Here are our top tips for attracting the best candidates, along with a sample job description to provide some inspiration!

1. Think about the person who will read your job ad

What is important to them?  If you were in their position what would you want to know before you put your name forward?

2. Cover the basics

Vets, nurses and other candidates need to know the basics:

• who is the employer?
• where is the job?
• what level of experience is required?
• is the role is full-time permanent, part-time or a short-term contract?
• what is the out of hours situation and what does the rota look like?
• start date
• salary range is also helpful

3. Sell the job - why your area and why your practice?

Again, think about what is important to potential employees. Pay rates are important but location, working conditions, type of work, equipment and support staff are probably more important in choosing a position.

4. Add more detail and double-check everything

Make sure your ad stands out with a tidy layout, a logo, an image or even by featuring your listing. Register as an employer to place your ad with VetJobs.ie and we’ll be happy to feature your ad on our homepage and push it out through Facebook and Twitter. Remember, VetJobs.ie has no limit on the amount of text in your job ad, so don’t be shy in selling your role!

5. Don’t try to hide!

Advertisements with anonymous email addresses and no details get the worst response rates. It’s especially embarrassing for all concerned when someone applies for their own job! So ensure that you include as much detail about your practice in as possible to get the best response rates!

 ...and if that doesn’t work

If you are having trouble attracting staff or your response rates are poor, before you run a repeat advert try to look at the text through fresh eyes. Maybe ask your assistant or one of your nurses to write the job ad for you.

Alternatively feel free to email it to [email protected] and we’ll cast our eye over it for you.

Happy hiring!

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What a good job job description for a vet looks like:

Veterinary Surgeon required for mixed practice Anytown, Co. Westmeath.

AAA Vet practice (aaavets.ie) is looking for a vet to join our 4 person team in Anytown, Co. Westmeath.

Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years experience. This is a full time role with a genuine one in four rota for spring, but much less for the rest of the year when we share out of hours with a neighbouring practice. Weekends on call can be reasonably busy but are followed by a day off the following week.

While 60% of our work is food animal, we are looking for someone with a bias towards companion animal, who won’t mind doing the odd call, and can calve a cow when required.

Our companion animal clinic is well equipped, we run clinics by appointments have  computerised records and good nursing team.

Salary begins at €45k + travel allowance and there is room for negotiation depending on your experience and ability.

Applications, with a CV and cover letter, through vetjobs.ie only please.

...and here's what not to write

Vet wanted for job in Munster. Excellent clinical and communication skills essential. 1 in 3 rota. CV to [email protected].