improve animal lives each day. If I am not accepted this year, I will reapply next year after gaining more work experience."

Rachelle's Answer

Nice edits - this additional comment makes sure that your passion for animal life shines through.

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Anonymous Answer

"I can say confidently that I believe a career in veterinary medicine is the right path for me, and I also believe that I will continue to apply to veterinary school until I am successful in doing so. However, if I had to choose another career, I would still love to work with animals. I want to be somehow involved in conservation. In addition to working in conservation, I have a considerable interest in writing music, even though this is entirely different than working with animals."

Rachelle's Answer

Writing music is a very interesting inclusion, so I recommend being a touch more specific if you are going to include this. If you want to focus more on conservation, it's the same recommendation. Perhaps you could speak about a specific species or region that is of interest to you? Or maybe even a particular organization that resonates well with you.

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15.

As a vet, do you have the right not to treat an animal? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

This question is being asked by the interviewer to establish your knowledge of the veterinary industry. Prior to your interviewer, it is recommended to research fully so that you can confidently answer this question, with evidence to support your response.

Ryan's Answer

"My research has definitely helped me in answering this question. My understanding is that a veterinarian is under no legal duty to treat an injured animal. But once a vet agrees to treat a pet, stopping while the animal still needs attention may lead to malpractice liability"

Anonymous Answer

"A vet is under no obligation to treat an animal. However, if treatment is started and then suddenly stopped it would be extremely unethical to refuse to treat the animal. At that point, you have a duty of care to this animal. For example, if an animal was not a client of yours and belonged to another vet, then you are under no obligation to treat this animal."

Rachelle's Answer

Solid response with a good example at the end.

"A veterinarian is under no obligation to treat an animal. If a vet had started treatment and then stopped, it would be unethical not to complete the treatment as they must care for the animal. However, if an animal was not a client of the vet, and belonged to another vet, they are under no obligation to treat the animal."

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Anonymous Answer

"There are currently no laws requiring vets to provide treatments to all animals. The practicing veterinarian has the control of which animals to take in, but once treatment starts, they are obliged to complete work to the best of their ability. So the control point to not treat animals that do not fit your experience is at the door. If a patient came in that did not fit under your specialty or even outside of office hours, veterinarians have the ability to turn them away, while possibly referring to another vet."

Rachelle's Answer

You show a strong knowledge of a veterinarians' responsibility. Thorough, easy to understand the response.

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16.

If you had to choose one area of specialism to work within, what would it be?

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Veterinarian School Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?

1000s of Interview Questions

Veterinarian School Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?

Is there a specific area you wish to work in as a vet? Do you have any aspirations to work outside of a standard practice?

Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

What do you think are the best parts about working for a private practice? And why?

Veterinary school can be an intensive, stressful experience at times. Can you tell me about a time where you have had to handle a pressurised situation? What happened and what was the outcome?

In your opinion, what do you think would be the most difficult situation you could face as a Vet? Justify your answer.

Studying at Veterinarian School will require dedication and commitment to your workload. How will you ensure you remain motivated to your studies?

What experience have you had working within Veterinary Medicine? What have you most enjoyed?

How will you ensure you are financially stable to complete your studies at Veterinary School?

What are your long-term career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Put yourself in the position of a qualified Vet. What would you do if you felt the animal you were treating may have been abused? What legal avenues would you pursue, if any?

Give me an example of a time when you have been required to work closely with your colleagues to keep them motivated. Why was this important, and was it successful?

What was your motivation for wanting to be a Vet? Have you always had a love of animals?

Why do you think a career in Veterinary Medicine is for you? Do you have any other career aspirations if you are not accepted into Veterinary School?

As a vet, do you have the right not to treat an animal? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

If you had to choose one area of specialism to work within, what would it be?

Imagine the situation. You are working within your role and have a female who gave birth to 9 puppies. She can't feed them all. What would you do? How would you distinguish those that are undernourished?

How has your education to date influenced your decision to train as a Veterinarian?

Give me an example of a time when you have missed an obvious solution to a problem. How were you made aware of it, and how did you rectify it? What did you learn from this situation?

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for Veterinarian School? What can you bring to the school that makes you an ideal applicant?

Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an irate customer or co-worker. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?

Give an example of a time when you have failed to reach a target or achievement. How did you handle this, and move forward?

Tell me about a time when a colleague you have been working with has made a mistake. What happened, and what steps did you take to rectify it?

What are your opinions on the use of animals for Veterinary School? Do you think your opinions will change if you are accepted to the study programme?

What does delegation mean to you?

Why do you think it is important to be able to use your initiative within the role of Veterinarian?

In your opinion should people be allowed to own exotic species? Justify your answer.

Put yourself in the position of a qualified vet. What would you do if an animal was brought into the surgery, having been hit by a car, and the owner refuses to pay for treatment? Would you still treat the animal?

What is your opinion on using live animals to practice surgery?

What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

How would you handle the situation if you saw one of your classmates cheating during the course? What would you say, and who would you address it to?

How would you handle a customer who had conflicting opinions and views on the required treatment of an animal?

What experience have you had, if any, working within a farm environment? What did you learn from this experience?

Give me a specific example of a time when you have used good judgement and logic in solving a problem. What was the process followed, and what was the outcome?

Tell me about a difficult situation you have had to face within your career to date. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?

Tell me about a time when you have had to use your persuasion skills to influence someone's opinion. Why was this needed, and what was the outcome?

Being a Vet will require you to think on your feet and fact-find information if needed. How will you ensure you remain abreast of relevant information required to perform your role?

If I had to ask your previous employer to describe your work ethic to me, what do you think they would say, and why?

Talk me through any clinical experiences you have had, if any. What exactly you did, and what you learnt from it.

Talk me through the research you have done prior to applying for this course. How do you know this course is right for you?

How do Animal Rights and Animal Welfare differ?

Looking back at your previous education, which class did you find most challenging, and why?

In your opinion, what do you see as the most appealing part of a role in Veterinary Medicine?

What is your favourite animal, and why?

In your opinion what do you see as the least appealing part of a career within Veterinary Medicine?

What do you think are the worst parts about working for a private practice? And why?

You will be required to provide knowledgeable answers and advice to your clients within the role of Veterinarian. How do you anticipate enhancing your knowledge and skills once qualified?

What skills and behaviours do you feel are important in order to be a successful Vet?

What traits do you possess that make you qualified to be admitted into Veterinary School?

In your opinion, what do you think is the biggest challenge the veterinary industry faces currently, and why do you think this is?

What ethical dilemmas do you think you may face as a veterinarian? How would you handle these?

Tell me about a time when you have had to use empathy to help a colleague or client through a difficult situation? Why was this important, and how did you manage the situation?

Veterinarian School Interview
Questions