WHAT DO BOSSES LOOK FOR?

Most farm employers want two simple things – the right attitude and good skills. Check out the careers 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 honesty and reliabile
• 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