Veterinary Voices
Most vet clinics are proud of their culture. They know it's special — it's what makes them tick. What they don't know is how to share those stories in ways that mean something to other vets and nurses.
That's culture storytelling. And Julie South — founder of VetClinicJobs — shows vet clinics how to do it.
You'll hear real vets and nurses talking about what it's actually like to work at their clinics. Not the polished corporate version — the real moments that show how teams handle pressure, support each other, and why someone would actually want to work there. That's the kind of proof that builds trust before anyone's even looking.
You'll also learn which stories to share and when, how to stay visible to great people even when you're fully staffed, and why the quiet months between hires are actually your biggest opportunity. Each episode gives you something specific to do that week — a story to share, a shift to make, a pattern to break.
If you're tired of starting from scratch every time someone resigns, this podcast shows you how to become the clinic people are already watching.
Veterinary Voices
013 - Reference Checks - 9 questions to ask | what you can and cannot do - or ask | NZ law
Reference (and background) checking - why you absolutely must see it as an investment rather than a cost
- why you should do it – even when you think you can’t spare the time,
- what questions to ask,
- what answers might raise some red flags,
- what to do with those red flags, and
- what you can and cannot do in relation to reference checking and NZ law
In Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand there are some things you absolutely cannot do in relation to reference checking potential new recruits and things you absolutely must do.
Reference checking is protected and/or governed by three different Acts of Parliament:
- the Employment Relations Act 2000,
- the Human Rights Act 1993, and
- the Privacy Act 2020
We’ll take an in depth look at the 9 reference check questions I always ask every referee so you can understand what types of answers or responses raise red flags and then how to handle those.
You'll understand why I ask the questions I do and how to accuracy-check some of the answers you might be given from referees.
You'll also understand why a ‘no’ to the question “would you hire this person again” might not be the deal breaker you expect it would be.
We’ll also quickly look at some reference checking that’s fallen foul of the law and ended up in court.
Choosing Referees:
- Immediate / Direct-report manager
- Choose wisely
- Let your referees know what you're doing / what you're up to
- Ask them first
- Mutual trust
Case Studies:
- an inaccurate reference
- supposed breach of privacy
- lying on job application
Summary:
- background & reference checking is essential
- choose referees wisely
- respect & protect people's privacy
- ask for only what you need & nothing else
- ask the right questions
- reference check every new hire - regardless of the job / position / duration
- reputations at stake
- outsource if necessary
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.
The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs
