With less than one month left in the year, the job market for veterinarians in 2024 remains highly favorable, and candidates continue to hold significant leverage in most hiring situations. As has been the case in the past, this situation particularly benefits the top 5% to 10% of candidates who are considered the best in the field.
Once again, the unemployment rate in the Veterinary profession was nearly non-existent in 2023. Then, in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual data on the job market. According to the BLS, veterinarian jobs are expected to grow 20% between the years 2022 and 2032. This, of course, underscores the promising trend in job opportunities for Veterinary professionals.
10 Steps for Getting a New Veterinarian Job in 2024
Securing a new veterinarian job in this favorable job market requires more than simply waiting for opportunities to come your way. You must have the growth mindset and not the fixed mindset. You have to be proactive and not reactive. You have to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable” and not fixated on maintaining the status quo.
With all of this in mind, below are 10 steps for getting a new veterinarian job in 2024 to help grow your career:
#1—Be open to opportunity.
Remain receptive to new opportunities at all levels. This means not only being willing to hear about potential opportunities, but also considering and exploring them thoroughly. Too often, people dismiss opportunities without even understanding what they entail, which can hinder your chances of landing a great new veterinarian job in 2024.
#2—Be proactive and not reactive.
Take a proactive approach to your career. Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, actively seek them out. By doing so, you’ll operate from a position of strength, enabling you to steer your career in the desired direction, rather than reacting passively to external circumstances.
#3—Commit to continuous learning and education.
Invest in your professional development by attending industry events and conventions. Prominent gatherings like the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in January and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in the summer offer valuable opportunities for networking and acquiring new knowledge. By enhancing your skill set and expanding your network, you’ll strengthen your position in the job market.
#4—Network, network, network!
Networking plays a pivotal role in job searches. While online networking via platforms like LinkedIn is valuable, in-person interactions at events like conventions and tradeshows are equally crucial (see #3). The relationships you build in the industry can lead to unexpected job openings and career advancements, so make a concerted effort to network throughout the year.
#5—Update your resume.
The argument could be made that this should have been the first step on the list. However, as I’ve stated before, the correct mindset is needed before action can be taken. If you’re open to opportunity, have a growth mindset, and are committed to being proactive, then updating your resume will not seem like an arduous task or an inconvenience. Instead, you will view it as an opportunity to get a great new veterinarian job in 2024!
#6—Leverage technology and online platforms.
In the digital age of 2024, harness the power of technology and online platforms to expand your job search horizons. Utilize specialized Veterinary job search websites (The VET Recruiter), social media platforms (LinkedIn), and professional networks to stay updated on opportunities and engage with potential employers. Be proactive in creating a strong online presence to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for Veterinary medicine.
(Note: You should update your LinkedIn profile at the same time you update your resume, ideally every quarter or every six months.)
#7—Embrace telemedicine skills.
With the continued integration of technology into the Veterinary field, learning telemedicine skills can be a valuable asset. Embracing telehealth services and telemedicine platforms will make you more attractive to employers and broaden your career prospects. Telemedicine is only going to become more prevalent in the coming years, and the rate of adoption may accelerate in 2024 and beyond.
#8—Diversify your specializations.
Expand your expertise by exploring new specializations within the Veterinary field. Whether it’s in exotic animal care, behavior modification, or other niche areas, diversifying your skills can make you a sought-after candidate in 2024. And if you don’t think this is possible in 2024, set a long-term goal of diversification. No matter when it happens, it can help you.
#9—Foster client relationship skills
Developing strong client relationship skills is quite valuable within the Veterinary profession. Great communication and empathy can set you apart as a veterinarian who not only cares for animals, but who also provides exceptional service to pet owners. Employers tell me often that they want candidates who have soft skills in addition to their technical skills, and this is how you can stand out from the crowd.
#10—Build a relationship with a Veterinary recruiter.
Establish strong connections with an experienced and reputable Veterinary recruiter. These professionals have access to the “hidden job market,” which consists of confidential job openings not advertised publicly. Working with a trusted recruiter and recruitment firm can give you exclusive insights into opportunities that may otherwise remain unseen.
Get a New Veterinarian Job in 2024 with The VET Recruiter!
In addition to conducting a year-end audit and review, we strongly encourage you to connect with us at The VET Recruiter. We specialize in facilitating connections between job seekers and candidates in the Animal Health industry and the Veterinary profession, enabling them to explore career-advancing opportunities.
At The VET Recruiter, our team leverages its expertise and deep industry knowledge to provide valuable guidance and support throughout your job search journey. We can assist you in identifying suitable positions, navigating the application and interview processes, and negotiating competitive job offers. Our extensive network and strong relationships with employers empower us to match candidates with organizations that perfectly align with their skills, experience, and career aspirations.
By taking advantage of our services, you can gain access to a wide array of opportunities, further your professional development, and take significant strides forward in your Animal Health or Veterinary career in 2024!
If you’re looking to make a change or explore your employment options, then we want to talk with you. I encourage you to contact us or you can also create a profile and/or submit your resume for consideration.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. If this is something that you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.