Finding A Job With Horses | Tips And Advice

Making and accepting a job offer – the do’s and don’ts!

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 4th July 2019 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Sometimes, making and accepting a job offer can be somewhat rushed and not treated with the formality it really does require. Whilst it’s a huge relief to have reached this stage, it is by no means the end of the process! There is still time for things to unravel and go wrong, and sometimes badly wrong, which it’s why it’s so important for both employers and job seekers to approach this stage with care and to put aside a little quality time to get it spot-on! Read our guidance on making and accepting a formal job offer…

What happens when a job offer is withdrawn?

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 4th July 2019 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Offering and accepting a job offer can be a time of mixed emotions – happiness, relief, anxiety, and even confusion in some circumstances. But occasionally things go wrong when they’ve barely begun and the job offer is withdrawn. Where do employers and job seekers stand when a job offer/acceptance is withdrawn?

Brexit – Information for Employers and Grooms in the Equine Industry

Kelly Wallace Horne 14th February 2019 Articles

As we fast approach 29th March 2019 when the UK leaves the European Union, “Brexit” dominates our news headlines daily but it can be extremely hard to keep up with, let alone understand what is happening and what to expect. As an international recruitment agency, we place many British Grooms in jobs within the EU, and many EU citizens into jobs within the UK, so… what about information for Employers and Grooms in the equine industry?

Equine career planning in 4 simple steps

The Grooms List Team 13th January 2019 Jobseekers

Equine Career Planning - The Grooms List

Most young people entering the equine industry as a career pathway dream of grooming at the Olympia Horse Show or exercise riding international sport horses or something similar, but due to lack of any real structured planning and implementation of said plan, many give up on their dreams or leave on the reality sooner or later. Equine career planning is the key to achieving dreams, trust us! What gets written down, reviewed and even measured, gets done! Here’s how it couldn’t be simpler in 4 simple steps…

A Job Seekers Guide to Reference Checks

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 30th November 2018 Jobseekers

When applying for a new job it’s easy to assume that reference checks are the responsibility of the prospective employer, or the recruitment agency if applicable. But you want that job, right? Then help to secure it for yourself by being savvy when it comes to employment references and associated checks! Reference checks are not incidental to an employer selecting YOU as their new recruit, they are critical! Read on to find out how neglecting employment references can kill any chance of you getting a new job.

Location! Location! Job Location!

Becky Parker 30th September 2018 Jobseekers

Choosing a location to look for a new job

Truly, the matter of job location can be a difficult subject to broach as a recruitment consultant. A huge part of me screams to write an extremely persuasive article urging you to broaden your horizons and keep an open mind to jobs anywhere in the UK, or even abroad. The opportunities this opens up to you are tenfold to those restricted by job location. So, how important is it that your next job is in the ‘right’ location? Is it worth being flexible for that DREAM job? We take a look at when you should be flexible and when you should hold out for your ideal.

How an Equine Apprenticeship can benefit your child

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 14th September 2018 Articles

The Grooms List Apprentices Zone - How an Apprenticeship can Benefit Your Child

As specialist equine recruitment consultants, we see the good and bad outcomes of unstructured career pathways and the results of the “rooky errors” young people make without correct guidance. We’re passionate about the part we can play in improving the role of an equine groom as a credible career pathway and we’ll always do our utmost to encourage your child to make safe career decisions.

Many young people wishing to work in the equine industry will make a blind leap into it by accepting the first job available to them. Needless to say, this isn’t always a constructive foundation for a fruitful career in the equine industry. Many grooms resort to “job-hopping” in search of the training and opportunities they crave, without realising the damaging effect this has on their CV and future career prospects.

By contrast, an Equine Apprenticeship makes the job seeker focus on what they would like to achieve within their career and how they can achieve it. The job seeker can then source meaningful employment as an Apprentice Groom, enabling them to earn while they learn, laying the foundation of a promising career – and ultimately become one of the best professional grooms in the equine industry.

A step by step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 5th September 2018 Jobseekers

The Grooms List Apprenticeship Zone - Simple Step by Step Guide to Becoming an Apprentice Groom

Everyone likes to keep things simple, and sometimes gathering all the information needed before making decisions and acting on them can be time-consuming. With this in mind, The Grooms List team have put together a simple step-by-step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom, from finding your Apprentice Groom vacancy to your options once you’ve gained your qualification.

