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Common Job Descriptions
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Free DownloadComplete Horse Industry Job Description Reference |
Here are some tips on selecting the right job types, a list of commonly used job titles, and descriptions of how to interpret these positions.
How to Select a Position that Fits Your Profile
Whether you are a job seeker or employer, it is important to select the correct job type or title. Job seekers -- select job types that genuinely fit your background and positions that actually exist in the job market. Employers -- select a job title that will be interpreted correctly for the job you have open. Job titles like trainer, groom, and many others frequently have different meanings for job seekers and employers, which leads to communication breakdowns and hiring failures. Don't reduce your chances of success because you have selected the wrong job type/title or have misunderstood how job titles are commonly interpreted. This list is provided to help you avoid these pitfalls.
Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make
1. Selecting a job with a title that is not commonly used in the job market. For example: "Intern" is a job title that is commonly used by colleges and universities, but it is rarely used by horse industry employers.
2. Selecting a job that requires more experience and skill than the job seeker really has. Some people think that the way to advance their career is to apply for jobs that will stretch their abilities to the limit. This usually backfires. Seek jobs that you can currently do and perform well at. Opportunities to advance will be available to you after you establish a successful track record.
3. Misunderstanding how a job title is used by employers. For instance, to most employers the word "trainer" refers to a person with an accomplished record training horses and competing with them successfully in more than simply local shows. Some job seekers seem to think that the word "trainer" refers to anybody that engages in "training activities," even if they are very basic activities and the person has little competitive experience.
4. Looking for "any job" instead of focusing on a particular job. It is quite common for job seekers to think that the best way to get a job is to consider any position the job market might offer them. However, the most effective job seekers determine the specific job type they are interested in, research how to go about getting it, and then seek that job specifically. Employers respond better to job seekers who are focused and committed to finding a particular kind of job.
5. Thinking that a certain type of job will provide better compensation and working conditions. Some job seekers, particularly those who are "burned out" on a particular kind of work, think that the grass is greener in certain types of jobs. For instance, someone who has spent several years as a groom -- working long hours at low pay without moving into a more advanced position -- may think that switching to an administrative or sales job will improve their situation. This may or may not be true. Working conditions, compensation, and opportunities to advance relate more to the type of employer you work for than the type of job you are doing. Good and bad jobs can be found within all types of work.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
1. Trying to "warn" people with a job title. Some employers intentionally use a job title like Stable Help or Groom to warn people that their position requires a willingness to do basic work like cleaning stalls or to be sure people understand that a job does NOT involve riding or training. This is a mistake. To attract the best people, ads for job openings should be positive and focus on reasons that make a job a great opportunity. Don't try to "warn" people with your ad. If you do, you will simply warn the good people away from your position, and you will be stuck with whoever is left.
2. Trying to say everything about your job with the title. Some employers are too concerned with the message a job title will send to job seekers, and they try to cover too many bases with a job title (for instance, Groom/Rider/Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager). Because a job title needs to be accompanied by a more detailed description of the job, an exact title is not necessary. A Groom/Rider/Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager position could be simply titled Barn Manager. The specific duties would then be explained in the description.
In General
Many horse industry positions require
excellent physical condition and stamina. Hours tend to be irregular
and long. Extended periods of work without time off may be required.
In some cases, pay scales may be lower because many people will accept
less money simply for the opportunity to work with horses. In many
employees' minds, the chance to be around horses is considered a fringe
benefit which frequently offsets being paid lower wages.
Common Job Types
Please Note: If you
need help determining the job types or title that are best for you, Contact Us.
The descriptions provided in this
list are approximations. Actual descriptions will vary from one employer
to another.
Horse Care,
Daily Operations, and Entry Level Positions
Breeding and Foaling Positions
Opportunities for On-the-Job
Training
Training and Competing
Riding Instruction Positions
Manager Positions
Sales Positions
Administrative Positions
Other Positions
Combination Positions
Any of the above positions may
be combined in a single position. The most common combinations are
Trainer/Manager, Groom/Rider, and Instructor/Manager. Many others
occur.
