Visiting a farm in attempt to get a job

[Landy Nick]

He might drop the bombshell and say I see you on TFF last night on asking on what to say to me.

 

[Bloders]

He might drop the bombshell and say I see you on TFF last night on asking on what to say to me.

in which case reply - yes, I joined to gain advice on how to make the best impression when seeking work / experience on a farm, as I am inexperienced in that area.
Nobody can ever get criticised for doing "homework" in whatever form.

best of luck

 

[Derrick Hughes]

+1
Always carry your phone with you but put it on silent whilst you're talking to the potential employer. Also for me hoodies with hoods up and hands in pockets are big no-nos. And don't bulls**t, if you don't know the answer to something then be honest.

I said don't take it to the interview he can leave it in the car, or are you expecting an emergency in the farm office,

 

[Spudmaster]

Dan- you clearly have the desire and passion to make a real go of farming... That is a big positive. My tips- be smart, be on-time, ask constructive questions, and-most importantly- be yourself!

Hopefully you will be in front of somebody who sees these positives in you and recognises your potential... Conversely , you may end up with somebody who sees the opportunity to exploit (unlikely but possible ). Only you can be the judge of that... (But try not to come across as desperate)..

Most importantly- IF it comes to nothing, do not beat yourself up and keep doing what you are doing. Your attitude and approach are refreshing and even inspirational- keep at it, your perseverence will pay off- stick with if!!!

Good luck!

SM

 

[Dr. Alkathene]

Think about what questions you might be asked, be honest if you don't know the answer. EG can you tell me 3 signs that a cow is bulling, what is a cluster flush (both questions that came up in my interview). Thinks of some questions to ask, if you get asked at the end have you got any questions, rather than having nothing to say, looking nervous and an uncomfortable silence breaks out. Are you all year round calving or block, do you do your own silage or do contractors do it. How many times a day do you milk etc. Good luck.

 

[jamesy]

[


good for you, but make sure the experience is worth while....carrying bags or painting gates is taking the pee, teaching you how things are done is a different kettle of fish, just be careful.

But they are jobs that need doing!

 

[jamesy]

We call them "gate monkeys" I like the idea a quick way to see if they think.

Had a young fella helping for a few months, alas I could get out open gate drive through gate & close again before he'd think of doing it himself..... I don't have him helping anymore. Nice lad, just no go.

 

[Dry Rot]

Several posts about not being late. I agree. A limp, "Sorry I'm late, I got lost and didn't know which house to go to", won't cut it. Make a dummy run and find out in advance where you need to go and how long it wil take to get there. Ask a neighbour, postie, local shop, etc. which the house is. This may sound pedantic, but try to arrive exactly on time. That always impresses the hell out of me!

Don't park where you'll cause an obstruction, as has been said. I've a large turning space by the house and one thing guaranteed to annoy me is someone parking dead in the middle of the space so no one can get turned. I'm also not impressed by people who drive right into the yard apparently to have a snoop around!

If someone at the house says the farmer who is going to interview you has been called away, don't let that go. Find out where he is and go and find him. When you do, don't stand around with your hands in your pockets but pitch in and help if you can. Or, if that can't be done, arrange another interview -- or come back and hour later -- or just wait.

If approached by a farm dog, stand still, speak sofly, and let the dog have a sniff. 10 to 1, it will be safe, but a few aren't! It's his territory.

If you are even offered the suggestion of employment far from home that interests you, say, "Look, I am in your area next week. Would it be alright if I popped in to introduce myself? Of course, I will phone before hand to check whether it is convenient". I've got a few jobs with that lie! Nothing beats a face to face interview and it gets you ahead of the other applicants.

 

[Grain Buyer]

But they are jobs that need doing!

well then you pay the lad a proper wage don't you.

 

[jamesy]

well then you pay the lad a proper wage don't you.

