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How can I tell if an employer will be good to work for?
Why is it a bad idea to keep my options open?
How can I reduce the risk I take when accepting a job?
I am out of work, low on money, and need a job quickly. What do I do?
Should I go to school and get a degree or certificate relating to the horse industry?
Do I need a resume?
What's the best course of action when I'm investigating a job and the employer stops returning my phone calls?
What is the average salary for the job I want?
If I have started work and don't like something my employer does, what should I do?
Should I have an employment contract with my employer?
I can't seem to get ahead in my career; what should I do?
If I can't find an employer who will hire me along with my pets, my family, and/or my horses, what should I do?
Is there a best time of year or a best part of the country to find a job?
How do I get a job selling products and services relating to horses?
I make a top salary outside the horse industry. Can I expect a similar salary if I switch to work with horses?
If I don't want to relocate, what are my chances of building a good career in the horse industry?
Can couples find work as a team in the horse industry job market?
If I have never worked with horses before, what are my chances of landing an entry level job?
What should I do if my current employer goes out of business?
I have a equine related degree, but I have never had a horse job. What kind of job should I look for first?
How can I tell if an employer will be good to work for?
Obtaining information about employers can be tricky. Asking employers for their references would be an impractical way to find out about them. However, it's critical to know if an employer would be good to work for. In fact, your career depends on it. We actually recommend that you select your employer more carefully than you select the job you'll be doing the first day at work. You can gather much of the information you need directly, but some must be gathered indirectly. See Building a Relationship with Potential Employers for details on this subject.
To determine if an employer is good to work for, find out about their finances, standing in the industry, and employee relationships. Be sure to select an employer who is sound financially, has a good reputation, and knows how to treat employees appropriately. For information on how to research employers, see Preparing to Search for a Job.
Why is it a bad idea to keep my options open?
Putting too many limits on your job search may prevent you from finding the job you want. However, if you fail to establish any limits, "keeping your options open" could halt your job search before it gets started. You must be able to investigate your options. The horse industry is simply too large for you to research every type of job and get to know people from all the different divisions. To find the job you want, you must narrow down the field. Only then can you research a job type that interests you and get to know the people in a specific part of the industry.
You may create a problem by keeping your options open in different way. If you are offered a good job, don't be indecisive about accepting it. If you keep your options open too long, you might lose out on some worthwhile employment opportunities.
For more information on this process, see Researching Your Chosen Job Type and Focusing on a Specific Breed or Segment.
How can I reduce the risk I take when accepting a job?
You always take some risk whenever you accept a new job, but there are ways to limit the risk. Research your employer as carefully as you can: see Preparing to Search for a Job. Know your own abilities and accept a job that fits them: see Job Security. Consider working for a trial period with your new employer before you relocate your family and belongings completely: see this Idea.
I am out of work, low on money, and need a job quickly. What do I do?
One of the quickest ways to sabotage yourself is to search for a job when you are under pressure to find work in a short period of time. An effective job search takes time and includes necessary expenses. If you are forced to accept a job in a hurry without taking the time to investigate it, there is an excellent chance that you will be looking again in the near future. You might land a job, but it probably won't suit you in the long run.
To conduct an effective job search, you must have the time to do the needed research and networking. You must be able to pay for things like telephone calls and traveling to interviews. If you are not in a position to meet those expenses and to take the time you really need to make a good choice, we recommend that you find some type of temporary job. This way, you can earn enough money and buy yourself some time to search for a job properly. Finding a job when you are already employed might take you longer than if you could devote yourself to it full time. However, it is better for the job search process to take longer than it is for you to desperately grab the first thing that comes along or to go from job to job in a mad dash to keep food on the table.
Should I go to school and get a degree or certificate relating to the horse industry?
Going to school may be the right thing to do whether you are just starting a career in the horse industry or already have one. However, earning a degree or certificate so you can impress employers with it is not a good reason to go to school. Most employers are not impressed by such things. For information on the good reasons to get formal education and help on making an informed decision about going to school, see Deciding About Formal Education. If you already have a career in the horse industry but it needs a boost, you may be considering more schooling. Many techniques can be used to get a stalled career going again. For some ideas about "jump starting" your career, see Should I Get More Education?
