Preparing for a job interview

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You are here: Home / Articles / Careers and NAGS / Careers News and Advice

Jennifer Gordon Smith

15 May, 2006

Once you have been invited to attend a job interview, preparation is key to making the right impression

The word "interview" can strike fear into even the most confident person. But you can make the experience less stressful and improve your chances of being offered the position by doing the right preparation.

Interview tips

The secret of a successful interview lies in preparation, so spend time on your research before the big day

Find out about the employer via websites, word of mouth and press

Make sure you know the location, time of interview, who you will be seeing and how long it will take to get there

Find out what the interview will involve

Make sure you are comfortable in your interview outfit in advance and that everything is clean and in good repair

Clothing suitable for a BHS exam is appropriate for an interview at a yard

Keep accessories, perfume and make-up to a minimum

Be aware whether any positions advertised require a phone call rather than a written application before an interview in person. You will need to be able to impress and sell your skills verbally

The interview is the last chance to secure the job. First impressions are important and appearance and body language count

Maintain good posture, speak confidently, clearly and do not fidget. Smile and maintain eye contact and give a confident handshake

If you don't understand a question, ask for an explanation. Be truthful if you really don't know the answer

Don't answer with yes or no, always explain your answers and use relevant examples as back-up

Come prepared with questions — find out the number of horses on the yard and their use. Ask about facilities and accommodation, opportunities to learn, ride, and compete. You could enquire about the local area — where is the nearest shop and how accessible is public transport. Find out exactly what the salary does/does not include — meals, rent, bills, tuition, livery of own horse, pets, use of car/petrol/insurance

Don't condemn your previous employers

As well as the potential employer finding out about you, the interview is a chance for you to find out if the job and employer live up to your expectations

Take the opportunity to look around and speak to current employees if possible. You will quickly work out whether it is the right place for you. The look of the yard will tell you a lot

Join Horse & Hound's NAGS

Membership of the National Association of Grooms and Students (NAGS) is free to all bona fide grooms and students. NAGS is sponsored by training provider KEITS, which offers Modern Apprenticeships, for those aged 16-25, as well as work-based training in equine, animal care and agricultural businesses.

Benefits of being a NAGS member include: Horse & Hound subscription at £1 per copy, £3 discount voucher on a sack of Blue Chip Dynamic, 10% discount on Splash Equestrian equipment and clothing, no P& P charges from Equestrian Vision mail order and eligibility for NAGS-only competitions and offers.

If you are interested in becoming a member, write to: NAGS, Room 2018, Kings Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LS (tel: 020 7261 6993), e-mail: nags@ipcmedia.comor click here to download an application form in PDF format.

And remember, the club is open to all students, not just those studying for an equine qualification.

This careers feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine