Recruitment Season Is Here

Read the position description carefully and understand what you are applying for. If you do not have the required experience, funds, or don't want to work in that region, do not apply.

Recruiters spend several hours checking CVs and references, and it is frustrating when applicants are not suitable or change their mind. If you don't know what Contract Milking or HOSM is, look it up!

Do your due diligence - both as applicant and recruiter. Some employees, sharemilkers and farm owners seem to have disputes in every job. Ask around the district, these people will be known.

Once you are in the negotiating phase, get clarity on the variables. Ask "what if" questions, consider scenarios, and most importantly record what is agreed in the contract. It is very useful to use an independent facilitator to direct and record these discussions.

Make sure the contract is fully completed and then follow it! If you both decide to vary something, record this in writing, including whether this is a temporary variation (e.g. just the first year to help out) or a permanent change. Different expectations can lead to unrest very quickly if not clearly agreed and recorded.

If there are niggles, use an experienced consultant as a sounding board. They can give you advice on how the issue could best be dealt with. It is important to address the issues as they arise rather than stew over them.

Finally, communicate in a way that keep everyone in the loop. A verbal agreement made while sitting in the farm race without involving partners can be fraught. Have a table meeting once a month to discuss completed actions and upcoming items that may require some planning or materials. Health and safety risks and mitigations should be part of these meetings.

Make notes so everyone is clear on who is doing what. This simple planning keeps the system running smoothly and avoids most issues escalating.

Good Luck!