Page 37 - Executive Director

If the applicant has answered all the questions above timely & correctly, then you continue the
interview by giving the practice’s mission statement which includes both positive & negative
points equally. If you wish, you can use the following example:

“Here at (Practice name) our mission is to deliver the highest quality of veterinary service
delivered in a personal, caring manner. We pride ourselves on ability to make each of our clients
and their pets feel at home from the moment they walk in the door. We believe in educating our
clients so they know how to ensure their pet lives a long & healthy life.

Now of course, we have our days when the clients get upset, emergencies are jamming our
schedule, we stay late to handle them and the animals are fractious. We have our fair share of
clients complaining about high prices, having to wait and prospective clients shopping for the
best deal.

THEN ASK:
From what I have just told you about our practice, what do you feel is the most important
quality you must have to work with us?

THE ONLY POINT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR HERE IS IF THEY CHOOSE THE FIRST HALF, THE POSITIVE SIDE, OR THE
SECOND PART, THE NEGATIVE SIDE. IF THEY CHOOSE THE NEGATIVE, THIS DISQUALIFIES THEM AS IT IS AN INDICATOR
OF “SEEING THE GLASS AS HALF EMPTY”, IN OTHER WORDS, LOW TONED.

If the candidate passes up to this point, then check:
1. What salary do they want? Get a definite answer in dollars here because you need to
know what their personal budget is based on. If they say they are negotiable, ask them
the question again, telling them you need a figure.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE APPLICANT IS IN YOUR PRICE RANGE FOR THE POSITION- SOMEONE ACCUSTOMED TO MAKING $18 /
HOUR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR BILLS IF THEY SUDDENLY CHANGE TO $12 / HOUR- THAT’S $1000 A MONTH. MOST
APPLICANTS CAN HANDLE ABOUT $1 LESS PER HOUR. OTHERWISE, THEY MAY TAKE YOUR JOB BUT STILL CONTINUE TO LOOK
FOR A BETTER JOB.

2. Do they have schedule restrictions?
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE APPLICANT IS ABLE TO WORK BASED ON YOUR SCHEDULE, RESTRICTIONS INDICATE THE PRIORITY OF THE
JOB IN THEIR LIFE. AS A VET PRACTICE CAN RARELY SAY FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT IF YOU WILL BE RUNNING LATE, THIS
SHOULD BE A DISQUALIFIER.

3. Are they physically capable of doing the job- standing on their feet all day; lifting 50
pound bags of dog food, etc.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE APPLICANT IS ABLE TO DO THE WORK, THIS IS A HARD PHYSICAL JOB IN COMPARISON OTHER TYPES OF
JOBS & YOU WANT TO KNOW IF YOU ARE HIRING A TECH WHO HAS A BAD BACK & CANNOT LIFT A 100 POUND DOG.

4. How do you feel policy & protocols should best be approached?
 Be familiar with the policy & protocols as guidelines, but work in alignment with
your co-workers as the priority.

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