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How to Make a Lasting Impression as a Candidate in the Hiring Process

Yes, job seekers and candidates have the majority of the leverage in hiring situations, and that includes within the Animal Health industry and Veterinary impression. And yes, that is especially the case within the Veterinary profession, specifically in regards to veterinarians, since there is currently a shortage of them within the employment marketplace.

However, that does NOT mean that you don’t have to worry about making a good impression during the recruiting and hiring process when you’re exploring other opportunities in the job market. As I’ve stated before on numerous occasions, the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession are not big in size nor scope. That means your words and actions can follow you throughout your career and can come back to “bite you” when you least expect it.

The last thing you want to do is “burn bridges” or “close doors” in your career. Instead, you want to “build bridges” and “open doors,” and one of the best ways to do that is to brand yourself in a positive way. This means providing a positive experience for others every time you interact with them, including during the recruiting and hiring process. As you might have guessed, not responding to employers or “ghosting” on an interview or on the offer does not represent a positive experience.

Make a lasting impression in a GOOD way

And don’t forget that even though you have leverage in hiring situations, you could also be competing against other candidates. There aren’t too many searches that involve just one candidate, so if you’re serious about exploring an opportunity, then it’s imperative to “put your best foot forward” and make sure that you make a lasting impression on the employer. (And when I say lasting impression, I mean lasting in a good way, because you can certainly make a lasting impression in a bad way.)

With all of this firmly in mind, below are seven ways to make a lasting impression as a candidate in the recruiting and hiring process of Animal Health or Veterinary employer:

#1—Highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills on your resume and cover letter. Be specific about the tasks you’ve performed, the procedures you’ve assisted with, and the animals you’ve worked with (if applicable). Use industry-specific terminology and be sure to emphasize any specialized training or certifications you have earned.

#2—Demonstrate your passion for your chosen field.

Passionate candidates are more likely to impress potential employers. Share your passion for the field in your application materials and during interviews. Explain why you are interested in your chosen field and how you see yourself making a difference. Show that you are excited about the opportunity to work in the Animal Health industry or Veterinary profession, and of course, for this employer in particular.

#3—Be professional and polite.

Professionalism and politeness are important traits in any job candidate. Employers want to hire candidates who are respectful, punctual, and reliable. Make sure to arrive on time for interviews and dress appropriately. During the interview, listen carefully to the interviewer and answer questions thoughtfully and respectfully. Be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview to show your appreciation for the opportunity.

#4—Show that you are a team player.

Working in the Animal Health industry or Veterinary profession requires collaboration and teamwork. Show potential employers that you are a team player by emphasizing your ability to work well with others. Provide examples of how you have worked collaboratively in the past, such as participating in team-based projects or assisting colleagues with their tasks. Highlight your communication skills, such as your ability to listen actively and provide constructive feedback.

#5—Demonstrate your attention to detail.

Attention to detail is essential in the Animal Health industry or Veterinary profession, where small mistakes can have serious consequences. Show potential employers that you are detail-oriented by providing examples of how you have caught errors in the past or by highlighting your ability to follow detailed protocols.

#6—Be knowledgeable about the organization.

Before going to an interview, research the organization that has the job opening. Look up information about its history, mission, and values. During the interview, use your knowledge of the organization to ask thoughtful questions about the work environment, company culture, and the role of everyone who works there.

#7—Show a willingness to learn.

The Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession are constantly evolving, and employers want candidates who are willing to learn and adapt. Show potential employers that you are committed to continuing education and professional development. Discuss any ongoing training or certifications you are pursuing and be open to learning new skills or techniques on the job. Show that you are willing to take on new challenges and that you are excited about the opportunity to grow as a professional.

By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can make a positive impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

The VET Recruiter: the edge you need in your career

The VET Recruiter has more than two decades of experience helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals explore employment opportunities. We know what to do and what not to do in the pursuit of greater growth and advancement, and we can give you the edge you need to reach your professional goals. We can help you make the best and most lasting impression with employers, brand yourself in a positive way, and “build bridges” and “open doors” throughout your career.

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.

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