Agstaff consultants all come from agricultural backgrounds so they are acutely aware of what our Clients are looking for in the perfect Jobseeker. The team are happy to help you at any stage of the recruitment process and have collectively listed some ‘pearls of wisdom’ below to get you on the right track to career success:
Cover Letter tips from Andrew
We are often asked if a cover letter is really necessary. In short, yes, it really is. This is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and to entice an employer into reading your CV.
The letter introduces you to an employer, tells them a bit more about you, why you want the job and how your skills and experience match what they are looking for. It’s important that your cover letter is professional because it’s often the first thing an employer sees and it’s an opportunity for your application to stand out. Click below for full instructions:
CV Writing
When an employer is hiring for a new role, they often get many replies to a job advertisement; they might only spend 20-30 seconds scanning your CV. It’s important that your CV stands out from the crowd and inspires interest so the employer wants to know more about you.
Find out how to create the perfect CV here:
Interview do's and don'ts
DO:
- Be Punctual – Aim to arrive 15 minutes early, but whatever you do, don’t be late as it will almost be a certain slow walk back to the gate you came through. If there is a genuine reason you will be late then communicate that as soon as it is known and say a silent prayer to the employer gods for forgiveness.
- Dress for the Occasion – Put on some clean work clothes and present yourself in the best way possible. If you don’t heed this warning then you will almost be certainly turned around before you can get a word in.
- Make a Connection – Shake someone’s hand with a firm handshake and look them straight in the eye so you are engaging with them from the first word and they know you are serious.
- Show Enthusiasm – Remain enthusiastic and attentive throughout the entire conversation and demonstrate confidence by asking key questions about their operation.
- Stay on Point – Keep your answers on topic and don’t waffle on about unrelated information or you will lose your interviewer.
- Show Appreciation – Believe it or not everyone’s time is valuable so you should always conclude your interview by shaking hands, looking them in the eye, and thanking the Employer for taking the time to interview you. Gratitude can never be overdone and sadly in many incidences is underdone.
DEFINITELY DO NOT:
- Talk about previous employers – You would be wise not to criticise or insult previous Employers in an interview as the agricultural industry is well connected and you may just dig a hole you can’t climb out of.
- Be overconfident – You may have all the skills for the job and more but if you come off as cocky or arrogant then you will be assured of losing your way with the Employer.
- Be dishonest about your skills – At all times be honest and do not mislead anyone about your individual skill set. At any point if you do not understand something, then ask questions to get a better understanding. Dishonesty always gets found out and tarnishes work records for future applications.
- Give closed answers – Don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Make sure that you explain your reasoning fully and interact with the interviewer.
- Last but not least – Don’t wear too much perfume or aftershave …Please.