On the Job Interview

[clawsbeatskin]

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I'm currently interviewing for a part time receptionist position at a small animal clinic. I've already been through 2 interviews and now they are requesting I come in for an all-day "on the job interview". Basically, I will be assuming the responsibilities that I would have if I were hired, and they will be observing. This will be my first time working at a typical small animal clinic. I have some questions...

Is this the normal procedure? It seems like most of my (paid) veterinary experiences have only required one interview.

I was instructed to wear "receptionist-appropriate attire". Hmmm. I asked about scrubs, and the manager said no. I take my own pets to this clinic, and have only ever seen employees wearing scrubs. So, what should I wear? I know the job requires animal/client interaction.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My involvement with this clinic is nearing the 3 week mark, and I just want them to hire me already! Wait, this reminds me of something similar....😛 At least the multiple interviews are good practice!

 

[david594]

Is this the normal procedure? It seems like most of my (paid) veterinary experiences have only required one interview.

Fairly normal. I recently saw a receptionist quit after less than a week of working. She had previous experience working at a large hospital and was put off by the requirements of a small clinic. In particular she didn't dig the idea of having to setup fecal samples.

It also gives the people you will be working with a chance to get to know you. If at the end of the day no one likes you, its a whole lot easier to send you on your way then after you have gone through all the paperwork and been hired.

 

[Tiraka]

I've done these at both of the clinics I've worked at. At both places, they were part of the standard hiring process, mostly to see how you interacted with the staff and to make sure that you were willing to do the work (like david said). Pretty painless! It can be nice for you too - let's you get a feel for what it's like working at that clinic, and if you really don't feel you'd be happy working there, you can gracefully decline an offer

 

[ri23]

We also do them at the clinic where I work. In our case, every person (there is only 1 vet, 1 rvt, 2 receptionists/assistants) can approve/not approve the new candidate. It is pretty much to get an idea how you work with the staff, clients an animals.

 

[VAgirl]

In our case, every person (there is only 1 vet, 1 rvt, 2 receptionists/assistants) can approve/not approve the new candidate.

My boyfriend's company does this while interviewing new people. The entire software engineering team (4 people) meets and interviews the candidate one at a time. Then everyone gets a roughly equal vote. Sounds great. Except they never seem to be able to hire anybody because 1 out of the 4 always has reservations!

 

[ElvisMarie6]

So I think the receptionist attire they are talking about would be nice pants (khakis, slacks, etc) and some sort of conservative top. That is what the receptionists at our clinic wear. As long as you don't wear jeans you should be fine!

 

[wivet2011]

That's pretty routine. Whenever we hire someone, dropping off the app. is the first place we cut someone. If they come in dressed in sweats, are rude/uninterested, etc. their app. is usually noted and tossed into a separate pile. Those that are still in go to the boss, she looks them over and passes potential candidates back to the office manager who does a phone interview. If they pass that, it's back to the boss for a "in person interview". They then do at least one day of "on the job interview", sometimes 2. It's just to make sure they can follow directions, can communicate, can handle the animals and work well with everyone, and that they aren't too put off by the job (which has on occasion happened).

As far as receptionist attire: nice pants (khakis or similar and a nice top). I might be tempted to bring a smock along just in case, but the important part is that you look professional.

 

[clawsbeatskin]

Wow, thanks everyone. I am really excited to get started now. I'll be sure and keep y'all posted!

 

[Hobiecat1642]

Good luck clawsbeatskin!

 

[OSJ]

Good luck!!🙂

 

[clawsbeatskin]

Hey everyone, I just found out I got the job! This clinic seems amazing and has a huge and diverse caseload, so I'm pretty excited.

Thanks for all the insight and advice! 😍

 

[RaptorRehaber]

I just applied for a job at the University of Minnesota Small Animal teaching clinic and had an interview over the phone and just recently went in for a "On the Job" interview where I sat in on some of the duties of the job and then had a traditional interview with a few managers. It lasted about 3 hours, so it must not be too uncommon.

 

[clawsbeatskin]

You'll have to let us know the outcome, Raptor! Good Luck!

 

[wivet2011]

Hey everyone, I just found out I got the job! This clinic seems amazing and has a huge and diverse caseload, so I'm pretty excited.

Thanks for all the insight and advice! 😍

Congrats!!

 

[Hobiecat1642]

Hey clawsbeatskin--congrats!

 

[RaptorRehaber]

Just thought I'd check back in to say I got the job!

I'm in the same position you are. No scrubs (which, at first, I was a little bummed about since I've spent the last three years living in the shapeless lap of luxury that is scrubs), but nice tops and jeans are allowed. They specified that thongs were not allowed to show, which I thought was funny.

We will have to exchange horror stories, I'm sure I'll acquire a few since it's the university teaching clinic and we have about 20000 departments that we are responsible for and the owners are all on edge since most of them are referrals from all over for pretty serious issues.

Should be good dinner conversation for my mate and I.