Do I need a resume?
It is certainly possible to get a job without having a written resume; however, having a resume available is a good idea. Many employers will ask for your resume. A resume will help employers remember details about you. For information on how to prepare a resume and the most effective ways to use one, see What About a Resume?
What's the best course of action when I'm investigating a job and the employer stops returning my phone calls?
An employer may stop communicating with you for any number of reasons. Perhaps the employer didn't get your message. Maybe they are no longer interested in you. They could be on vacation or be attending to a crisis. Maybe they are trying to reach you, but you are unavailable. Perhaps they are not ready to talk to you because they are trying to make a decision about you. Maybe the employer has already hired someone. You should be ready to move on to the next opportunity if your hot prospect grows cold. When employers don't return your phone calls, it's time to limit your attempts to contact them. For specifics on what to do and how to set limits, see this Idea.
What is the average salary for the job I want?
Salaries in the horse industry do not follow any fixed standard. They vary greatly according to duties, responsibilities, benefits, location, size of operation, and division of the industry. There's more to horse industry compensation than the amount you see on your paycheck. However, it is important for you to have some idea of the salary range for the job you're considering. You may also need to respond to employers who want to know your "asking salary." For a more complete discussion of this subject, see Compensation.
If I have started work and don't like something my employer does, what should I do?
All employers will sometimes make decisions, set policies, or do things you don't like. It is important to remember that your employer is taking all or most of the business risk and supplying all or most of the money for the operation. This generally means that your employer has the right to do things as they see fit. For the most part, you will simply have to get along as best you can.
However, there are two situations where you may want to take some action. First, if you and your employer don't see eye-to-eye on many different things or on just a few critical things, you may need to find a new employer. Second, if your employer is involved in any illegal activity, you may be obligated to report your employer to the appropriate authorities. (Before you do this, be sure to decide where you will go and what you will do if you lose your job.)
Should I have an employment contract with my employer?
For the most part, we do not recommend employment contracts. However, if an employer asks you to sign one, you may want to consider it. It is important for both you and your employer to understand exactly what will be expected of you on the job. For an alternate approach to achieving an understanding about the specifics of your job without an employment contract, see Duties and Responsibilities.
I can't seem to get ahead in my career; what should I do?
It is common for people to get "stalled" in their careers. Although many people assume that a lack of skills is preventing them from getting ahead, that's usually not the problem. More often, the problem stems from insufficient understanding of how to be "promoted from within" and how to apply the best research and networking techniques. For a discussion of how to advance your career effectively, see Climbing the Ladder.
If I can't find an employer who will hire me along with my pets, my family, and/or my horses, what should I do?
Pets, family, horses, and similar obligations can put limits on a job search. Some employers don't allow pets. Others don't have housing for a family. Space for your horses may be limited or not provided for at all. However, don't let your obligations limit your options. Have alternate plans. Perhaps you will need to board your pets with friends. Consider negotiating a salary that will give you enough money to rent your own housing. Think about keeping your horses elsewhere. For more information, see Compensation.
Is there a best time of year or a best part of the country to find a job?
The trends in location and time of year are so minor that you don't need to consider them. Don't try to predict when or where you will find your job. You only need one job. It needs to be the right one for you. It can come along at any time and where you least expect it.
How do I get a job selling products and services relating to horses?
Companies providing products and services for the horse industry use different approaches to sell their wares. Smaller companies use independent sales representatives and don't hire a sales staff. Larger companies hire sales people, but they have differing attitudes about the background they want. Some want strong sales experience and don't care about experience with horses. Others want experienced horse people and are less concerned with sales background. A few companies do not want people with any horse experience to sell their products. They prefer experienced sales people who do not have preconceived notions about whose horse product is best. We recommend that you use Tack 'n Togs magazine as a resource to find companies that provide products and services to the horse industry. Check out their web site:
I make a top salary outside the horse industry. Can I expect a similar salary if I switch to work with horses?
