The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that veterinary occupations will add 51,700 new jobs to the economy and will grow at a rate of 19% over the 2016–26 decade—almost three times faster than the 7% average for all occupations.1  Right now, there are more than 7,500  jobs for veterinarians listed on Indeed.com. 

You could say it’s a sellers’ market. Veterinary professionals can afford to be picky and choose the jobs they want because there are more openings than there are applicants. Going at this alone could be tough, though—there are thousands of jobs in thousands of locations to consider, not to mention benefits, salary, opportunities to advance, and the list goes on and on.

 So, how can you find your dream job and make smart choices without stressing yourself out?  Choose a great recruiter!

Here’s a list of the top five reasons to work with a recruiter, courtesy of Gwendolyn Delavar,  VetProCentral.com, a free veterinary recruiting service for job seekers that helps match veterinary professionals with their ideal jobs.

Recruiters can give you access to unpublished job opportunities

Companies don’t always post all their openings on listing sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or even veterinary-specific sites. Sometimes they post them locally, so you’ll see the listings only if you look in the specific geographical area. Such hidden gems are available only to those within the company’s network. Luckily, when working with a recruiter, this will be you! Since recruiters often get first access to these jobs, you will be among the first applicants. This is an ideal place to be.

Recruiters make job-seeking easier, saving you time and effort

When you work with a recruiter, you speak to them in detail about your skill sets, your particular interests, and your ideal role.  The recruiter then uses that information to sift through all the openings that fit your needs and qualifications, helping you attain your dream job. Good recruiters will also share inside information about the culture of the veterinary practices you’re considering. 

A recruiter works with you through the entire process

The recruiter is there to guide you throughout the job application process, acting as your advocate. They will critique your résumé and cover letter and coach you for the interview process.  Say goodbye to those pre-interview nerves! You will go into each interview prepared and confident, and after presenting your authentic self, you’ll leave feeling accomplished and without regrets. Sounds great, doesn’t it.

A recruiter assists you with salary negotiations

This can be one of the most stressful parts of the new job search but also one of the most important.  In 2018, veterinarians earned an average of $107,870. The average salary for male vets was $128,699, and the average for their female peers was only $96,610[AC1] .2

Also consider that the average student loan debt for veterinarians who graduated in 2019 was $183,302, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.3 That average does not include undergraduate loans. A veterinarian who owed $183,302 would have monthly payments of more than $2,058 on a standard, 10-year repayment term, assuming a 6.25% interest rate.4

Luckily for you, your recruiter will advocate for you during salary and benefit negotiations by working with the hiring manager to come up with a number that best aligns with you and the practice, taking into account your experience and skill set. No more guesswork or summoning the courage to ask for what you deserve.  The recruiter can also connect you with an attorney who specializes in employment law to review your contract before you sign it and also connect you with a relocation expert, if needed.  Simply put, it’s the recruiter's job to ensure you are happy and satisfied. 

Your recruiter is your advocate.

In addition to finding, vetting, and presenting jobs that are just right for you, your recruiter will also be your biggest advocate. They will make sure the hiring manager knows exactly why you are uniquely qualified for the role.

When a recruiter presents you as a candidate, you have a leg up on others who simply send their résumé in response to a job posting. Having a personal advocate who can speak to your qualifications is huge in the eyes of a hiring manager—it gives you credibility.

Working with a professional, experienced recruiter gives you an unparalleled advantage in the job market. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t go it alone; start working with a recruiter today and begin the search for your dream job!

Reference

1.     Ilic-Godfrey, S. (2019) “Ahead of the pack: why are veterinary occupations growing much faster than average?” Beyond the Numbers: Employment & Unemployment, 8(4) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2019),  https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-8/veterinary-occupations-growing.htm

2.     https://datausa.io/profile/soc/veterinarians

3.     Nerd Wallet report on vet med