Recruiting for Veterinary Positions During the Holidays Season

 

Recruiting for veterinary positions during the holiday season can present challenges, but there are compelling reasons why you shouldn't wait until after the holidays to initiate the process. Here are some key considerations:

 

1.  Availability of New Graduates:

New graduates often take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) around this time. Waiting until after the holidays may mean missing out on a pool of fresh talent entering the job market. By recruiting during the holiday season, you can catch recent graduates before they finalize their plans.

 

2.  Utilizing Holiday Breaks for Interviews:

Many new graduates use their holiday breaks to gain practical experience by visiting clinics or shadowing experienced veterinarians. This presents an opportunity for you to schedule interviews with potential candidates who may already be in the vicinity for their holiday activities.

 

3.  Time Off for Experienced DVMs:

Experienced veterinarians may take time off during the holidays, providing them with the availability to attend interviews. If you wait until after the holidays, these candidates may already have accepted positions elsewhere, and you could miss out on hiring well-qualified individuals.

 

4.  Reduced Competition:

Some employers may postpone their hiring process until after the holidays, assuming it's a quieter period. By being proactive and recruiting during this time, you can take advantage of reduced competition for top-tier candidates.

 

5.  Preparation for Busier Seasons:

Veterinary clinics often experience increased demand during certain seasons, such as spring and summer. Recruiting during the holidays allows you to have your team in place before the busier periods, ensuring you are adequately staffed to handle the workload.

 

6.  Demonstrating Proactiveness:

Starting the recruitment process during the holidays sends a positive message about your clinic or practice. It shows that you are proactive and forward-thinking, which can attract candidates who appreciate an organization that plans ahead.

 

7.  Streamlining Onboarding:

Initiating the recruitment process early allows for a smoother onboarding process. By having staff in place before the post-holiday rush, you can ensure that new hires are trained and ready to contribute when the clinic is at its busiest.

 

8.  Building Relationships:

Building relationships with potential candidates takes time. By starting the recruitment process during the holidays, you can establish connections and nurture relationships that may lead to successful hires.

 

In summary, recruiting during the holiday season can be advantageous for accessing a diverse pool of candidates, taking advantage of available interview opportunities, and positioning your clinic for success during busier periods. While the holiday season may pose some challenges, the benefits of early recruitment often outweigh the drawbacks.

 

Do you need help hiring the right staff to grow your practice? Allow me the opportunity to tell you how my team has earned an 88% success rate in presenting quality candidates to our clients within the first 90 days of the recruitment process.