Where do I start?

Industry websites

A great place to start when looking for a new job in racing, is the Job Board on the Careers in Racing website.  You can set up an account which will allow you to set your preferences and receive job alerts.  The site is used widely by employers in the racing industry to list their vacancies and there is a huge range of opportunities are available, from yard jobs to graduate roles, to management positions.  The Job Board is searchable via your desired role and you can apply directly through the site.

The Racing Post is home to a jobs site on which you can find numerous opportunities in racing.  You can search via keywords and location or browse jobs by sector. Stud farms, stables, bookmakers, hospitality and advertising are among the options.  Similar to Careers in Racing, you can view the role and apply there and then.

If you are searching for a specific job as a groom, take a look at Racing Groom.  You are required to create an account which allows you to view vacancies and apply.  The site also allows you to access a full list of licensed trainers in the UK and get exclusive benefits for racing grooms.

Company Websites

Companies looking for staff will, in most cases, post their job vacancies to their own websites. Instead of depending solely on industry specific job sites, ensure you browse individual websites for jobs which may not have been posted to any of the above.  Depending on the type of role you are looking for, trainers, studs, racecourses, media companies and PR companies are all worth a look.  It may be time consuming but it’s worth the effort; remember, competition may be less for jobs which have not been as widely advertised.

Job Sites

Larger job search sites such as indeed.com allow you to search via keywords or company and this is a good way to narrow your job hunt to horseracing jobs rather than scrolling through hundreds of irrelevant vacancies.  You can also sign up for email alerts to notify you when new jobs are posted to keep you in the loop.

Social media

It is always worth searching social media sites for job opportunities.  LinkedIn has a large network of companies and individuals who work in racing and who are on the lookout for staff.  Keep your profile updated and make as many connections as you can. 

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are also useful resources for finding new jobs. Remember to keep your social media profiles professional at all times, particularly if you are interacting with potential employers.

Networking

One of the most successful ways of finding new work is through your connections. Even if it is not through someone you know directly, the likelihood is that one of your connections will know someone who can help, or will be aware of vacancies within the racing industry.  Ask around and if you have a specific employer in mind it can pay off to be bold – don’t be afraid call and ask if they have any work available.  This shows confidence and initiative which often appeals to employers.