A Sneak Peek at an equine Employers Wishlist…

The Grooms List Team 19th August 2018 Jobseekers

A Sneak Peak at an equine Employers Wish List

It is surprising how often we come across bewildered job seekers wondering why they are struggling to secure their ideal job. Sometimes the reason is obvious, other times less so. No matter how incredibly experienced/qualified and talented a groom you are there can be many reasons things don’t happen as quickly as you might like. Clearly, 3 horses, 4 dogs and a magpie (yes really) won’t help, but the more subtle reasons usually take the eyes or ears of a genuine and interested recruitment expert! We often can quite quickly help you to identify what the blocks are. Our team compilation ’employers wishlist’ is not designed to be an exhaustive tick list by any means, but it does pretty much cover most of what we have heard over the years.

Equine Apprenticeships: Course Options – Grooms of the Future Part 2

Kelly Wallace Horne 8th June 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Looking to build a successful career in a particular discipline or sector of the equine industry? Find out about the course options available to learners via and equine apprenticeship.

Writing an Equine CV

The Grooms List Team 1st June 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Writing an equine CV doesn’t have to be daunting, long-winded or time-consuming, and it will make a HUGE difference to your job hunt. Find out more about the benefits of making a CV and documenting your work history as you go. The Grooms List even offers you FREE OF CHARGE a template to drop all this information into!

Looking for Work with Horses: Getting Started – your Jobseekers Profile

The Grooms List Team 25th May 2018 Jobseekers

The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment has grown like crazy over the last year or so. We are told we have the best, the easiest to use website & the best service to grooms etc and of course, we are delighted by that…, but we want to do more for you.

It looks like many of you are choosing to register solely with us and not everywhere else so now you don’t have to maintain multiple profiles all over the place, to get the very best from this choice, you need to put the time in if you haven’t already, to get the very best results. Let’s face it, it’s fundamentally what we are all here for, (that and our blogs and the fun on our social media pages of course too we are told).

If you really are a serious job hunter and not just dawdling for your own reasons (?!) don’t get disenchanted about the industry when the wrong things happen or things don’t happen at all – help us to help you and let’s make a start by looking at your Jobseekers Profile…

What is a Job Trial and why should I attend one?

Becky Parker 13th April 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

So you think you have found the job you have been looking for? That’s great, but WHOA just hold your horses a second… In my experience, interviewing alone can be a very inexact science. Before you shake hands on the deal, I strongly recommend all job seekers and all employers road test each other first with a job trial, at a pre-agreed paid rate of course. This might be the one thing that for you, secures your decision or it may be that you will look back and consider how you really dodged a bullet. Of course sometimes, for some people, a job trial is not always practical, but if it is, move heaven and earth, do yourself a favour and have one. There is nothing like a road test for really seeing first hand if something might be a fit; and you know we are all about job satisfaction and job longevity here at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Reruitment! Becky has shared some of her thoughts about job trials and of course, I can’t resist chipping in here and there…

About Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 23rd February 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Ever wondered who and what Freelance Grooms are, or are you considering setting yourself up as a Freelance Groom? The appeal of a working life flitting from yard to yard, meeting many, many new horses (and people of course!) is understandable but is this perception realistic? You know that according to British Grooms Association guidelines there is no such thing as Freelance Groom jobs? So how does that work? In this article Emily Taylor has put together a go-to guide of facts and info, including some of the real considerations that Freelance Grooms or anyone wanting to become a Freelance Groom should be aware of, not to mention some of the semantics associated with this title which can really matter when it comes to employment law and the taxman…

Equine Apprenticeships – invaluable education or slave labour?

Becky Parker 2nd February 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Fresh from the clutches of 11 years enforced education, drunk on your own freedom (honestly guv I’m just really happy), the prospect of earning a proper wage dangled in front of you tantalisingly, it can be tough persuading yourself to think long-term about career planning. The prospect of returning to a classroom for college courses or perhaps a degree holds no appeal for those who struggle with formal education or are just fed up with the confinement of a classroom. Apprenticeships provide an alternative way to achieve formal, industry recognised City and Guilds qualifications with minimum or possibly even no classroom time. Learners are able to ‘earn while they learn’ as the tagline goes. The equine industry is famously fast-paced and physical, and there is unanimous thinking when it comes to the verdict that there is really no substitute for practical, on the job training. An equine Apprenticeship allows you to gain this in an unexploited, structured and planned way whilst also gaining the piece of paper to prove it. Becky Parker discusses the pros, cons and alternative routes into a successful career with horses.

