Criteria used by employers to select new graduate employees

To find out what criteria and methods are used by Australian employers to select new graduates to work in their practices.

Questionnaires were completed by 258 employers and the responses were analysed using the SAS system.

During selection, employers placed most reliance on formal interviews or visits to the practice. These occasions were used to assess the applicant's personal qualities including their ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues. Employers used resumes mainly in selection of applicants to interview and many discounted nominated referees as being insufficiently critical. Academic knowledge was regarded as less important than personal qualities and very few employers reported using gender as a basis for selection.

Senior veterinary students need to be aware of the importance placed by employers on interpersonal skills and personal qualities and should make every effort to engage in practical work, paid work and other activities that will help develop these attributes. They should be conscious that practitioners with whom they work may be contacted by potential employers and they should learn to present themselves realistically in a resume.