I saw in the local paper that my vets are advertising for a morning receptionist. Now that would just be my dream job. But I wonder as they are my vets should I actually reply and apply for the job?
All the vets and staff know me very well there as we practically live there with our animals (going there for the 3rd time this week this afternoon ). But would this make it awkward for them to employ me as well, providing I was good enough for the job of course.
It just says must have computer skills and to apply in writing.
I don't have any computer qualifications but obviously have learnt computer basics to be on here now and would be keen to learn how their system works. Would that be enough?
As I am going there this afternoon I could do a letter and take it with me.
Do you think I should?
Should I hand write it or do it on the computer?
What should I put in the letter?
Any help much appreciated

I  think you should go for it. I have always believed when opportunity knocks...answer the door!!  Type up a nicely laid out letter on the computer and attach a CV and send it in

One thing to consider though...if they reject you and employ someone else, would that bother you going there and seeing them afterwards.

Good luck with it and I hope it works out for you :)

Yes, go for it, why not, just because they know you should not rule you out and the fact that you know them and them you should make any possible interview much easier.

Apply as you would for any other job in a well laid out letter, keep it brief and to the point and attach a CV that includes not just your work experience but any animal experience you may have as well.

Go for it, bevb. You can demonstrate your computer skills in your letter of application :-)

Big ticks for: reliability, highly motivated, able to maintain client confidentiality, excellent telephone manner and communication skills (and that includes excellent listening skills), able to keep calm under pressure, able to maintain and update client records, able to self-manage workload and work as part of a team, quick learner, flexibility to accommodate changes in work patterns where needed. You might be handling cash, so perhaps you've done something like this before.

About your computer skills. Don't worry that you haven't got an ITQ, just think about the programmes you use daily/regularly: MS Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc. You may have advanced skills in some, intermediate in another or competent in the use of...and so on. Explain how you use different programmes--you might keep records for your own dogs (thinking about a certain recent exchange of admissions about the use of spreadsheets to track shows and performance of our dogs..:-O) .The fact that you are self-taught should just emphasise your capacity for learning, self-motivation, etc.

Draft your letter, and see if there's someone you know who has experience of appraising applications. Get them to read it to make sure it follows a logical order. You might start with any qualifications or experience, then think about your skills in the context of the requirements of the job and finally your personal attributes.

It's exactly like going in the ring--have confidence in your abilities! Passion goes a long way, but just show them you are really the whole package! Best of luck with your application :-) and let us know how you get on.

Go for it, even if it doesn't work out at least you've tried, and they might appreciate having someone they're familiar with rather than a complete unknown.

Apply for it - it's a great job! If they know you and you have a good record at paying your bills then you're in with a better chance than an unknown!

There are several different computer systems that vets use so I can't advise on how they work, but I have no formal computer qualifications and have picked up the system we use without too much trouble. I'm sure yours won't be any different.

So definitely go for it!

> Type up a nicely laid out letter on the computer and attach a CV and send it in
>
>

If you have to apply in writing it might mean in your own handwriting - they may wish to see that your handwriting is legible :-) You could always type your CV on a computer to show your computer skills.

go for it,and the best of luck!

If they know you and you have a good record at paying your bills then you're in with a better chance than an unknown

Wow, Jeangenie, I sincerely hope they don't run their recruitment that way, that could leave them in serious legal bother. Recruitment and selection is legally required to be a fair, transparent process--no favouritism or discrimination allowed. If bevb gets an interview the very last thing she should do is rely on any past client or other relationship with her vets, they and she will need to act as though they have never seen each other before. It's not easy to be interviewed by people you know, and the risk is that you subconsciously rely on a default "but they already know that about me so I won't go into it now"--result, an interview that doesn't give a comprehensive picture of your skills and abilities, leaving you open to be pipped at the post by another more thorough candidate.

Go for it! Good luck!!

Do go for it!
I agree with JG, if they already know you to be decent sort you are half way there :)
If you dont try you will never know.
Good luck.

Karen

Yes go for it. I keep joking with my vet that i am waiting to be offerd a job. The other day the vetnurse even recognised my voice on the phone !! That is worrying I think my animals just enjoy going
Would the opportunity

I am with everyone else - go for it.Whats the worst that could happen?You might even get a discount LOL.

> The other day the vetnurse even recognised my voice on the phone !! That is worrying I think my animals just enjoy going

My old vets' receptionists still recognise my voice after 2 years going elsewhere!!

I say go for it too, nothing to lose in trying :-)

Thankyou everyone i took my letter applying for the job in yesterday.   They already have had loads taken in by hand just that afternoon, but its worth a try anyway.

good luck

You know what they say 'Nothing ventured nothing gained' :)

Karen

fingers and paws crossed for you, good luck bevb!

Glad you've gone for it, used to be a vet nurse and knowing the person helps!

They know you and obviously you all get along, which will be half the battle. At a vets you're looking for someone who doesn't flap, is cheerful but empathic as you're dealing with people at their best and their worst. So you need to adapt by the minute whilst being professional. And why not you??

As others have said nothing ventured nothing gained, life is too short to be full of what ifs??!! 

Just to let you know I have heard nothing so not too hopeful.