Job Hunters
What do bosses look for?
Most farm employers want two simple things:
- The right attitude; and
- Good skills.
Check out the Career Explorer to identify skills that fit with what you could offer a new employer.
Often a farm employer will take on a person with a good attitude, who is willing to learn even if they don’t have the right experience.
Like all employers, farm employers want an individual who:
- Is honest and reliable;
- An individual who can work on their own;
- Is interested and enthusiastic;
- Takes pride in their work and workplace.
CV
Prepare your CV carefully. Start with your current role and go no further back than 5 years.
Your CV should:
- Be a true record of your skills and experience;
- Summarise your relevant achievements;
- Be easy to read and clear;
- Ideally be two to three pages and no more.
DairyNZ can help you through this process, including an easy-to-use template to follow.
Questions
- Be prepared before you go to your interview. Doing some homework shows commitment and a genuine interest in the role.
- Before you go, check that you know the location precisely and how long it will take you to get there, so you are not late;
- Dress to project the right image for the role - remember the first impression counts for a lot. But make sure to take suitable footwear as you will probably go on a tour of the farm
- Be prepared - ensure that you cover everything you need to know;
- Have a list of questions to ask, preferably written down and ready, such as:
- Who else works on the farm and what they do;
- Your precise role and responsibilities, the expectations around you;
- The level of contact you’ll have with the boss and other staff;
- Opportunities for training;
- Details of accommodation, time off, expected hours and seasonal fluctuations;
- The social life in the community - show that you are keen to fit in.