How to Sniff Out the Best Hire

You’ve got two vet tech candidates.

And one position to fill.

One candidate has a resume that reads like a dream.

But in the interview, they stumble, unable to give concrete examples of taking blood samples or working with difficult pets.

The other has a less-than-stunning resume, but in the interview, their answers shine with real-world vet medicine wisdom and confidence.

So, how do you cut through the confusion?

Listen.

The one thing I tell all my clients: resumes alone don't reveal the full story.

You need to conduct thorough interviews.

Or, to speed things up, you can screen candidates over the phone.

Whatever you do, you need to tune into the right things, including…

• Thoughtful Answers: Are their responses prepared and attentive? Do they answer questions thoughtfully, showcasing their readiness and engagement?

• Specifics: Do they give specific examples of times they adapted quickly or dealt with difficult situations? Do they give a timeframe for that example?

• Matching Experience: Cross-check their previous work experience with your job description. Do they talk about experiences that align well with the role and demonstrate they can handle the responsibilities?

Your goal in an interview is to determine if they will meet the needs of your practice and mesh well with your culture—something you’ll never determine from their resume.

Knowing what to listen for will help you identify the right fit for your practice.

Download my 9 Interview Questions and Tips for more insight into what to listen for while conducting thorough interviews.