How to Get the Most out of Working with a Veterinary Recruiter
Do you dread having to fill open positions within your veterinary clinic? Are you way too busy to worry about sifting through resumes and applications to find the perfect candidate? Do you struggle with knowing what criterion is right to narrow down your selection?
Whatever your challenges are with hiring, working with a recruiting firm can be a welcome solution. But as with most things, there’s a right way and a wrong way, as well as certain things you can do to maximize the outcome. Let’s take a look at four tips that will help you get the most out of your partnership with a veterinary recruiter.
Communicate often.
We know you’re busy, but taking the time to communicate with your recruiter will help him or her understand precisely what you’re looking for so they can find candidates that not only meet your expectations, but exceed them in many cases. This requires that you define your needs, go over any specific policies your practice follows and discuss any other pertinent details. The more information you provide, the better the recruiter will be able to produce ideal candidates.
Go specialty.
One quick Google search will reveal that there are dozens of different staffing agencies out there. How can you know which one is right for your needs? Well, your best bet is to start with a firm that specializes in the veterinary industry. Why? Because a veterinary recruiter has more intimate knowledge of what makes a great candidate, specifically for veterinary clinics. This can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes and improve the chances of finding the perfect fit.
Understand fee vs. costs.
Working with a veterinary recruiting firm does cost money, but if you’re looking at it strictly from a fee standpoint, you might find yourself second-guessing your decision. Consider for a moment, however, the amount of time a recruiter will save you and, of course, what that time is worth in monetary terms. By turning over most of the legwork to an experienced staffing professional, you’ll save time, the value of which will dramatically offset any out-of-pocket expenses. And since you’ll end up with a high-quality candidate that fits perfectly with your clinic, you’ll be investing in the future success of your business.
Follow up.
The relationship you have with your veterinary recruiter doesn’t have to end the moment you extend an offer to someone. To the contrary, with the right partnership, you can establish a positive working relationship that will become invaluable down the road. Imagine the additional time you’ll save filling your next open position if you can work with a recruiter who already knows your practice in and out. Make a point to follow up and provide feedback about your new hires. Stay in touch. You never know when the need for additional help will arise and when it does, you’ll know just who to call.
Leaving the heavy lifting to an experienced recruiting firm can save you time, money and aggravation and improve the chances of filling your open positions with the perfect addition to your team. If you’d like to learn more about working with a veterinary recruiter and how our services can benefit your practice, please get in touch today.