How to FAIL at your equine job hunt!

Becky Parker 26th January 2018 Articles, Jobseekers

Job-hunting is not easy, believe us, we know this. Finding the perfect job that matches all your requirements in terms of preferred location, favourite discipline, nice accommodation, chances to ride, or not, welcoming your beloved menagerie of pets and/or significant other too. Sometimes it can truly feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack! So when your equine job hunt finally uncovers the ideal employment opportunity there are a few really silly mistakes you just don’t want to be making.

Here to help as always we bring you a simple guide on what NOT to do.

How to negotiate a salary in the equine industry

Caroline Carter 8th January 2018 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

There are of course many factors which influence the longevity and success of any working relationship. Between grooms and employers, none of these are more hotly debated these days than that of grooms’ salary and the general package. You don’t have to look too hard on social media to see the disgruntled outpourings from all sides and every day I have conversations which clearly demonstrate much is still left to be done for this situation to become resolved. I don’t pretend to have an answer as to how we raise the income levels of this particular sector, (which is in many ways is similar to many of the “caring professions”) but I believe how and when the topic of salary and terms is covered within the whole interviewing process, if addressed, could have a positive impact on the longer term security of those involved.

In this article, I give both grooms and employers my advice on laying the foundations of long-term, happy, healthy and successful employment.

The difference between employed, self-employed and freelance grooms

Becky Parker 24th November 2017 Articles, Jobseekers

The legal requirements which underpin being self-employed vs employed are vast but not as complicated as you might originally have thought. Here at The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd, we don’t pretend to be legal, tax or HR experts on the nuances that surround this subject, but we know people who are and with their expert guidance, Becky Parker our brilliant blog writer has researched that for your information this week. We proudly support Grooms who are looking for full-time employment, those self-employed/freelancing and looking to add clients to their portfolio, or indeed just starting out on either road and wondering how best to proceed. We really can and regularly do help and have many success stories that attest to that. We wouldn’t direct anyone to go one way or another specifically as it is a very personal to each individual.

Why use an Equestrian Recruitment Agency?

Becky Parker 21st October 2017 Articles, Employers, Jobseekers

Finding your way through the minefield that is job hunting is a tricky task. Some may liken it to the proverbial hunt for a needle in a haystack, but No! let’s not bring that kind of negativity here. Undeniably there are many shady employers around but equally, there are still quite a few good, generous, kind-hearted and appreciative ones too. Becky Parker outlines the role we play in the recruitment process of both employers and jobseekers in the equestrian industry.

Taking a horse and pets to a new job

Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd 22nd September 2017 Jobseekers

It’s true to say that horses are not a hobby but a way of life and for the majority, if not all of us, horses are in our blood. It’s a passion that can’t be ignored, resulting in many of us keeping horses, working with horses – or both. But how do our four-footed family impact our employability and career development?

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Featured Job Vacancies

JL48466 Dressage Home Groom/Rider – Dorset

Jemima Green Para Dressage

Live in Somerset, UK

Job Description Due to relocation I am looking for a stay-at-home groom. Day to day care of the horses and all stable, field and yard duties. Must be experienced and competent with sole charge as there will be times you will be on your own when I am away at competitions. Confident with general riding and fitness work. Must have high standards and quality of work and turn out to a high standard. There will be a small element of assistance due to being a full-time wheelchair user. Between 7-9 horses including youngsters and retirees. Minimum Requirements Must have worked on a yard and experienced with sole charge. Licence to tow trailer or drive HGV an advantage. Accommodation details Shared 3 bed listed building with large garden Benefits Opportunity to train with top dressage trainer, lots of riding for the right person. Own horse welcome Moving into the new property August 2019 so if happy to start in July it will be based in Dorset to help pack up and meet horses. Can discuss possible options until settled in.

