STEP 6 - INTERVIEWING LIKE A PRO

USE THE INTERVIEW TO PRESENT YOURSELF, your strengths and qualities to the employer. It is also the opportunity for you to find out more about the position and the employer.

Like all employers, farm employers want an individual who:
• Is honesty and reliabile
• Is an individual who can work on their own
• Is interested and enthusiastic
• Takes pride in their work and workplace.

Here are some tips of what to remember before and during an interview.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME:

• 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 
•  Be prepared, ensure that you cover everything you need to know
• Make sure you have clear directions of where to go and what time you need to be there
• Have a checklist of what you want to cover during the interview to enable you to check this position against your job profile. Include your partner as much as you can, to check if the job also fits with his/her wants and needs
• Be prepared to go on a farm walk, so ensure you have suitable footwear!

AT THE INTERVIEW:

• Arrive at the appointed time
• Make a good first impression
• Ask quality questions
• Give honest and complete answers
• Find out about the farm’s employment history
• Ask to speak with existing or previous employees
• Ask to see the position description
• Ensure there will be an appropriate employment agreement for the role
• Do everything listed on your checklist
• Look and see how tidy the farm is
• Do not leave until you are clear about what the role entails
• Assess how well you would communicate with the potential employer
• Do Not accept a position if offered either verbally or written, before seeking advice

Note:  A job description or position description should always be available at interview.  However, it is not always possible to sight an employment agreement at an interview.  Our recommendation is that before it is signed you MUST get it checked by an independent person.

QUESTIONS

Be prepared before you go to your interview. Doing some homework shows commitment and a genuine interest in the role.
 
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.