VN August 2023

Augustus 2023 17 “TheSouthAfricanVeterinaryAssociationaims to serve itsmembers and to further thestatus and imageof theveterinarian. Wearecommitted toupholding thehighest professional andscientific standardsbyutilising theprofessional knowledge, skill and resources of ourmembers, to foster close tieswith the communityand thuspromote thehealthand welfareof animals andmankind”. MISSION STATEMENT SAVA-CVCsupportsvets thatprovideprimary animalhealthcare(vaccinations,dewormingas well as tickandfleatreatments, sterilisations) Servicing and enhancing the veterinary community since 1920! Tel: 012 346 1150 E-mail: vethouse@sava.co.za www.sava.co.za o A motivational video rather than a letter is an excellent way to test commitment to an application for a job as it requires effort. It shows how the candidate presents and how comfortable they are with people. It showcases self-esteem, self-confidence and expression. Ask your candidates to motivate on video why they are uniquely positioned for the job and this particular role, and how they believe they can impact the business from day one. o Use assessment tools toevaluate candidates’abilities, knowledge, personality, andfit. Assessment tools helpmeasure candidates’ potential, reduce subjectivity, enhance objectivity, and improve decision-making. They also support an understanding of the candidates’ drivers for growth and how to maximise rewards from their contribution. o Ensure that the candidates experience the environment they will be working in and are able to connect with different roles and team players. Job-shadowing is a good way to do this. You can also ask other teammembers to participate in the interview process. Team members can then feedback on their perspectives and insights to get buy-in at an organisational level. o Outsource recruitment to specialists who have an intimate knowledge of your requirements and the working environment and who understand the importance of team development and support in our modern world. This is essential for staff retention and avoiding potential team conflict down the line. Recruitment in the veterinary space requires a specific set of skills and knowledge but veterinarians are not necessarily the best people for the job; recruitment is not a skill set taught at university and has very particular personality requirements. However, by using the strategies above, you can overcome the challenges of finding and hiring the best talent for your veterinary practice and ensure a successful and sustainable future for your business. Team development practitioner, facilitator and recruitment specialist Ann Baret is based in Somerset West. She has been a consultant to the EberVet Petcare Group and Cottage Vet for several years and has an in-depth understanding of the staff challenges faced by veterinary practices, www.teamdynamics.co.za v Article