Obviously

 

[DanL99]

Thank you so much for all the advice, I appreciate it very much you all helped me settle my nerves and gave good advice. I went to farm today and arrived on time, I was directed to the farm house by a worker and met the farmer(I shook his hand) then he invited me in and we had a chat for a few minutes and he seemed really nice and said that the industry needs more young people into it that's why he letting me work, he said that I've got guaranteed work up until September and the impression I was getting is that if I work well and hard up to then I might get to work there while I'm at college(hopefully) . He said that he will mainly be with potatoes up to then and it could get boring, as well some stock work also but he said he'll try when he can to give me some better jobs like tractor driving, he then said I will be paid on a hourly rate and that I start on Monday and to be there for 8:45am and I'll leave around 4:30pm but could be later on circumstances, he said if it rains he'll try and get me do something but if not he'll send me home, I'm really happy at the moment and even if it is boring work at least it's a start and you have to start somewhere and I was expecting to get the top jobs, but yeah, thank you all so much for your help and I'll report back on Monday after my first day there, thank you

 

[Philip Watkins]

Congratulations, hope it all goes well for you.

 

[nick...]

Well done,you got a foot in the door.work hard and do your best.dont be frightened to ask for help and advice,and if you have nothing to do find a broom and sweep up.
Nick...

 

[Lincsman]

Thank you so much for all the advice, I appreciate it very much you all helped me settle my nerves and gave good advice. I went to farm today and arrived on time, I was directed to the farm house by a worker and met the farmer(I shook his hand) then he invited me in and we had a chat for a few minutes and he seemed really nice and said that the industry needs more young people into it that's why he letting me work, he said that I've got guaranteed work up until September and the impression I was getting is that if I work well and hard up to then I might get to work there while I'm at college(hopefully) . He said that he will mainly be with potatoes up to then and it could get boring, as well some stock work also but he said he'll try when he can to give me some better jobs like tractor driving, he then said I will be paid on a hourly rate and that I start on Monday and to be there for 8:45am and I'll leave around 4:30pm but could be later on circumstances, he said if it rains he'll try and get me do something but if not he'll send me home, I'm really happy at the moment and even if it is boring work at least it's a start and you have to start somewhere and I was expecting to get the top jobs, but yeah, thank you all so much for your help and I'll report back on Monday after my first day there, thank you

Well done, you deserve it.

My bit of advice for Monday is, "there are no stupid questions, only stupid people who dont ask when they dont know"

 

[Jackson4]

I was told "you have 2 ears and one mouth, they should be used in the same proportion" i.e. don't talk too much.

Or, you cant listen/hear while your talking If any says that to you though just punch them.

 

[Philip Watkins]

Or, you cant listen/hear while your talking If any says that to you though just punch them.

I've also been told empty barrels make more noise.

 

[Princess Pooper]

Well done, you deserve it.

My bit of advice for Monday is, "there are no stupid questions, only stupid people who dont ask when they dont know"

Excellent advice. Always ask if you are not sure about something. Well done and best of luck glad your perseverance has been rewarded. I know how hard it can be to get that foot on the ladder, once resorted to walking round the Royal Welsh Show with a sandwich board on saying 'pre-college work experience needed!'

 

[DanL99]

Excellent advice. Always ask if you are not sure about something. Well done and best of luck glad your perseverance has been rewarded. I know how hard it can be to get that foot on the ladder, once resorted to walking round the Royal Welsh Show with a sandwich board on saying 'pre-college work experience needed!'

Yeah, my dad said the same thing, he seems easy to talk to and that, so I'll make sure I do if I'm unsure

 

[Dan7626]

Well done on getting the job, I'm really pleased for you as you sound like a top lad that is very keen.
Hope it all goes well and as has already been said, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your boss will be happier if you ask questions rather than trying to do something you're not sure of and something going wrong.

 

[LukeSkinner]

How would most of you feel about someone arriving at your yard out of then blue and asking if they need any summer help?