Flea and tick preventatives are among the most common prescriptions written by veterinarians. This question helps you assess whether the candidate is familiar with the newest flea and tick medications and whether he or she appropriately considers the dog or cat's medical history as well as ease of application for the recommended flea/tick medication. An applicant's answer to this question may also tell you what he or she prioritizes when recommending treatments in general. What to look for in an answer:

• Appropriate knowledge of the newest flea and tick products
• Ability to account for potential allergies or contraindications
• Consideration of the pet owner's medication preference

This question helps you discover more about the candidate's training and his or her views on the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases. You'll learn whether he or she is aware of the latest cancer treatments and prefers to treat this illness in an aggressive or conservative manner. You'll assess whether the candidate would make appropriate referrals to veterinary specialists and how he or she would involve clients in their pets' treatment plans. What to look for in an answer:

• Awareness of latest cancer and complex disease treatments
• Willingness to make referrals to specialists
• Ability to include the client in the pet's treatment plan

This question is a good icebreaker, and it allows you to uncover more about the candidate's particular talents and passions and decide whether he or she would be a good fit for your team's needs. You'll be able to gauge whether the applicant's areas of expertise would complement those of your existing staff, and you'll understand more about how he or she might interact with patients and clients. What to look for in an answer:

• Evidence of passion and expertise in areas that match your team's needs
• Ability to build rapport
• Knows how to communicate clearly

Veterinarians perform dozens of annual physicals for patients each week. This question helps you ensure that the applicant is skilled in carrying out these routine checks, and you'll also learn whether he or she is aware of the latest guidelines for these exams. The question provides insight into how thorough the candidate may be, and it helps you assess how he or she may communicate with and relate to pet owners. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the latest physical exam guidelines
• Ability to explain procedures to clients
• Familiarity with keeping pets calm and cooperative

Veterinarians commonly face disagreements with clients over the most appropriate course of treatment for their pets. This question enables you to gauge whether the applicant would approach these situations with a respectful and professional attitude. The candidate's answer will help you to understand whether he or she would be confident handling these situations independently. You'll also learn which conflict-resolution strategies this applicant would be most likely to use. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to prevent conflict where possible
• Appropriate understanding and application of conflict-resolution tactics
• Understanding of how to effectively resolve conflicts independently