Finding & Selecting People

Finding the right person means writing a clear job advertisement, placing it where the right candidates will see it, and shortlisting fairly against the role.

Write the advertisement

Use the position description to shape the advertisement, and write it from the jobseeker's point of view — many candidates are already employed and need a clear reason to apply. A strong advertisement explains the role and the farm, attracts interest, and encourages applications.
It should cover:

  • the job title and employment type,
  • the farm description and location,
  • the key duties and required skills and experience,
  • pay and other benefits, and
  • how and who to contact, and a closing date.

The advertisement must be accurate, non-misleading, and comply with equal employment opportunity laws.

Tip

Prepare a short background document about the farm — its operation, production system, infrastructure and team — to share with interested candidates. 

Place the advertisement

Think about where the ideal candidate looks for work, not just where the employer would, and set a budget first. Options include:

  • Dairy Australia's Dairy Farm Jobs Board — list a dairy vacancy for free by submitting an online form.
  • major job sites such as Seek, Indeed, Jora, Gumtree and LinkedIn,
  • regional and agriculture-focused job sites,
  • local social media pages and community groups,
  • noticeboards at local shops, suppliers and sporting clubs,
  • Workforce Australia,
  • local newspapers and dairy industry publications, and
  • recruitment agencies.

With ongoing skill shortages, it can help to broaden sourcing — industry groups and associations, local clubs, and career coordinators at TAFEs or universities.

Shortlist and select

Assess applications against the position description and person specification, using the same criteria for every candidate. A phone screen can help narrow the field, and keeping notes supports a fair, consistent process. Reference checks come after the interview — see Making the Offer.

 
Watch out

Selection decisions must be based on the requirements of the role, not on age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy or other protected attributes. Consistent criteria for every applicant help meet equal employment obligations.

Common questions

Where can dairy farm jobs be advertised

On Dairy Australia's Dairy Farm Jobs Board (free), major and regional job sites, social media and community groups, local noticeboards, Workforce Australia, local publications, and recruitment agencies.

What makes a good job advertisement?

It clearly explains the role and the farm, attracts interest, and tells candidates how and by when to apply. It must be accurate and comply with equal employment opportunity laws.

How should candidates be shortlisted?

Against the position description and person specification, using consistent criteria for every applicant, with notes kept to support a fair process.