2022/2023 AgCareers.com Career Guide (US)

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33 AGCAREERS.COM AG & FOOD CAREER GUIDE
This detail demonstrates to the
interviewer that you are approachable
and friendly.
CONSIDER body language
Body language is the most crucial
aspect of an interview. In fact, studies
suggest that over 90 percent of
communication is non-verbal, including
body language and tone of voice. You
cannot get away with body language,
so if you are stressed, it will show. This
involves things like posture, head
nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye
contact.
Are you listening?
Did you know body language
is one of the most important things
interviewers look at? It also signals that
you are engaged in active listening
rather than passive listening. The
distinction between the two styles of
listening is substantial. Active listening
demonstrates that you are paying
attention and comprehending the
interviewer’s information. Head nodding
in agreement with what the interviewer
is showing you are actively listening.
Passive listening is simply going through
the motions or not paying attention to
the conversation. You do not want your
interview thinking you are not listening,
so make sure you show them, through
your body language, that you are
listening.
Let your emotions show
In addition to body language,
interviewers will be on the lookout
for enthusiasm. If you are not excited
about the opportunity, the interviewers
may assume you are not thrilled to be
there, or worse, that you do not have
the motivation to come to work every
day. A little excitement goes a long way.
remember to be yourself. It’s natural
to be a little nervous at the start of an
interview, however, if it is nearing the
end of the interview and you have not
yet relaxed, it could be interpreted by
the interviewer as a sign that you are
unprepared for the responsibilities of the
position. One way to come out of your
shell a little more is to show confidence
in your answers, which can be achieved
through practice and preparation.
Note-taking is important
Another tip for you; interviewers
watch for the applicant to take notes
during the interview. It demonstrates
to the interviewer that the candidate is
serious about this job opportunity. The
candidate does not have to jot down
every word that the interviewer says, but
rather highlights and pieces of essential
information that may be relevant to the
offer of employment.
Interview the
interviewer
Near the end of the interview is your
chance to ask the interviewer questions.
Not just any questions, but relevant and
prepared questions. You should have
anywhere from three to five that are
relevant to the interview or the position.
For example,
• “What are some challenges within
the position?”
• “What do you believe helps people
succeed in this position?”
• “How would you describe this
company’s culture?”
This demonstrates to the interviewer
that the applicant is enthusiastic
about the position. Lastly, remember
to say thank you for the interview.
Applicants should express gratitude
to the interviewer for their time and
consideration for the position through a
verbal thank you and an email or thank-
you note after the interview.
Now what?
Congratulations, you have now
completed the interview process! What
do you do now? This is the part I know
I struggle with the most, the waiting
portion. The waiting portion may feel
like weeks before you hear back from
the company. You may consider sending
the interviewer a thank you over email.
However, do not email the company
back right away or even a couple days
after you have had your interview. Wait
at least five business days, then send
a “checking in” email to the interviewer.
In the checking in email, ensure you
are being polite and asking rather than
demanding when you will hear back from
the company. It is important to remember
that just because you may have sent
an email, it will not hurry up the offer, or
even secure the job position.
There are two outcomes that
could happen once the company has
interviewed everyone who has applied.
Option one, you are offered the job
position and are either going to accept
or deny the position. Option two, the
company says, “thank you for your
interest in this position, but we are going
to take a different direction.”
What if the company
goes in a different
direction?
Hearing or reading the words, “we
have decided to go in a different
direction” is never easy to hear and
can get discouraging. It is important to
keep your head up and realize better
opportunities are out there.
An AgCareers.com article by Clara
Boles,; “Keep the Confidence” goes over
some great information on how to handle
rejection with grace. Boles emphasized
you should never destroy a connection,
but rather express your gratitude to the
interviewer for taking the time to speak
with you and learn more about you. You
never know what the next ten years will
bring, so accept rejection gracefully, be
grateful for the opportunity, and know
that something greater is on the way
You got this!
This may have been a lot of
information to process, but remember to
relax and be yourself. AG