Veterinary professionals are in high demand right now. Despite a nationwide shortage of applicants, clinics around the country continue to pursue quality candidates. But how do they know that these candidates are an ideal fit for their practice? Sadly, any applicant who looks great on paper may turn out to be a mismatch down the road. This presents a challenge for many administrators and HR managers. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help you hire the best veterinary professionals possible.

The veterinary field can be stressful and intimidating. It requires dedicated, compassionate individuals with a great degree of emotional resilience. The best veterinary professionals rise to the occasion and exhibit much more than just medical expertise. 

Skills and techniques can be taught, but character is often hard to change. Therefore, it’s essential to consider empathy, personality, and temperament when evaluating potential candidates. These deeply human traits often predict an individual’s behavior better than their resumé ever will. If you’re faced with two or more candidates with similar backgrounds, then turn your attention to the quality of their character. It may even be worth forgoing certain soft requirements to ensure a long-term culture fit. Your staff and their patients will thank you.

An interview is often the first true interaction you’ll have with any candidate. It’s a critical opportunity to learn more about them on both a personal and professional level. Take this chance to assess their strengths, challenges, and approach to adversity. 

We recommend asking interviewees several open-ended questions. This is one of the best ways to start a genuine conversation with any candidate. Try to balance tough questions with openings for positive self-expression. Consider asking, “How would you deliver difficult news to a client?” or “What kind of environments do you thrive in?” You may be surprised by their answers, so always keep an open mind during this process. 

Every clinic and every veterinary team is different. However, the most successful practices tend to show similar positive characteristics. Among these are gratitude, clear expectations, and open lines of communication. 

Few things are as appealing to a veterinary professional as a positive work environment. By creating and maintaining a respectful, supportive atmosphere, your practice is more likely to attract candidates who truly share your values. What’s more, a high-quality clinic culture of clear expectations may also improve team wellbeing, performance, and job satisfaction. Remember to acknowledge instances of compassion, leadership, and mentorship. Reward exceptional work, and always encourage team members to celebrate each other’s successes, no matter how small.

Finding the best veterinary professionals takes some effort. Posting job listings, conducting interviews, and narrowing down applicants are time-consuming processes, especially for small teams with limited resources. If your clinic is searching for its next hire, then consider working with an experienced veterinary recruiter. 

Veterinary recruiters bring several benefits to the table. For one, they take the weight of finding and hiring quality veterinary professionals off your shoulders. The right recruiter will listen to your needs, learn what sets you apart, and source candidates who closely align with your vision. This allows you to confidently plan for the future while focusing on your practice’s day-to-day operations. When partnering with a veterinary recruiter, make sure they also offer ongoing support. For example, we provide our clients with onboarding, mentorship, consulting, and business development services.

Our hiring process is simple, efficient, and dependable. We always begin with an initial consultation and clinic questionnaire to learn more about your distinct situation. If you have any questions or concerns about interview questions, clinic culture, or veterinary recruiting, then we welcome you to reach out for more information. Our team is eager to support your team’s current and future goals.