10 Interviewing Tips for Veterinarians

To assist you with interviewing success, we have put together a list of 10 Interviewing Tips for Veterinarians

1. Be 5 to 10 minutes early, but no more. Plan to arrive a little early at the hospital for your interview, it will give you a little extra cushion and relieve the stress of being late. However, if a candidate arrives too early, it can add stress to the Veterinarian/Interviewer as many people are uncomfortable with people waiting for them.
2. Be Prepared. More than likely an interview agenda has been sent to the candidate. The candidate should research the veterinarians with whom they will be interviewing or if the candidate is working with a recruiter, this information will be provided. This information will help candidates identify areas of common interest between the parties which creates a more comfortable atmosphere.
3. Dress Professionally. First impressions are very important. Being overdressed is better than being under-dressed. A coat/sport jacket is recommended for both men and women. No blue jeans, no sandals. No heavy perfume or cologne. Many people react to strong scents and nothing can shorten an interview like a headache.
4. Leave your Cell Phone in the Car. Not only are cell phones a distraction, many professionals consider it disrespectful for a candidate to check their cell phone at various times throughout an interview. A candidate needs to be focused during an interview.
5. Firm Handshake and Direct Eye Contact with Everyone. These mannerisms are important as they convey confidence, friendliness and respect. No eye contact can make people uncomfortable as if the other person is hiding something. This will translate into how a veterinarian interacts with clients.
6. Listen. Do not talk too much. It is important to listen to what the hospital team is saying. Sometimes candidates get nervous and talk too much. This means they are not listening and often reveal too much information.
7. No Negative Talk. Hospitals do not want to hear negative comments about a candidate’s former employer or colleagues. If a candidate were to do this, it is likely this candidate would also shed the next hospital in the same light. Furthermore, today, veterinary hospitals want to hire positive people, not negative.
8. Be Prepared to Talk about Past Mistakes. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Hospitals want to hear about a few of those mistakes, how the doctor accepted responsibility for those mistakes, what they learned from a difficult case or a difficult client and what they would do differently. Many veterinarians will ask candidates to talk about this.
9. A Short List of Questions. Candidates should have a short list of questions to ask at the end of the interview, such as protocols for client and RDVM communication, paperwork and other such concerns. This shows that they have done their research, that they listened throughout the interview and that they are interested. However, not too many questions. Be respectful of the Veterinarian/Interviewer’s time.
10. Do Not Ask About Compensation. This is a huge red flag for prospective employers. They want their veterinarians to be excited about their work, the team and the hospital, not how much money they will make. This will be addressed at a later stage. If a candidate is working with a recruiter, this recruiter will know this information in advance.

Do you have Questions about interviewing success? –

Please reach out to me at laura@vetcareerservices.com.

SEE YOU AT ACVIM!