Ready to find your first racing job?

Finding a job in the racing sector depends on your ability to promote your skills and willingness to make the change. 

Trainers are very welcoming to employing grooms who have never worked in racing before, as long as you are open to learn a new set of skills and methods. 

PROMOTING YOUR SKILLS 

Depending on how long you have worked as a groom, and in what sector, you will certainly have a wide range of transferable skills. 

Your basic horse care is more than likely an established knowledge base and experience. 

You will be able to muck out, groom, tack up, wash off, turn out, rug up and recognise illness or injury.

All of these skills are desirable for every racehorse trainer, and you should have confidence that they you are just what they are looking for.  

STEPS TO GETTING A RACING JOB

Once you have decided that you are going to make the change, there is a lot of support to help you to find your new job.  

There are many options as to working in racing and it depends what stage you are at in your life as to what you might wish to do. Have a look at this Career Map to discover what options are available. 

Then take the next steps to getting that new job: 

Write your CV This is where you get to show off where you have worked and the experience you have gained.  Remember those transferable skills, and highlight any unique things that will make you stand out.

DECIDE ON Your new career path Do you want to ride, not ride? Have a complete change and become a racing secretary? Have a look on careersinracing.com to learn about your options.

Search for a job There are various ways to find a job in racing, the first place to look is the Careers in Racing Job Board. This is widely used by all trainers to find stable staff.  You can also approach trainers directly. They won't mind and will admire your professionalism.  You can use the Trainer Locator on the Racing Groom Hub (you can join for free) to search.

Apply for the role  Once you have found the job you would like to apply for, you needs to write a cover letter. Racing Groom have a helpful cover letter creator which you can use.

Attend the interview  Dress appropriately Jeans or breeches and a smart shirt/jacket are fine.  Prepare yourself There are some questions that often come up...“Tell us a little about yourself” or “What do you feel you can bring to the job?” Prepare in your head three or four main points you want to get across about your personality and your experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. It’s your chance to sell yourself, so make sure you get your best points across. Similarly, make sure you know as much as you can about the employer t by looking at their website.  Give yourself time Don’t feel you have to launch straight into the answer to a question. You can give yourself a moment to think! Demonstrate you are keen to change Be enthusiastic about your career change. This can be tricky when you’re feeling nervous, but it’s important to get across the fact that you’re keen to work with the employer. Think of two or three reasons why you want the job before you go to the interview and try and get these across. Listen, and ask questions Don’t feel you must talk all the time. If you have to give a short answer, don’t carry on talking, just to fill time.