What to wear to interview for a job with horses

naza

naza

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As title really, can't find much help online as just comes up with normal jobs so says a suit etc.

Would clear jodphurs, joules polo top and wellies do?

Or smarter- black jeans and a shirt/blouse- shoes??

Thanks for any input
 
Will you be expected to ride as part of the interview, and what is the setting?

If I was going to an interview that was outdoors, say on the yard, I would wear smart chinos or dark jeans with CLEAN country boots / wellies, a smart, clean polo top or shirt and a gilet. If it was in the office, I would do normal trouser suit type interview clothes, with my wellies in the car just in case.

If it was a ridden interview I would wear what I would if I was having a lesson with a top notch visiting instructor: spotless cream or black johds, white t- or polo-shirt, super clean long boots, hair in a net etc...

Hope that's given you some options - I think you just need to give the impression that you are professional, and take pride in what you do.

Good luck!!
 
What's the job for?

If it's a yard job, then I'd personally wear 'smart' yard clothing like you said - dark coloured but clean breeches, a dark coloured top (plus top layers if cold) and yard boots. I'd personally wear my hair up in a neat pony tail/bun type style & minimal make up/jewellery.

If riding, then riding boots.

You want to look neat, tidy but able to do the job in appropiate clothing.

If it's a more office based horse related job then I'd be inclined to wear a long sleeved shirt (possibly with a blazer if you have one and it's cooler weather), cords or similiar (not jeans) or possibly a skirt and either flats or clean country type boots. Again, I'd go for hair up and minimal make up.
 
Is it possible to phone up and ask if you will be expected to ride?

When I was a teenager I worked on a few yards, the first jobs where I worked the interviews were all chat in the coffee room/kitchen so in my naivety when I went for a new job on a point to point yard I went in my usual interview get up - smart jeans, shirt and gilet look. When I got there, the owner and I barely chatted and there certainly was no sit down in a coffee room with a mug of tea... The interview was literally seeing if I could ride the most complicated horse in the yard! I didn't have any riding gear and so we had a rather embarrassing 10 minutes of us struggling to fit me in a pair of super snug long boots. She was not impressed at all. Got the job though after I had ridden crazed lunatic horse out 😌

So the moral of my story ... I'd dress smart, but wear trousers that if it was sprung on me I had to ride I could and have all your riding gear, including back protector incase you get idiot horse, with you in the back of the car.
 
I recall a long university summer holiday where I had applied to an international yard who need additional groom cover for the summer season.
10am interview 2.5 hours away and I had a yard of 6 horses to do first.
I honestly gave the interview no thought what so ever, I did the yard, hopped in the car in my mucky yard stuff and arrived on time for interview.
As I exited the car onto a very smart establishment I suddenly realised the error of my ways. I shook the boss' hand, apologised for my state but said Id needed to get 6 horses done that morning.
She smiled and said 'when can you start'

Now I wouldn't necessarily reccomend that approach (!!) but again if you are interviewing for grooming type work Id say just go clean and functional. Dark jeans, polo and clean work boots.
 
naza said:
I emailed them and they have said to come prepared to ride and 'a sit down interview'
Click to expand...

In that case I'd arrive in spotless, dark jods with a smart, well matched polo shirt or shirt (tucked in, preferably with a belt, I think a belt makes a huge difference to smartness where riding gear is concerned) and gilet if the weather calls for it. I'd wear a smart boot (Dubarry or similar) if you have them and change into riding boots when necessary. Make sure your riding boots and hat are clean (and gloves if you wear them) and take a hairnet if necessary. If you have long hair, I'd go for a no nonsense pony tail or plait - nothing that will require rearranging to get your hat on, just stick hairnet and hat on and go.

Good luck!
 
Whatever you wear & you've had loads of advice arrive in plenty of time. Start out early & park up down the road if you need to from the place so you arrive in good time. Ensure your clothes are clean & tidy, boots clean & you must look clean smart & professional. Look like you've made an effort & they will appreciate it & realise you are taking it seriously & are showing them respect. It's all in the detail.

Oh & don't forget to smile!

Good Luck :)
 
Goes without saying but leave your phone in the car or if you must have it with you make sure it's switched off :D
 
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