👨‍⚕️ Getting Top Veterinary Talent to say YES: 3 Must Haves

Finding and attracting exceptional veterinary talent feels harder than ever. Practice owners tell us they lie awake at night wondering how to build their dream team. Sound familiar? The good news is, we’ve uncovered what really matters to top veterinary professionals when they’re choosing their next role. After connecting with thousands of candidates and practices, three key factors consistently stand out as deal-makers (or breakers). Whether you’re looking to welcome a new vet, nurse, or tech to your practice family, understanding these essential elements will transform your ability to attract the right people. Let’s explore what makes outstanding veterinary professionals choose one practice over another…

Find your next job…the Fresh Way

Reason 1*: Professional Growth and Development Opportunities

The first and perhaps most compelling reason veterinary professionals apply for a job is the opportunity for professional growth and development. In an industry that is continuously evolving with new technologies and treatments, professionals are keenly aware that stagnation is not an option. They are not just looking for a job; they are looking for that career and life that, in so many cases, began at a very early age. A role that offers a clear path for professional satisfaction and reaffirmation of their choice of career, plus skills enhancement and continuous learning, is so highly attractive that it ranks above work-life balance and compensation packages.

Why It’s Important

Professionals in this field are typically driven by a desire to provide the best care possible, and they know that in order to fulfill their core objective, that requires staying not just up to date but continually improving their skills. The veterinary field, more than most others, demands continuous learning due to advancements in medical technologies, treatments, and best practices.

Unfortunately, many practices fall short in this area, either by not genuinely offering these opportunities or, most often, simply not adequately communicating them in their job ads. Some practices focus solely on the immediate needs of the position and neglect to discuss long-term growth, thereby missing out on candidates who are looking for more than just a job.

“I chose my current position because it offered a structured mentorship program and opportunities for specialization. It’s not just a job; it’s also about fulfilling my dreams.”
— Dr. Emily Thompson, DVM

How to Make Your Job Ad and Practice More Appealing

• Tell stories: We are all guilty of assuming that when you say “Fully supportive of CE,” a candidate will immediately read your mind and completely understand what that means…except they don’t. You need to give real examples that candidates can relate to. A few simple sentences about…
  • Structured Mentorship Programs: Offer structured mentorship programs that pair new hires with experienced professionals. This not only helps in skill development but also makes the new hires feel valued and supported.
  • Continuing Education Allowances: Consider offering allowances for continuing education courses or certifications. This not only enhances the skills of your staff but also keeps your practice up-to-date with the latest medical advancements.
  • Career Advancement: Clearly outline the career advancement opportunities within your practice. Whether it’s a path to partnership or managerial roles, knowing that there is room for growth can be a significant motivator.
  • Skill Development Workshops: Regular in-house training and workshops can also be a big draw. It shows that you invest in your employees’ growth and want them to succeed.

Reason 2*: Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is such a significant factor for veterinary professionals, that it was only just pipped by Professional Development. We all know that the very nature of the job is emotionally and physically demanding, and burnout is a real concern. Younger veterinary professionals are very, very aware and want to know how a practice has implemented systems and processes to minimize burnout. Flexible scheduling, reasonable work hours, and support for personal time are critical considerations.

Why It’s Important

The veterinary profession is notorious for its long hours and emotional toll. A poor work-life balance can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even mistakes that could affect patient care. Therefore, a healthy work-life balance is not just a perk but a necessity.

Many practices fail to offer flexible scheduling or underestimate the importance of time off, leading to high turnover rates. Others may offer these benefits but fail to highlight them effectively in their job ads, missing an opportunity to attract quality candidates.

“Work-life balance was a huge factor for me. The clinic I joined promotes a four-day workweek and has a supportive team that values time off.”
— Sarah Williams, Veterinary Nurse

How to Make Your Job Ad and Practice More Appealing

• More storytelling: Again, it only takes a couple of sentences to convey your commitment to work-life balance…but it’s those couple of sentences that are the difference between an Apply click or no clicks at all…
  • Flexible Scheduling: Offer flexible scheduling options that allow your staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This could be as simple as allowing shift swaps or as advanced as implementing a four-day workweek.
  • Mental Health Support: Given the emotionally taxing nature of veterinary work, offering mental health support can make your practice more appealing. This could range from providing access to counseling services to creating a supportive work environment.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policies can also be a significant draw. It shows that you value your employees’ personal time and well-being.
  • Team-Building Activities: Regular team-building activities can contribute to a balanced work environment. It fosters a sense of community and helps in stress management.

Reason 3*: Competitive Compensation and Benefits

While the love for animals and passion for their well-being is the very bedrock of most veterinary professionals’ lives, competitive compensation and benefits remain significant motivators. This includes not just salary but also health benefits, retirement plans, and other financial and non-financial incentives (chocolate cookies still work wonders).

Why It’s Important

Financial stability is a concern for everyone, and veterinary professionals are no exception. Competitive compensation and benefits not only attract quality candidates but also contribute to long-term job satisfaction and retention.

Many practices do not publish salary ranges (job ads without a salary range get less than half the clicks than ones that do) or fail to include other benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Even if they do offer these benefits, they often don’t highlight them in their job ads, thereby failing to attract candidates who might be weighing multiple offers.

“The comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary and retirement options, made my decision easier. It showed me that the practice values its staff.”
— Mark Johnson, Veterinary Technician

How to Make Your Job Ad and Practice More Appealing

• Yes, even here, it’s about storytelling: There are a whole bunch of sensitivities about publicly sharing salary ranges and benefits. We get that. But even here, taking the time to explain your approach to remuneration and flexible packaging creates a difference for candidates and will drive Applications…
  • Transparent Salary Ranges: Be upfront about the salary ranges in your job ads. This not only attracts candidates who fit your budget but also shows that you value transparency.
  • Health Benefits: Offering comprehensive health benefits, including dental and vision, can set your practice apart from competitors.
  • Retirement Plans: A solid retirement plan can be a significant long-term draw. It shows that you care about the financial well-being of your employees.
  • Signing Bonuses and Relocation Assistance: Financial incentives like signing bonuses or relocation assistance can tip the scales in your favor when a candidate is deciding between multiple offers.

Your Practice, Their Future

Here’s what we know for sure: veterinary professionals care deeply about growth opportunities, work-life balance, and fair compensation. But it’s how you bring these elements to life that makes all the difference. When you share real stories about your practice – like how your team celebrates learning milestones, or your creative approach to flexible scheduling – you’re painting a picture that great candidates can see themselves in.

Think of your job ad as an open door, inviting candidates to glimpse what makes your practice special. The small details matter: the mentorship you offer, the team lunches you host, the way you support each other during busy days. These stories help exceptional professionals envision their future with you.

Take a fresh look at your current job posting. Does it tell the story of what makes your practice unique? Are you sharing the kinds of details that would make you want to join your team? A few thoughtful changes could make all the difference in attracting your next great team member.

*  Based on an excerpt from the results of a survey completed by 1,023 veterinary professionals and practice owners and managers globally that explored key career issues and challenges – October to December 2024

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