Pitfalls to avoid when selecting a Vet Recruitment Agency

In the dynamic world of veterinary healthcare, the challenges of recruiting skilled professionals have been consistently highlighted by the 2023 iVET360 Practice Manager Report. The survey of nearly 400 managers revealed that recruiting remains their most significant challenge, impacting practice success and team dynamics. Notably, 15% of hiring managers prioritize culture fit over skills and experience, leading to one of the most common pitfalls in veterinary recruitment.

In a field where compassion and teamwork are paramount, failing to ask culture-based interview questions can result in hiring mismatches. These questions, such as understanding a candidate’s values in previous positions or their dream job preferences, serve as crucial screening tools.

Common Pitfalls

A. Failing To Explain Your Clinic's Culture to the Recruitment Agency

Recognizing the significance of culture fit over skills and experience is a cornerstone of successful veterinary recruitment. According to a recent industry survey, 85% of veterinary managers prioritize cultural alignment when bringing in new team members. One common pitfall is failing to effectively communicate the unique culture of a clinic to the recruitment agency. To bridge this gap, vet recruiters should be equipped with sample culture-based interview questions specific to the veterinary field. Questions could revolve around teamwork, empathy, and work ethics, ensuring that candidates not only possess the necessary skills but also align with the clinic’s core values. Investing time in briefing recruitment agencies about your clinic’s culture sets the stage for more precise candidate matches, reducing the risk of misalignments and turnover.

Recruiting veterinarians through Veterinary Recruitment Agency - Pulivarthi Group

B. Forgoing a Background Check

In an era where trust is paramount, the necessity of background checks cannot be overstated. The iVET360 survey highlights that only 21% of veterinary managers conduct post-offer background checks, leaving clinics exposed to potential risks. Background checks serve as a crucial risk mitigation tool, uncovering criminal histories that could jeopardize the safety and reputation of the hospital. Considering that each team member lost due to a hiring mistake costs around 20% of their salary to replace, investing in comprehensive background checks is not only prudent but cost-effective. Veterinary recruitment agencies play a pivotal role in ensuring this aspect is not overlooked, emphasizing the importance of a thorough vetting process to safeguard the clinic against potential liabilities.

Recruiting veterinarians through Veterinary Recruitment Agency - Pulivarthi Group

C. Listing Demands in the Job Ad

Crafting a compelling job advertisement is an art that extends beyond qualifications to embrace the clinic’s culture and ethos. Using restrictive language and listing demands can severely limit the candidate pool. According to industry insights, veterinary professionals are increasingly drawn to workplaces that showcase the positive aspects of their culture and work environment. Shifting language in job ads from demands to the benefits of working in the veterinary practice can attract candidates who resonate with the clinic’s values. By highlighting growth opportunities, collaborative team dynamics, and a supportive atmosphere, clinics can position themselves as desirable workplaces, creating a positive first impression for potential hires.

Recruiting veterinarians through Veterinary Recruitment Agency - Pulivarthi Group

D. Identifying Recruitment Techniques

The standard passive recruitment techniques, such as advertising a job and waiting for applicants, have limitations in today’s competitive job market. Veterinary recruitment agencies should leverage a diverse set of methods for candidate sourcing, recognizing that the candidate pool extends beyond those actively seeking employment. Examining the methods used by recruiters to identify and attract candidates is crucial. Agencies with experience in active recruitment, including reaching out to currently employed individuals, can yield better results. The iVET360 survey highlights that clinics adopting active recruitment strategies experience reduced turnover and attract candidates with valuable experience, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive approaches in today’s dynamic veterinary job market.

Recruiting veterinarians through Veterinary Recruitment Agency - Pulivarthi Group

E. Checking with Their Existing or Past Clients

One often overlooked aspect in choosing a veterinary recruitment agency is assessing whether their existing or past clients align with the scale and operations of your clinic. The experience and success of a recruitment agency can be gauged by the caliber of clients they have served. Statistics reveal that clinics partnering with agencies whose clientele matches their scale of operations report higher satisfaction levels. Before engaging with a recruitment agency, clinics should conduct thorough due diligence, seeking testimonials and feedback from similar-sized practices. This step ensures that the agency’s expertise aligns with the unique challenges and requirements of your clinic, fostering a more productive and tailored recruitment partnership.

Recruiting veterinarians through Veterinary Recruitment Agency - Pulivarthi Group

Conclusion

Effectively navigating the veterinary recruitment landscape requires a strategic approach that addresses common pitfalls. By recognizing the significance of culture fit, prioritizing background checks, crafting compelling job ads, embracing diverse recruitment techniques, and assessing alignment with a recruitment agency’s clientele, clinics can enhance their hiring processes. In an industry where team dynamics and cultural alignment are crucial, adopting these strategies can lead to the recruitment of skilled professionals who not only meet the clinic’s needs but also contribute to a thriving and harmonious work environment.

Whether you are hunting for talent/opportunities; feel free to share your company’s portfolio/resume with your expert headhunters: info@pulivarthigroup.com OR to speak to an expert, schedule a no-obligation call below.

Book my no-obligation call!