Graduation is right around the corner, though, the excitement of starting this new chapter may be accompanied by the anxiety of finding a job to kick off your ag career. But when do you even start looking? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, knowing the right time can be crucial to your success.
Landing a job begins with the search, and when it comes to the search for an ag job, it is never too early to start. Even if you’re not to the applying stage yet, start researching companies. Can you see yourself working there? Do they have positions within the company that fit your qualifications and interests? Does their structure meet your needs and values align with yours? Once you have an idea of where you want to work and what you want to do, you’ll be much more prepared when the time comes to actually apply.
Before you start applying to agriculture jobs, make it a priority to attend career fairs and networking events. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a full-time career, connecting with ag industry professionals and sharing your resume with recruiters from companies you’re interested in is a smart move. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about the agriculture job market, build relationships, and stay informed about the openings that align with your career goals.
You can also use this time to polish your resume and interviewing skills. Reach out to some mentors or former employers to see if they’d be willing to review your resume and conduct a mock interview with you. Many colleges and universities also offer these services free to students through the student resource centers. Practicing interviews can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve upon, as well as making you more comfortable when the time comes. Additionally, resources like AgHires and LinkedIn Learning can provide tips on how to best prepare yourself for the application process.
Once you have done the prep work and the research, and you’ve identified some potential opportunities, don’t delay application. The hiring process can take several months, so waiting until after graduation to start applying isn’t ideal. Many companies begin recruiting graduating students as early as six to eight months before graduation, depending on the role. To ensure clarity, include your graduation date prominently on your resume. This helps ag employers quickly determine if your timeline aligns with their needs. If they can’t wait until you graduate, they’ll know right away. But if you’re a strong candidate, they’ll be prepared to discuss a reasonable start date that works for both parties.
Waiting until just before or even after graduation to start your ag job search can add unnecessary stress. Securing a job offer before graduating not only reduces the uncertainty of what comes next but also keeps more opportunities available to you. Delaying your applications means competing for fewer positions, as other graduates are also actively job hunting. Start early to avoid feeling stuck with limited choices and ensure you’re ahead of the curve.
If your ag job search doesn’t produce anything that piques your interest or fits your career goals just yet, internships are always an option! They’re a great way to gain experience, meet professionals, and continue discovering what you’re looking for in an ag career. Plus, internships provide you some time to extend your job search.
Applying is one of many boxes to check when pursuing an ag job after college. Check out our New Grad’s Guide to Entering the Ag Workforce, and make sure you’re taking all the steps to set yourself up for a successful search.
Check out AgHires’ Student Resources to explore career paths in agriculture, interview advice, and resume tips for your ag career journey!