When a position opens up at your practice—whether for an office staff member, a veterinary assistant or licensed technician, or an associate—the messaging in your job posting should aim to attract a person who shares your practice values. To accomplish this, you need to display your practice’s brand identity in your job ad. If your practice specializes in sports medicine, you might write at the beginning of the job listing: “The ABC Equine team works together to keep equine athletes performing their best. This is our why! If dedicating your working life to elevating sport horses’ health sounds exciting, consider joining our team.”
Offer Mentorship
Research shows that new equine-oriented graduates seek job opportunities that offer mentorship. Even candidates who have recently completed internships are usually motivated to continue lifelong learning. A well-structured mentoring program that provides opportunities for skills acquisition often attracts candidates. You could write in the ad, “Opportunities are available for pursuing special interests. Let us know where your professional passions lie.” In a larger practice, a staff veterinarian with relevant experience might provide mentoring, or the practice might offer targeted continuing education in that area. Staff members of all types will be more engaged if they have the chance to learn and apply new skills.
Location Matters
The location of your practice does matter. Many early-career veterinarians, especially those who plan to raise a family, prefer to live close to their parents and/or siblings. Research shows location is a strong motivating factor for new graduates when accepting a position. Because this might limit the number of applicants your practice receives for a position, it makes sense to describe the positive aspects of your community, calling out recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities in your area.
For example, “Madison County is nature at its best, with plentiful mountains and beautiful valleys. Whether you want to fly fish, hike, or ride in the warm months, you can’t find a better place. Winter brings excellent skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. If you love dark skies, stars, and peaceful surroundings, this may be the place for you!”
Attract the Right Applicants
Try to describe your practice’s personality in your ad. Are you a fun-loving group that celebrates frequently? Or a more serious business-minded group of professionals? Has your practice embraced flexible scheduling, a shortened workweek, and shared emergency coverage? Do you welcome part-time team members? Does every member of your team play an important role and matter to your success? Creating a clear picture of the practice culture will help attract the right applicants.
Most people want to feel like their work makes a positive difference in the world. By concentrating on how the position you are offering helps horses and the people who love them, you will attract candidates whose priorities align with this mission. Avoid using a laundry list of adjectives that describe your ideal candidate, such as “hard-working” or “dedicated.” Many applicants will interpret these to mean long hours and minimal free time. Be authentic in your ad to attract the people who will be good fits.
Finally, consistently showcase your practice’s brand identity across all channels, from social media to your website to your face-to-face interactions. Think of one word that best describes your practice (e.g., reliable or compassionate), and make sure that trait is front and center in your job ad.
Related Reading
- The Business of Practice: Creating a Brand Identity
- Business Briefs: Tips for Effective Equine Practice Marketing
- How To Have a Conversation About Compensation and Benefits in Equine Practice
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