What should I gather before applying?
Collect everything in one folder on your phone or computer so it is ready when a posting appears. You will need a current resume, a short cover letter template, a list of references with their contact details, and the dates and names of your past jobs or projects.
If you are under 18, ask a parent or guardian what paperwork your state may require for young workers. Rules about hours, hazardous tasks and work permits vary, so check the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and your state labor agency.
- Updated resume saved as a PDF
- Reference list with permission from each person
- Past employer names, dates and tasks
- Transcript or list of relevant courses
- Copies of certificates or training records you actually hold
How do I choose jobs worth applying for?
Read each posting fully. Note the duties, schedule, location, pay information if listed, housing or transportation details and what the employer expects you to already know. Make sure you meet most of the main requirements, but do not rule yourself out if you meet most and are willing to learn.
Check that the employer is real and the posting is genuine. Pay attention to anything that asks for money or sensitive information up front, and read the FTC guidance on job scams.
Make a short list of your must-haves, such as location, schedule and safety training, and a list of nice-to-haves. This keeps you from applying to jobs that will not work and helps you compare offers later.
What goes into a strong application?
Tailor your resume and letter to the job. Fill out every field in an online form, and do not write see resume in place of answers unless the form allows it. Use the employer's name correctly and check your phone number and email for typos.
Answer questions honestly. If a form asks about a license or certification that you do not hold, say so. Employers would rather hire someone honest who is willing to train than someone who stretched the truth.
If an application asks for a salary expectation, you can say you are open and would like to learn more about the role, or check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for typical pay before you answer.
What about references?
Choose people who have seen you work or learn, such as a teacher, ag advisor, coach, supervisor or neighbor you worked for. Relatives can be fine for family farm work if the employer accepts them, but include at least one non-relative if you can.
Always ask first, tell them about the job and give them a copy of your resume. A reference who is surprised by a phone call rarely helps you.
How should I handle safety and legal questions?
Farm jobs can involve machinery, animals, heights, chemicals and heat. A good employer explains hazards and provides training. During an application or interview, it is fine to ask what safety training they provide and who supervises new workers.
Requirements such as driver licenses and pesticide credentials differ by state. Confirm them with the official state agency, not with a rumor. For worker rights, check the Department of Labor.
If an employer asks you to do tasks you do not feel trained for, you are allowed to say so. Speaking up about safety is a sign of good judgment, not weakness.
How do I follow up the right way?
After you apply, write down the date, the employer and the contact name. If the posting gives a closing date, make sure you apply before it. If you have not heard back in about a week, send a short, polite note asking whether they received your application and restating your interest.
If you interview, send a thank-you message within a day. Keep it two or three sentences long and mention one thing you learned.
How do I keep track of everything?
A simple spreadsheet or notebook works. List the employer, job title, date applied, who you spoke with, next step and result. This keeps you organized and helps you notice patterns, such as which kinds of jobs respond most.
After each application, ask what you could improve. Maybe the letter was too long or the resume missed a detail. Small fixes add up across a job search.
Review your notes every week. If nothing is moving, widen your search area, apply to related roles or ask a teacher for a connection to a local employer.
Your next steps
- Prepare documents, references and a tracking sheet before you start applying.
- Read each posting fully, check that the employer is genuine and answer every question honestly.
- Ask permission before listing references and give them your resume.
- Follow up politely and keep notes on every application.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.