help me get a job!

[Zen]

I have been unemployed for some time now and have sent out many resumes. One degree in photography and the other in phys. ed. Useless.
Because I am disabled (been waiting for a liver since '98) and receive SS disability I am only permitted to make $800 dollars a month in any employment.
This job sounds right up my alley but I'm having some trouble with my cover letter. Way too many "I"s

So many of you write so well, I was wondering if you could punch this up for me a bit?


Dear Sir or Madame,
I am writing in regard to your advertisement in the Frederick News-Post for a part-time Veterinary Receptionist/Assistant.

I have prior experience in general office work and computer use, customer service skills and consider myself mature and reliable. Being the owner of both a dog and cat have I also have experience with animals and a commitment to their well being.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy for this position in detail. Thank you for you time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[makbike]

Zen

I'm not much of a writer but I wanted to offer you some insight into working in a small animal clinic. Maybe some of this will help in composing your cover letter.

Clinic work is fast paced and often hectic. The ability to multitask is a must. Handling a variety of people in a pleasant manner is also a desired quality. Make sure your voice "smiles" when you talk to the office manager or person conducting the interview. Think about how you would handle five clients standing around the front desk, each wanting to be taking care of ASAP - you will probably be asked how to handle a situation like this.

As far as working with animals here are a few things to consider. Does your disability limit how much you can lift? Assistants are often asked to help prep. animals for surgery, assist with x-rays, etc so you may be asked to help lift a 140 lb dog up onto a table, would you be able to do this? Does working with fecal material or vomit (which sometimes smells awful) bother you? How about needles or blood, would these bother you? A question almost always asked during an interview is how do you feel about euthanasia? You will at some point be asked to prepare an owner for this (sign them in, have them sign consent forms, make arrangements for the body, etc) or as an assistant help the vet or vet tech in the actual procedure. Do you have a desire to learn how to restrain animals properly, run a variety of tests, assist the vets in surgery or filling prescriptions? These may be things to point out in your letter.

Not sure if any of this is helpful. I hope you get the job. I loved working in a clinic but after 15 years of working two jobs I simply reached a point of burnout and I decided to quit my part-time clinic job. I learned an awful lot in the years I worked for a local clinic and hope to someday return to a clinic job. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Zen]

Thanks Marcie,your inside info will be helpful in both the cover letter and especially the interview. I don't think I interview well, just don't have the needed cheerleader pep but that doesn't mean someone wouldn't be good for a job. Unless the job is cheerleader

How do you feel about euthanasia? What kind of question is that?
I think it's always a sad thing to have to do that to an animal who has been a companion for ages but when it involves quality of life issues sometimes it's for the best.
Is that what they want to hear?

I'll do my best not to go into Miss Emily Litella mode (what's all this fuss I hear about youth in asia?!)

You must be wondering how someone can be deemed disabled and still work. I have a barely functioning liver. I can work but not full time, a full time job would exhaust me because of my limited liver glucose storage ability.

[makbike]

How do you feel about euthanasia? What kind of question is that?I think it's always a sad thing to have to do that to an animal who has been a companion for ages but when it involves quality of life issues sometimes it's for the best. Is that what they want to hear?

Zen - it is what they want to hear. They ask this question simply to get a feel for how one views this sad but necessary procedure.

They also want to know you are a hard worker, dependable, a quick learner and a multitasker. Clinics can be dead and then spring to life in a matter of seconds - a hit by cars comes in, a walk in client, an annual that turns into a major project, etc. Clinic staff has to be able to go with the flow, jump in when needed and find things to do when it slows down to a trickle.

I know the first clinic I worked at also had me take a simple math test and a spelling test in addition to my interviews (I interview with the owner and the vet who took care of staffing issues).

I wish you the very best in securing this job.

[Zen]

Once again, thanks for the input. I'm sure that great cover letter will get me an interview and the inside info will help me prep for the exam, uh, interview.

[LBTC]

Dear Sir or Madame,
I am writing in regard to your advertisement in the Frederick News-Post for a part-time Veterinary Receptionist/Assistant.

I am pleased to enclose my resume in application for your advertised position of part-time Veterinary Receptionist / Assistant.

I have prior experience in general office work and computer use, customer service skills and consider myself mature and reliable. Being the owner of both a dog and cat have I also have experience with animals and a commitment to their well being.

My previous experience in general office work and computer use, along with excellent customer service skills and reliability will benefit your clinic team in such a fast paced work environment. Both dogs and cats have been part of my family, which has given me the experience to work with small animals and the understanding of the commitment involved in providing for their well being.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy for this position in detail. Thank you for you time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Thank you for your consideration. Please contact me at your convenience to discuss my future on your clinic team.

....

Or something like that.

Good luck! Your application will go in loaded with butterflies.

Hugs
~T~

[Zen]

LBTC
WOW!
That's amazing!
I can't thank you enough. You've given me such a smile.
My inability to articulate is a major burr under my saddle.

[mimitabby]

If you are a super responsible person, I would let them know that too.
with this kind of a job the vet is DEPENDING on you to show up when you say.
Anything to indicate that this is one of your virtues would help as well.

[Mr. Bloom]

I think LBTC's feedback is great too.

Go for it! Good Luck.

And remember: Cheerleader and friendly/considerate are different. I've known many "bubbly cheerleaders types" who were anything other than friendly, considerate, or pleasant.

Oh, and is it an option for you to drop by the vet's office and deliver the resume and cover letter in person to the vet? It may separate you from the crowd...