Tips From Employers: What Made Us Say Yes to a Candidate
- Kick On Recruitment
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Ever wonder what really makes a candidate stand out to an equestrian employer?
We speak to businesses across the sector, from global brands to start up software solutions. The one question we always ask the same thing after a successful hire, “What made you say yes?”.
It’s rarely just about experience or qualifications. In fact, some of the strongest candidates don’t tick every box on paper but they still win the role.
In this blog, we are going to cover some of the main reasons our clients said yes.
They Were Genuinely Interested in the Role
It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the biggest factors.
Employers can spot the difference between someone applying to any job and someone who wants this one. Candidates who had done their research by mentioning the company’s products, ethos or growth plans, made an instant impression.
“She’d clearly looked at our website, knew what made us different, who our competitors were, our recent news and target audience. That stood out straight away.”
They Understood the Customer
Especially in sales and marketing roles, candidates who understood the audience (the rider, the owner, the tack shop etc) stood head and shoulders above others.
Whether it’s B2B or B2C, showing you understand the emotional connection behind equestrian products can be a huge win.
“He just got what our customers care about. You can teach product knowledge, but you can’t teach that level of empathy.”
They Were Honest About Their Skills and Open to Learning
Confidence is great but authenticity goes further.
Employers responded well to candidates who could say, “I’ve not done that before, but I’m keen to learn.” That attitude showed self-awareness, humility and growth potential.
“She didn’t try to bluff. Instead, she showed how she’d approached similar challenges — that’s what sold it to us.”
They Had Great Questions
It wasn’t just about answering well, it was about engaging thoughtfully.
Candidates who asked smart, relevant questions about the role, team culture or expectations showed they were invested and thinking long-term.
“He asked what success would look like after 6 months and our expectations from a new starter. No one else did. That really impressed us.”
Their Values Matched the Business
The biggest “yes” often came down to cultural fit. Did the candidate share the company’s passion, work ethic or collaborative spirit?
Experience matters but attitude and alignment matter more.
“She was just our kind of person – warm, professional and genuinely excited about the industry.”
So What Can You Take From This?
Here’s how to apply what we’ve learned:
Do your homework – know who the company is and what they stand for. Look at their recent news, perhaps sponsored riders they may promote or things going on in the industry relevant to them.
Don’t just repeat your CV – tell them how you would add value. Run through ideas you may have or areas they have not explored yet but would add to their business.
Show that you care – about the role, the team and the wider equestrian world.
Stay authentic – employers are looking for real people, not perfect ones.
Final Thought
Whether you’re applying for a customer service role at an equestrian insurance company or a senior sales position for a global brand, remember this:
Employers don’t just hire skills, they hire people. And when the right person meets the right business, it’s an easy “yes.”
Passionate about people. Passionate about horses. And passionate about helping you find your dream role.