Everything you need to know about writing an agricultural worker resume

In this resume guide, agricultural workers are given a step-by-step breakdown of how to properly craft a resume. Topics covered include formatting, writing a resume summary, selecting skills, writing a work experience section, and properly listing education. 

The agricultural industry is diverse, with many opportunities for employment in a wide range of specializations. As you write your resume to apply for a position as an agricultural worker, the key is to tailor and optimize it to fit the position you are aiming for

In this guide, we will cover all the basics of tailoring a resume for an agricultural position.

Keep reading to learn the answers to the following questions:

  • Which resume format is best for an agricultural worker?
  • How should an agricultural worker write a resume summary?
  • What skills should be included on an agricultural worker’s resume?
  • Which details should be included in a work experience section for an agricultural worker? 
  • How much educational information should an agricultural worker put on a resume?

1. Which resume format is best for an agricultural worker? 

Generally speaking, the best resume format to choose as an agricultural worker is the reverse-chronological format.

Reverse-chronological resumes focus primarily on work experience, listing your most recent position first. This gives you the greatest opportunity to illustrate how you have applied your skills within your previous jobs, as well as showcase any accomplishments or achievements. 

However, there are scenarios in which the RC resume is not ideal – particularly in the case of recent graduates, professionals changing career paths, or resumes with large gaps in work history.

If any of these apply to you, then you may want to consider using one of the following alternatives:

  • The functional resume: The functional resume takes the focus off work experience entirely, instead highlighting educational credentials, skills, and unpaid experience. This format is great for applicants who are recent grads and may have unpaid educational or internship experience, but lack formal professional experience. 
  • The hybrid resume: The hybrid resume combines elements of both the functional and hybrid resumes by including a work experience section but not making it the main priority of the document. This format is well-suited for applicants changing career paths or working around gaps in their work history

2. How should an agricultural worker write a resume summary?

While resume summaries are generally considered an optional element on a resume, they serve an immensely important purpose: introducing you to the employer and hooking their attention. 

As an agricultural worker, the key is to write a summary that is specific to your field and specialization within the industry.

Here is an example of a weak summary and how to correct it:

Incorrect agricultural worker resume summary example:

Agricultural worker with a background in growing and maintaining fertilization systems. Strong physical abilities and excellent communication skills. Recipient of an agricultural worker award in 2020. 

What's wrong with this example? While all the basic elements of a strong resume summary are present, the applicant needs to be more specific in how long they have worked in agriculture and what they specialize in. They also mention an award they have earned but fail to give context around what that award is. 

Corrected agricultural worker resume summary example:

Agricultural Worker with 3+ years of experience growing and maintaining indoor fertilization systems within a greenhouse. Led a crew of 20+ members, expanding skillset to include excellent communication and collaborative abilities. Recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Young Adults in Agriculture award. 

Why is this better? This example provides a much higher level of context and specificity in regards to the details included. They clearly list how many years of experience they have and what specialized area of agriculture they work in. Plus, they include the formal title of the award they received. 

3. What skills should be included on an agricultural worker’s resume?

Although working in agriculture is primarily a labor-intensive position, employers still want to hear about your ability to collaborate and work well with others. As such, it is crucial to include interpersonal skills alongside your technical skills on your resume.

Here are 10 technical and 10 interpersonal skills that are highly valued on agricultural resumes:

Technical skills

  • Motorized equipment operation (trucks, tractors, etc.)
  • Crop growing and maintenance
  • Fertilization products and systems
  • Irrigation systems
  • Livestock care and management
  • Mechanical repairs
  • Physical stamina and strength (when listing physical skills such as these, make sure to comb through the job’s description for minimum requirements. For instance, if you are required to lift at least 70 lbs., then you want to list this as your strength minimum)
  • Agricultural technologies
  • Harvest scheduling
  • Waterway construction

Interpersonal skills 

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Time management
  • Multi-tasking
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership
  • Organization

Find out your resume score!

Our AI Resume checker can scan your resume for issues and give you tips on how you can improve it.
Resume Analytics

4. Which details should be included in work experience for an agricultural worker?

When writing your work experience section as an agricultural worker, you want to make sure you include highly specific details regarding your key responsibilities in previous positions. As you write this section, make sure to include keywords found within the job posting to show employers you have the relevant experience and skills needed to be a great fit for the job. 

Here is an example of a work experience entry from an agricultural resume:

Agriculture & Crop Scientist | McMiller Farms & Co. 

Asheville, N.C. | March 2016 to May 2020

  • Communicated verbally and through writing to clients regarding specific projects and tasks. 
  • Implemented new irrigation systems that resulted in a 20% increase in crop yield. 
  • Collected data, soil samplings, photographs, aerial maps, drawings, and tests for assessment. 

5. How much educational information should an agricultural worker put on a resume?

Though agriculture is a major area of study at most universities, you can become a part of the industry through many pathways. If you have chosen an alternative route to formal university education, make sure to include all the relevant details regarding your training and certification in the education section

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on an agricultural worker’s resume: 

Education

B.A. in Agricultural Management | Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

  • Major: Agricultural Business Management and Crop Science
  • Graduated: 2018
  • President of the Student Agricultural Society

Certifications

Published on Jan. 12, 2022

A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he gets to help other people actually do things (like find jobs) thanks to Kickresume, so he won't complain.

All agricultural worker resume examples

Farm Manager Resume Example
Farm Manager Resume Example
Farm Worker Resume Sample
Farm Worker Resume Sample

Let your resume do the work.

Join 2,500,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Sign Up
Learn to write a great resume that will get you invited to more job interviews.