I started in recruitment working at an agency in Edinburgh, and then as the pandemic was beginning, I made the decision to move in with my girlfriend in Dunfermline. Vets Now in that area were looking for a recruiter. After never considering veterinary as an industry to recruit, I very quickly became passionate about it. I stayed with Vets Now for 18 months before moving into IVC Evidensia to recruit solely into referrals.
Within the referral talent team, we work together based on different disciplines. I look after referral vets in cardiology, oncology, ECC and internal medicine. I engage with veterinary professionals across the industry to promote our referral network and the individual opportunities available. My focus is on getting the right person into the right role, and I do everything I can to make it as seamless and efficient as possible for everyone involved.

The people that I'm working with are quite literally specialists in their field, so they'll always understand more about what it is they do than I do. My job is to have a chat with people, find out about their careers and understand their aspirations for the future. I speak openly with them and get to know them. It’s interesting learning about what they do, but I always have an understanding of the specialists themselves, how they interlink with each other and how they work together with the rest of the hospital. Getting to know people through these organic conversations is fascinating.

Can you tell us more about your skill set and what you feel you bring to the role?

I’m passionate about social media and networking. It’s rare for referral clinicians to apply for roles, and something I enjoy is engaging with candidates who hadn’t been considering a role and finding out if it’s something they’d be interested in.

I have strong people skills, that’s where my strengths lie. It's rare that I find a situation where I can't, engage in a conversation with somebody. I’m good at connecting with people and talking with them to identify their motivations. Some of the people I speak to are chattier than others, but whatever the situation I make sure to give them my full attention and time. I try to understand what it is about the role that they are passionate about and to work with them to find the right opportunity that aligns with their short and long-term goals.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working in niche markets and having the time to get to know my network. I also enjoy the travelling we do. It’s only a handful of times a year but we get to go to some fun places for conferences and engage with our network outside of telephone and video calls. Last year I was in Gothenburg and this year I'm going to Porto and Barcelona. These opportunities are so valuable for connecting with specialists and spreading the word about everything IVC Evidensia has to offer. Working from home is also a real benefit, I enjoy the flexibility and independence.

What are you most proud of in your work with us?

That’s a hard one! I don't know if this is a bit of a British thing where you can't self-appreciate. I think it would be the positive feedback we always get from candidates. I’m always hearing that people have enjoyed interacting with me and found it helpful.

If you were talking to someone who was thinking about joining IVC Evidensia what would you want them to know?

There’s so much to be gained from the size of our network, but there’s still that feeling of being a tight-knit team. You’re made to feel important, I've never come in and not felt appreciated for what I do. Good work is recognised, you know that what you're doing is valid and that it's making a difference. You can literally see that what you're doing is helping animals in the hospitals as well, that’s important.

I would put my hands up and say that I wasn't a massive animal lover until I had my own dog. But knowing I’m contributing to making sure that people’s animals will get the care they need means a lot. I think that is important. You don’t need to have a pet to care, but it adds something extra that you can relate to being in the situation for yourself.

Tell us more about your dog!

Nala is a cross between Shih Tzu and a toy poodle. My partner and I had been thinking about getting a dog, but we weren't 100%. And then I went on a walk with my partner and her best friend and got firmly encouraged into it! We went to see the puppies and we knew she was the one when she fell asleep in my girlfriend’s arms. She’s turning three this month. Although I was apprehensive about getting her, we haven’t looked back – I’m that stereotypical dad who doesn't want the dog and then falls in love with them.

Can you tell us something we might be surprised to know about you?

I was on the ITV gameshow Tipping Point! Sadly, I snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. I did really well but just lost it in the final round. It’s going to air in April, and I’m looking forward to seeing if I could’ve won it in the final round if I’d made it through.

Aside from being on the telly what do you like to do to unwind?

I love going to the cinema and watching films! Although my son is just over a year old now. so it’s usually when he’s in bed I get some time to enjoy films.  It’s mood dependent but my favourite film is The Dark Knight. I also like to play a bit of football.

Time for some quick-fire questions:

Dogs or cats?

Dogs

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Reading a book or watching a film?

Film definitely.

City break or beach holiday?

City break.