Working as a locum vet means filling in temporarily for permanent members of staff at different practices. Whether you’re there for weeks or months, you’ll want to make a good impression from the word go. It’ll make for a more enjoyable experience, increase your chances of getting to work there again, and build useful connections that could boost your career.
Experiencing so many different practices, cultures, and ways of working in a short time is a great way to fast-track your education. However, it’s also a steep learning curve, and every locum vet feels a bit anxious to begin with. Here are a few tips to help you settle in and put your best foot forward.
- Help junior colleagues
You may be the newest member of the team, but you’re not necessarily the most junior. Don’t be shy about sharing your expertise with less experienced vets. It’ll show you’re a team player and make you popular.
If you actually are the most junior, show your willingness to learn. Take the initiative to pick up skills from those around you.
- Lead with confidence
Whether you find yourself helping junior colleagues or being parachuted in to lead a team you’ve never met before, stick “I Have Confidence” on your morning playlist and be firm but kind. Demonstrate that you can make a positive contribution to the practice by leading without being domineering.
- Be flexible
Practices have different policies, procedures, and ways of working. Remember when you started going to other kids’ houses and found out that their families all did everything subtly wrong? Get ready to relive that. Now as then, being open to trying new things without complaint will serve you well.
- Build good relationships
It can feel a bit intimidating when everyone else already knows each other, but don’t be afraid to make conversation, say hello every morning, and sit with your new colleagues at lunch. In our experience, they want to get to know you. Locums who keep to themselves can come across as standoffish, but the friendly ones are remembered and asked back.
- Remain dedicated
This should go without saying, but you should still be passionate and dedicated to a temporary role. Take your role as a locum vet as seriously as a permanent job. If you play your cards right, it might actually become one.
How recruiters can help you as a locum vet
While there are plenty of locum vet roles available, looking for the right one on your own can be stressful. A specialist recruiter can handle the hard work for you by:
- Making sure you’re the first to hear about new job opportunities–including many you won’t find on job boards.
- Picking out the ones that are right for you, including some you might have thought were out of your league.
- Helping you brush up your CV and your interview skills.
- Guiding you through every step of the application process.
- Giving you insider info on what the employer wants.
Working as a locum vet can be incredibly rewarding. Get in touch today to discover how easy it can be to find your ideal role
