6 Characteristics of A-List Candidates for Your Veterinary Team

You know you need to hire the best to be the best, but what does that really mean? What, exactly, does the term “top talent” refer to, specifically as it applies to the animal healthcare industry? Successful veterinary recruiting involves knowing what key characteristics to look for in your candidates.

While there will certainly be unique things that are specific to your particular practice, there are some general similarities that most A-list veterinary candidates possess. Knowing these can help you recognize the so-called “best of the best” during the recruiting process. So, without further ado, let’s take a look.

They keep their egos in check.

Everybody has an ego. Unfortunately, the more qualified a person is for a job, the more their ego can get in the way. The best candidates will be able to keep their egos in check. That is, they will be confident but not cocky and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

They never panic.

A person who can remain calm and rational, despite the external circumstances, would make an ideal employee – especially from a veterinary recruiting perspective. You want people on your team that won’t get rattled in an emergency situation or when emotions are running high. Not only can these cool, collected individuals make better decisions, but they’re also not afraid to take risks, which can do wonders from an innovation standpoint.

They can set the tone.

Like it or not, there will inevitably be situations in which a client becomes angry or upset. Having a staff that can handle difficult people can be a life saver in our industry. That’s why emotional intelligence (EQ) is such a valuable trait to look for. Individuals who are proficient in this area will not only control their own responses to situations, but they can more effectively set the tone and get others to comply as well.

They are intrinsically motivated.

You’re trying to run a business. You don’t have time to be chasing down each employee and making sure he or she is doing what’s expected of them. That’s why it’s critical to look for veterinary recruiting candidates that are self-motivated and don’t need external pressure to keep them going. What’s more, A-level candidates are never satisfied with the status quo. They always strive to do better, which is something that will benefit you, your staff and, most importantly, your clients and patients.

They hold themselves accountable.

When things go wrong – which they inevitably will from time to time – you don’t want a team of finger pointers. You want someone who is willing to step up, admit their mistakes and move forward. That’s the only way you can achieve continuous process improvement within your clinic. Of course, we’re not referring to someone who will beat themselves up over every misstep. We’re talking about someone who is willing to take responsibility when it’s necessary in order to progress. That’s what you should be looking for.

They solve problems, not create them.

The reason you are engaging in veterinary recruiting in the first place is to assemble a team of qualified individuals that can help solve your business problems. To achieve true value, you want to seek out candidates that are capable not only of solving problems, but also of analyzing situations and – ideally – preventing those problems from occurring in the first place.

Not sure how to find candidates with the above characteristics? Perhaps you have an eye for talent, but simply don’t have the time to do your own veterinary recruiting. Whatever situation you are in, we’re here to help. Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help you build an A-list team from the ground up.

56