JL54142 Traineeships – Grooms – Get a ‘leg up’. Surrey

Clandon Park Livery

Live in Surrey, UK

Job Description 🙂 Know your facts https://thegroomslist.co.uk/equine-apprenticeships-course-options/#traineeships 🙂 Traineeships scheme An interesting opportunity for persons wishing to get a skills and experience ‘leg up’ and enjoy work experience with training to improve their stable management skills and gain additional skills and experience alongside a very friendly and experienced team and BHS Coach. This is a fabulous professional Livery Yard offering Full, Part, DIY and Field livery to horse owners, where you can work alongside a highly skilled mentor and gain experience on a short term basis. Minimum Requirements You must be a reasonably competent horse person to start, as we don’t have the scope to train someone from scratch. However, training is available to gain skills like plaiting, show turnout, clipping (autumn/winter), loading and travelling horses, teamwork, how to treat common minor ailments, maintaining routine records, arena care, field and yard management and equestrian organisation management and even math and english if you require any assistance with these skills. Benefits A unique opportunity to bridge gaps in your skills-set or brush up your existing skills and gain confidence in preparation for seeking a full time permanent rider/groom apprenticeship and full time groom position in the future. This is a legitimate short term training role to add to your CV . Access to group or individual tuition, training or lectures from qualified and/or professional visiting instructors and coaches, Senior Grooms and a BHSI(SM) coach will be made available as required. On successfully completing the short term contract you will have a “Clandon Park Trainee reference” that you may then share with Caroline and The Grooms List Team to help secure your next role or take to future employers!

JL54141 Surrey – Top Livery Yard. Two Experienced Grooms Required. (With Scope to Head up Yard).

Clandon Park Livery

Live in Surrey, UK

Rare opportunity to join an historic estate team with an established but growing Livery business and an exclusive Riding Club. Two experienced grooms required, One for immediate start and one for end Sept. We value excellence in our staff and we will assist and support you where required with training to next level if desired and accommodation if you are not resident in the Guildford area. Job description : All usual livery yard duties including ordering basic requisites when required, recording livery extras supplied and supervisory/mentor roles over young trainee grooms. Some candidates who wish to ride will be given the opportunity to ride wonderful livery horses working in all disciplines and may be given the chance to take part in Riding Club activities. To certain candidates we may also be able to offer the chance to compete some of our own horses in dressage, show jumping, team chasing or BE100 if any of these are within your ability and are of interest to you. We are equally keen to find candidates who would like to totally concentrate on being a top Yard or bottom yard groom to our wonderful livery horses whether you wish to ride or not. We strongly believe that excellence may come to our team in all guises so please do not hesitate to contact us no matter what your abilities or strengths. Please ensure you add “Experienced Groom” or ” Trainee Groom” when you apply Minimum Requirements Honesty and integrity are paramount in these roles. We also accept trainee grooms on traineeships so we require very experienced grooms with patience who are good with people and who will enjoy acting as mentors to our young enthusiastic trainees. Accommodation details Our staff accommodation is close to the stables. Usually a shared cottage with a garden for our staff if required. Accommodation may vary according to your seniority/qualifications/experience. Benefits Stunning place to work in the centre of a 1000 acre private historic estate near Guildford. Supportive employers who will give you the opportunity to really prove yourself and grow into and beyond your role. Fabulous caring and supportive livery owners who respect our staff and many of whom compete their own horses at varying levels

JL54029 Somerset Stable Lad/ Lass and Rider

Jeremyscottracing

Live in Somerset, UK

Job Description We are a National Hunt yard based within the Exmoor National Park, we have about 40 quality horses in Training for the coming season and we are looking for a new member to join our team. We currently have a good team of people working for us and require a final member to join us. While racehorse experience is not necessary, we do require somebody who is competent around horses, an experienced rider would be a bonus but somebody who is keen to learn would also be considered. Enthusiasm, and a willingness to work in all weathers goes without saying. The position is full time, which is Monday to Saturday with one Sunday in three, you also have every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon off unless racing, competitive rates of pay, overtime paid and also a percentage of the prize money won by the horses. Your job will include all stable duties plus riding out up to 4 lots per day and will also include the opportunity to go racing. Minimum Requirements Accommodation details shared accommodation available Benefits

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