Writing a CV for an agricultural role is not the same as writing one for an office job. Employers are not looking for buzzwords or generic career statements. They want evidence of practical skills, reliability, sector knowledge and the right attitude for rural and commercial environments.
Whether you are applying for your first role in agriculture or taking the next step into management, a strong CV can be the difference between getting a call back or being overlooked.
This guide explains exactly what agricultural employers look for in a CV, how to structure yours, and the common mistakes that hold good candidates back.
Why Agricultural CVs Are Different
Agriculture is a results-driven, skills-led industry. Many hiring managers are farm owners or operations managers, not HR professionals. They want to quickly understand three things:
What you can actually do
What type of operation you have worked in
Whether you will be reliable, adaptable and a good fit
A strong agricultural CV is clear, practical and honest. It shows competence without exaggeration and experience without unnecessary padding.
Start With a Clear, Relevant Personal Profile
Your personal profile sits at the top of your CV and should be no more than four or five lines. Its job is to answer one question:
Why should this employer keep reading?
A strong profile for an agricultural role includes:
Your core role or specialism
Years of relevant experience
Type of operations you have worked in
One or two key strengths
Example:
Experienced Farm Supervisor with over seven years’ experience across mixed arable and livestock operations. Strong background in staff supervision, machinery operation and crop planning. Reliable, hands-on and comfortable working in fast-paced rural environments.
Avoid vague statements like “hard-working individual seeking opportunities” as they add no value.
Highlight Practical Skills First, Not Last
In agriculture, skills often matter more than job titles. Make them easy to find.
Include a clearly labelled Key Skills section near the top of your CV. Focus on skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for.
Examples of agricultural CV skills
Tractor and machinery operation
Livestock handling and welfare
Crop planning and rotation
Spraying and fertiliser application
Health and safety compliance
Staff supervision and training
Budgeting and record keeping
Agri-tech and farm management software
Where possible, be specific. “Machinery operation” is less effective than “operation of John Deere and New Holland tractors” or “combining and cultivation experience”.
Show Experience With Context and Outcomes
When listing your work experience, do not just describe your duties. Show what you were responsible for and what you achieved.
Use bullet points and include:
Scale of operation
Type of farming
Level of responsibility
Tangible outcomes where possible
Weak example
Responsible for livestock care
Stronger example
Managed daily care of a 400-head beef herd, including feeding, health checks and movement records, with a focus on welfare and compliance
This gives the employer confidence that you understand the realities of the role.
Include Qualifications and Certifications Clearly
Agricultural employers often scan CVs specifically for qualifications and licences. Make these easy to spot.
Include:
Agricultural degrees or diplomas
Apprenticeships
NPTC and LANTRA qualifications
Spraying certificates
Health and safety qualifications
First aid training
If tickets are in progress or due for renewal, state this clearly.
Do Not Underestimate Soft Skills
While practical ability is crucial, agriculture is increasingly people-focused and commercial. Employers value candidates who can communicate, manage pressure and adapt to change.
Soft skills worth highlighting include:
Reliability and time management
Leadership and mentoring
Problem solving
Communication with suppliers and teams
Adaptability to seasonal demands
Back these up with examples rather than listing them without context.
Keep the Layout Clean and Easy to Read
A strong agricultural CV should ideally be two pages, clearly structured and easy to scan.
Best practice includes:
Clear headings
Bullet points instead of long paragraphs
Simple fonts
No unnecessary graphics or photos
Many agricultural employers still print CVs, so clarity matters.
Common CV Mistakes in Agriculture
These are issues we regularly see from otherwise strong candidates:
CVs that are too generic and not role-specific
Missing key tickets or qualifications
Overly long career histories with little detail
Poor spelling or formatting
Failing to explain gaps in employment
Your CV should tell a clear, honest story about your career.
Tailor Your CV to the Role
One of the most effective improvements you can make is tailoring your CV to the job you are applying for.
A CV for a Farm Manager role should look different from one for a Tractor Driver or Graduate position. Adjust your skills, profile and experience to reflect what the employer is actually looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an agricultural CV be?
Two pages is ideal for most agricultural roles. Senior or management roles may extend to three pages, but only if the content is relevant.
Do I need formal qualifications to work in agriculture?
Not always. Many roles value hands-on experience highly. However, relevant tickets, training and certifications can significantly improve your prospects.
Should I include seasonal or short-term roles?
Yes. Seasonal work is common in agriculture and shows adaptability and experience. Just make sure it is clearly explained.
Do employers care about computer skills?
Increasingly, yes. Familiarity with farm management software, GPS systems and basic reporting tools can be a strong advantage.
Should I include references on my CV?
You do not need to list references in full. A simple line stating “References available on request” is sufficient.
Final Thoughts
A strong CV for agricultural roles is practical, honest and focused on real experience. It shows what you can do, where you have done it and how you add value to an operation.
If you are unsure whether your CV is hitting the mark, working with a specialist agricultural recruitment agency can help you refine it and position yourself more effectively for the right opportunities.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we review CVs every day and know exactly what employers are looking for.
