EPISODE · Sep 23, 2025 · 12 MIN
Your Best Staff Are Being Headhunted But Here's How to Keep Them | ep.238
from Veterinary Voices · host Julie South | Veterinary Recruitment Marketing Strategist
Have you ever wondered why some clinics never seem to lose good staff to headhunting competitors or recruiters, while other clinics are constantly battling to keep their best people from being poached? These immune clinics have built something so compelling that external job offers feel like a step backwards, not forwards.Here's what's really happening out there: recruitment agencies are double dipping. They headhunt someone from your clinic, then turn around and present another headhunted person as a solution to fill the gap they've just created. When challenged, they'll suggest that if you were paying your staff enough, no one would leave. But here's what they're missing—people don't just leave for money. They leave for better culture, growth opportunities, work-life balance, recognition, and feeling genuinely valued.Most clinics try to solve the poaching problem after it's already happened—someone hands in their notice and suddenly there's panic about counter offers and retention bonuses. But by then, it's often too late because the person had already mentally checked out.You'll discover:The three-strategy framework for building immunity against headhunters and poachersWhy building a culture worth staying for protects your team better than restrictive contractsHow to create employee advocates who respond to headhunters with "thanks, but I love where I am"The transparent trust approach that makes your door always open for career conversationsThe fatal mistake of trying to control your team instead of inspiring loyaltyThis week's actionable takeaway: Look at your current job ad and ask yourself—would reading this make your existing team feel proud to work at your clinic, or does it just describe a generic veterinary role? Transform your job ads to remind your current team why they love working there.Essential listening for veterinary practice owners who want to build something so good that their team becomes their biggest advocates against poaching.Brought to you by VetClinicJobs—direct hiring, reimagined. No recruitment agency.LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:[email protected] Vet Clinic Employer Brand Job BoardVetClinicJobs: Build Your Vet Clinic Employer Brand. Do Your Own Recruitment. Better.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics
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Have you ever wondered why some clinics never seem to lose good staff to headhunting competitors or recruiters, while other clinics are constantly battling to keep their best people from being poached? These immune clinics have built something so compelling that external job offers feel like a step backwards, not forwards. Here's what's really happening out there: recruitment agencies are double dipping. They headhunt someone from your clinic, then turn around and present another headhunted p...
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Your Best Staff Are Being Headhunted But Here's How to Keep Them | ep.238
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