You know you want to work with horses. You've done your homework, and have the necessary experience, education, and training for the particular field in which you are interested. Now it's time to land your dream job!
Whether you aspire to be an assistant trainer or whether you've trained to be a large-animal veterinarian, getting a job is never easy. After all, there are lots of qualified people out there vying for the same positions. Relax. By taking a few important steps you can ensure that your application rises to the top!
• Find the job leads. Okay, you know the jobs are out there, but how do you find them? Networking with other horse people is a great way to find out what's out there for you. Put the word out to your horsey friends, your local stable, and with all the equine professionals you deal with. You can also find jobs through equine industry employment listings, horse-related job fairs, listings through professional organizations and alumni groups, and equine tradeshows and expositions.
• Network. As you gain your experience, education, training, or certification, stay in close contact with all the people who helped you along the way. If you are not regularly in touch, get back in touch and let them know you are now actively seeking employment. Take them out to lunch or call them on the phone and ask of they can give you any information, advice, or good leads. However, don't turn your contacts off by rambling on and on. Develop a short "sales pitch," if you will, that tells your contact what kind of job you are looking for, as well as your qualifications, experience, and education. Always ask the people you speak with for the names and numbers of others who might be able to help you.
Placement Offices, Job Fairs, and Alumni Associations
If you have a college placement office, use it! Not only will they have the 411 on potential jobs, they will be able to hone your interview skills and help you with your resume. In many cases, they also set up interviews with potential employers!
Alumni Associations also usually have a posting of jobs. These jobs are often posted by other alumni, so you'll have something in common right off the bat!
Horse-related job fairs often comprise many booths of possible employers. While you'll have lots of company, attending a job fair is a good way to learn more about companies you may want to work for. It's also a great way to meet people from those companies face to face.
Equine Employment Specialists
While equine employment specialists charge a fee for their services, they are a great way to find out what jobs are available, not to mention the fact that they can really help you get your foot in the door. These specialists do everything from helping you with your resume to arranging an interview.
• Know how to write a resume. Make sure you target your audience, and put all relevant education, experience, and qualifications on your resume. Since you want to keep your resume to two pages, focus on the relevant experience. You may have enjoyed teaching hunt seat for beginners, but your experience as a veterinary intern may be more interesting if you are applying for a job as a large animal vet. Keep sentences short and too the point, and have someone else review your resume for impact before you send it out. Always use a simple font and high-quality paper.
• Nail the interview. Show up a little bit early. It goes without saying that you should be neat, clean, and should exude a professional appearance. Dress appropriately for the job. In other words, you can wear a business suit if you are applying for a sales position of a feed company, but don't do so to apply hands-on barn job. In that case, opt for clean clothing and polished boots instead! Bring a folder you can leave with the employer that includes another copy of your resume, a business card with your contact information, and letters of recommendation. Before the interview, think of all possible questions the employer might ask, and rehearse your answers. One question the interviewer always ask you is if you have any questions. Make sure you do! Have one or two prepared. Most of all, don't be nervous! Just be yourself, and the employer will see what a valuable asset you are. And don't forget to send a thank-you note a day or two after the interview.
With the right moves you should land the perfect equine job in no time!
