Get Your CV Ready for Vet Roles Abroad
How South African vets should structure a CV for UK, Australian and New Zealand practices, what recruiters look for, and the mistakes that slow the first interview.
Who this is for
Any South African vet preparing to apply for roles in the UK, Australia or New Zealand. Your CV is often the first thing a practice manager or recruiter sees, and small formatting or content mistakes can delay your first interview.
What international practices look for
- Clear eligibility to work or a realistic visa pathway.
- Recognised qualifications and current registration status.
- Hands-on clinical experience matched to the role.
- Communication style and reasons for relocating.
A simple CV structure
- Contact details. Include email, phone with country code, and LinkedIn if it is up to date.
- Professional summary. Two to three lines covering your qualification, current role, target country and key strengths.
- Qualifications and registrations. List your BVSc, SAVC registration and any post-graduate certificates or memberships.
- Clinical experience. Use bullet points with species, caseload and responsibilities. Start with the most recent role.
- Skills and interests. Include languages, software, special interests and any mentoring or leadership experience.
- References. Offer two professional referees or state they are available on request.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Long narrative paragraphs instead of concise bullets.
- Leaving out the country you are targeting or your visa status.
- Using South African-only terminology without context.
- Overstating experience or qualifications.
- Sending the same CV to every role without tailoring the summary.
The cover letter
Keep it to one page. Mention the role or country you are targeting, your availability, and one or two reasons why you are a good fit. If you are working with Vetch, say so — practices trust a screened introduction.
Before you send it
- Check spelling and grammar carefully.
- Save and send as a PDF unless asked otherwise.
- Name the file clearly: FirstName-Surname-Vet-CV.pdf.
- Ask a colleague to read it for clarity.
Once your CV is ready, read our UK visa sponsorship guide or explore destination routes for vets.
Frequently asked questions
Should I list my South African registration number on an international CV?
Yes. Include your SAVC registration and any additional qualifications such as certificates or memberships. It gives employers an instant sense of your standing.
How much clinical detail should I include?
Be specific but concise. Mention species exposure, surgical caseload, emergency work, and any special interests. Avoid long paragraphs of generic duties.
Do I need a cover letter as well?
A short, tailored cover letter helps. State the country you are targeting, your visa status or eligibility, and why you are moving. Practices read it before they open the CV.
Want feedback on your CV before you apply?
Send it to us and we will review it against what UK, Australian and New Zealand practices actually look for.
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