I did working interviews for vet assistants at an ER/referral centre all summer. Here’s how I decided what I thought of them and whether I would tell management to hire them:
1. First impressions/impressions I got chatting to them. Be friendly, be willing to small talk, and put in an effort to socialize with me. Our clinic is very friendly and people-oriented (and most vet clinics are). I’m very chatty, so if you can’t manage to hold a conversation with me it makes me wonder how you will fit in with the clinic culture. If their chatting consists of constant complaining (especially about their last workplace), pessimism, or inappropriate topics, they won't get hired. The last thing we want is people coming in and encouraging an environment that could become toxic. The more positive and friendly you seem, the better.
2. Interest and enthusiasm in the job/field/facilities. It’s pretty obvious when someone is interested vs not. Ask questions, be engaged, use your non-verbal body language. My two favourite interviews this summer were both for people who had never worked in a vet clinic in their lives; however, they were super friendly people who were fascinated by everything they saw. Both of them are now incredibly strong assistants after only a few months. That being said, if you haven't worked in the field before be aware of a few red flag statements: "I just love animals and want to save them all" "I want to work with animals because I hate people" etc. Being an ER clinic we are especially worried about people not being able to accept financial/aggression/"convenience" euths. I expect this will also be something that would be important for a humane society.
3. Be willing to pitch in. If there is some laundry piling up, ask if someone can show you how to do it so you can throw in a load or two. If someone is trying to put in a catheter and you know how to restrain safely, offer to hold for them. If the floor is covered in fur, find a broom. If anyone offers to show/teach you something, accept! (Unless you don't feel safe or comfortable). That being said, don't go ahead and do things without checking that it is okay. Liability is a thing and a lot of places won't be comfortable with you doing something that puts you at risk for being injured/bitten/scratched.
4. If the person doing your working interview is another assistant (and not management/vet/tech), treat them the exact same that you would have treated the others. I had one interviewee this summer that immediately lost all air of respect after finding out that I was an assistant, and became overly casual with me during the day (complaining about the offered wage, etc). They did not get hired.
At the end of the day, the goal is to answer the question "would I want to work with this person?". If you are friendly, have social skills, and seem teachable, the answer will be yes. Good luck, I'm sure you will do great!
