The veterinary industry is still facing a serious skills shortage, making it harder than ever for independent practices to attract and retain top talent. Yet, many employers unknowingly make mistakes in their hiring processes that drive potential candidates away or lead to poor hiring decisions. If your practice is struggling to find the right team members, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead.
1. Waiting Too Long to Hire
The Mistake: Many practices wait until they are desperate for staff before starting the recruitment process. This leads to rushed hiring decisions and increased stress on the existing team.
The Fix: Always be recruiting. Keep an eye on the talent market and build relationships with potential candidates before you urgently need them. A proactive hiring strategy reduces pressure and ensures you can hire the right person when the time comes.
2. Offering Uncompetitive Salaries and Benefits
The Mistake: In a competitive job market, failing to offer competitive salaries, benefits, or career growth opportunities will push candidates toward corporate vet groups or outside of clinical practice.
The Fix: Research salary benchmarks and offer competitive pay along with attractive benefits like flexible scheduling, mentorship, CPD (continuing professional development) allowances, and wellness programs. Highlight non-monetary perks such as a positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
3. Writing Generic or Unappealing Job Ads
The Mistake: Vague, uninspiring job postings fail to capture candidates’ interest. A simple list of responsibilities and requirements won’t stand out in a competitive market.
The Fix: Craft compelling job descriptions that showcase what makes your practice unique. Highlight your values, team culture, and career growth opportunities. Use engaging language and be clear about what candidates will gain from joining your team.
4. Ignoring Employer Branding
The Mistake: Some veterinary employers assume that simply posting a job ad is enough to attract quality candidates. However, in today’s market, job seekers research potential employers before applying.
The Fix: Build a strong employer brand by maintaining an engaging online presence. Showcase your team, workplace culture, and patient success stories on your website and social media. Encourage employees to share their positive experiences and highlight why your practice is a great place to work.
5. Overcomplicating the Hiring Process
The Mistake: Lengthy application forms, multiple interview rounds, and slow decision-making frustrate candidates and may cause them to accept another offer before you make a decision.
The Fix: Streamline your hiring process by eliminating unnecessary steps and making timely decisions. Keep communication clear and consistent so candidates know what to expect.
6. Failing to Sell the Role During Interviews
The Mistake: Many veterinary employers focus entirely on assessing candidates without showcasing why the practice is a great place to work.
The Fix: Remember that interviews go both ways. Candidates are evaluating you as much as you are evaluating them. Sell the role by highlighting career development opportunities, team dynamics, and the unique benefits of working in your practice.
7. Neglecting Candidate Experience
The Mistake: Poor communication, lack of follow-up, or an impersonal hiring process can leave candidates with a negative impression of your practice.
The Fix: Treat every applicant with respect. Provide timely updates, personalized communication, and a warm, welcoming interview experience. A positive candidate experience can lead to referrals, even if a candidate doesn’t accept the job.
8. Not Considering Cultural Fit
The Mistake: Hiring solely based on technical skills while ignoring personality, values, and team dynamics can lead to poor long-term fits and increased turnover.
The Fix: Look beyond qualifications. Assess whether a candidate aligns with your practice’s culture and values. A strong cultural fit increases employee satisfaction and retention.
9. Failing to Use Recruitment Support
The Mistake: Many independent veterinary practices try to handle recruitment alone, even when they lack the time, expertise, or network to do so effectively.
The Fix: Consider working with a veterinary recruitment specialist who understands the industry and can connect you with top talent quickly. A recruitment partner can save time, reduce hiring stress, and improve long-term hiring success.
A skills shortage makes hiring difficult, but avoiding these common mistakes can give your practice a competitive edge. By refining your recruitment strategy, strengthening your employer brand, and ensuring a positive candidate experience, you can attract and retain the best veterinary professionals—even in a challenging job market.
Any questions? Get in touch at contactus@vettedrecruitment.co.uk