Many people consider working in the horse industry to be a fringe benefit in itself. Horse industry employees are often willing to work for less because horses are part of their lives. Therefore, the salary levels tend to be lower than in some other industries. If you are switching to a horse industry career, you probably have some of the skills you'll need, but you may not have them all. Thus, it may be necessary for you to start out at a lower level of responsibility with a lower salary. After you have gained job experience in the industry and acquired the full set of skills needed, you'll be ready to compete successfully for a more advanced position that offers better pay. For additional information on salary, see Compensation. For additional information on career changes, see Changing Careers and Switching from Other Industries.
If I don't want to relocate, what are my chances of building a good career in the horse industry?
Jobs in the horse industry are spread out geographically and don't concentrate in large numbers in any one area. This means that most people who build horse industry careers have to relocate whenever they change jobs. Attempting to build a career in only one location may severely limit your options. If you really don't want to relocate, try to increase your chances of success by removing as many other limitations as possible. For example, consider many different types of jobs in different breeds or segments of the horse industry. Also, make sure issues about pets, horse boarding, and your family don't impact your ability to take jobs (see above).
Can couples find work as a team in the horse industry job market?
Yes, the horse industry provides jobs for couples. They are not as common as jobs for individuals, but they come along regularly. Sometimes employers expect a couple to work for essentially the same salary as one individual. Other employers pay a salary commensurate with a two-person work load. Offering employers a "two for one" deal can make you very attractive, but be sure to negotiate a realistic arrangement that is fair to you as well as good for your employer. Whatever level of compensation you arrange, we recommend that each person receive a separate paycheck. This way, your social security, medicare, and retirement benefits accrue for each person separately.
Keep in mind that you may severely limit your work options when you will only accept a job if your "significant other" is also hired. It's usually easier and more practical for employers to hire one person at a time, as the need arises. Also, they may not need the skills your "other half" offers. Plus, they may wonder what will happen should you and your partner split up. If your partner can find separate work just as easily as you can, it may be better to seek employment independently.
As another option, one of you can be the active job seeker while the other person stays available for an employer who might want to hire both of you. With this approach, you increase your options because you are not limiting yourself to employers who will only hire both of you. If you're the active job seeker, simply remember to offer the services of the other person when you interview.
If I have never worked with horses before, what are my chances of landing an entry level job?
It doesn't take much experience with horses to qualify for an entry level job like Stable Help or Groom. To qualify, you will need to be able to handle horses from the ground, feed them, and clean their stalls. One way to gain this experience is to find a local stable where you can volunteer to help out for a few hours a week. After two or three months of doing this, you should have enough experience to compete for an entry level position with pay.
What should I do if my current employer goes out of business?
When an employer goes out of business or eliminates your job for any other reason, proceed as if your job still exists, but you have decided to find a job with another employer. Work the process described in the Career Game Resource Pages. When you are ready, give notice to your employer and move on to your new job. Don't let your loyalty to your current employer prevent you from taking a new job. If your employer asks you to stay until the "bitter end," remain as long as you can, but keep in mind that you have no obligation to your current employer beyond a customary notice period.
I have a equine related degree, but I have never had a horse job. What kind of job should I look for first?
One of the most common mistakes made by graduates of horse related degree programs is to assume that their education is a substitute for job experience. Regardless of how much hands-on experience your education provided, you will still lack what can only be gained through actual employment. It will be hard for you to compete against people who already have a work history.
Because the horse industry provides relatively few mid-level positions, your choices may be limited to either a fairly basic or quite advanced position. With just a degree or certificate and no job experience, you are not prepared to compete well for an advanced position. To build your career effectively, plan to search for a basic level position when you first graduate. This will provide you with the opportunity to (1) prove yourself by doing work you already know how to do very well, (2) build an actual employment track record, and (3) learn those things that only become clear with on-the-job experience. If you look for a more advanced job immediately, you may find that someone with previous on-the-job experience always gets the position instead. Or, you may set yourself up for failure by biting off more than you can chew. For more information on this subject, see On the Job.
If you are just starting with the Career Game Resource Pages and have not looked at the Career Building Steps, this would be a good time to get started.
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