Horse Jobs and Hiring Blog

This is a nice article, but there are some things which need mentioning that got omitted. First, as with any job, applicants MUST be well groomed themselves when they interview. This means more than just showing up in clean clothes; it also means that the person needs to present a neat, workmanlike appearance. Women who have long hair need to either put it up or tie it back. Clothing needs to be free of offensive slogans and advertising. Makeup should be conservative as well- and no dangling jewelry should ever be worn, regardless of gender. Men, keep your ears free of earrings- this is a job interview you're going to, not a social club. Guys also need to be clean shaven- they should NOT have a 5 O'clock shadow when they interview, nor should they be wearing wrinkled clothing. Body art and tatoos need to be kept covered and out of sight- there's nothing more offensive to most employers than seeing someone with arms or legs covered with tatoos. Women, cross your legs at the ankle when you sit down- don't hike one of them up across your lap, even if you have jeans on.  
 
 
 
Dress for the weather, and wear footwear which is appropriate to the kind of job you are applying for. If you are applying for a riding position, bring your OWN helmet and safety gear to the interview. Likewise,make sure that if you have a cell phone or pager that you either turn it off or set it to vibrate. There's nothing more rude than having your cellphone go off in the middle of an interview. If you answer it, it says volumes about what kind of employee you are likely to be- and most potential employers are really turned off by such rudeness.  
 
 
 
Above all, the one thing to remember when dressing for an interview in the horse industry is that FIRST impressions are LASTING impressions- and you will never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Well said, Danielle. Thanks for taking the time to add these additional thoughts! 
 
Seth