Here’s the most frequently asked questions we receive from candidates.

Send us an email or give us a call if you have a question that isn’t answered below!

Once you have found a job you wish to apply for, please attach the following documents in MS Word format to the job application form.  In today’s electronic world, almost all of our clients prefer electronic resumes.  However, if you do not have access to e-mail, please mail your documents to our office at the address listed on the Contact Us page.

Please forward your:
· Cover Letter – Include your career and geographic preferences, salary requirements, and any other accomplishments or personal information that will allow us to better assist you in your career search.
· Resume – A well-rounded description of your past work and educational history.  Make sure all the information you place on your resume is relevant and stated in a concise manner.  Please see further tips below.
· References – Three to six quality contacts.  Include name, company, phone number(s), and a brief description of their relationship to you.

We value our existing client business relationships and always enjoy teaming up with new clients who need quality employees to round out their team.  Whether you are adding a new position or replacing a vacant one, we encourage you to contact us via phone or email.  We will put you in touch with the Professional Ag Recruiter on our team who has the experience and background to best serve you.  The recruiter will gather information about your company and the position, publicize the opening, search our existing database, and also look elsewhere for viable candidates for your position.  We will complete the reference checks for qualified candidates and then forward their information to you.  Should you desire to interview a candidate, we will then make the arrangements for the interview(s) at a time that fits your schedule.
In general, for those who are new college grads or who have been in their career for five years or less, we recommend one page.  For those who have been in their career for 5-15 years, two pages.  And, for those who have been in their career for 15+ years, a three-page resume is acceptable.
Our preference is to have four references from each candidate, and for the most part, those references should be ‘professional references’ – people you have worked with in the past.  The best references are those whom you have worked directly for (your direct supervisor, boss, project manager, etc.), those whom you have worked directly with (co-worker, project members, clients, etc), and those who have worked for you (subordinates, team members, etc.).
Relevant experience.  For whatever type of positions you are interested in, make sure your resume reflects ANY experience you have had that would make you a good candidate for a particular job.  For example, if a candidate has been a grain elevator manager, he or she might have equal experiences in both grain merchandising and grain operations.  If you’re interested in merchandising positions, make sure that your resume heavily emphasizes your experiences and accomplishments in this area.  Yes, if you are interested in applying for several types of positions, this does mean that you may have multiple versions of your resume; however, you are marketing yourself to employers, and candidates that go to this extra effort get better results.
In general, we recommend “one step above” what they tell you to wear.  Remember, you’re marketing yourself; so, going the extra step never hurts.  If they tell you to wear jeans, consider dressing business casual.  If they say the interview is business casual, consider slacks and a jacket.  Remember, though, this is a general rule and there are exceptions.  Also remember, it never hurts to throw jeans and a pair of boots into your vehicle to take to the interview in case you end up touring barns or fields.  It shows you’re prepared.
First, research the company, it’s operations, and it’s personnel if that’s possible.  Come up with a list of questions to ask during the interview.  Second, google “interview questions” and begin preparing mentally for questions you might get asked.  Interviewers like to ask “behavioral questions.”  These questions usually begin with phrases like “Tell us about a time…”, “Describe a time or situation…”, or “”Give me an example…”.  Do a little research on answering this type of question using the ‘STAR’ method.  This will help you keep your answers concise and organized.
First, bring at least one copy of your resume…perhaps a few copies.  Second, questions.  Even if you know everything there is to know about a company and its operations, have several prepared questions for the interviewers.  Those that don’t ask questions come across to employers as uninterested in the opportunity.
Yes, for the most part, in today’s business culture it is acceptable to send a thank-you by email if the interviewers gave you their business cards.
Please see a list below of our Top 10 interviewing ‘Faux Pas’ that we have encountered.

  1. Call employers back promptly (same business day) after they’ve left a message.
  2. Update your voicemail greeting to a simple, professional message.  Do not use songs as ringtones during the interview process.
  3. Do not have your mother call an employer regarding a position.
  4. Update your “Facebook” and social media pages to reflect yourself in a positive and professional way.
  5. Don’t wear flip-flops to an interview.
  6. Don’t drink alcohol before an interview.
  7. Don’t chew during the interview…tobacco OR gum.
  8. Don’t be late, and don’t be extremely early.  Fifteen minutes early is considered perfect timing.
  9. Don’t say “I Don’t Know” when asked about career wants.
  10. Avoid bringing a significant other to the interview.