Guest Blog: How to Stand Out as a Job Seeker in the Ag + Western Industry
How to Stand Out as a Job Seeker
in the Ag + Western Industry
By Sarah Wilson and Jessie Jarvis from Of the West
In the ag and western industries, storytelling is everything. Whether it's through a powerful brand video, a social media post that sparks community, or a beautifully designed catalog, marketing and media professionals help shape the narrative of the industry.
If you're pursuing a job or freelance work in marketing, communications, or media within the ag + western space, your ability to communicate with authenticity and purpose is key. But to land those roles, you need more than a good eye and a strong work ethic. You need a polished resume, a standout portfolio, and a strategy to get noticed.
Here’s how to make sure your own personal brand is one worth hiring!
1. Know What Sets You Apart
The ag + western industries value cultural understanding as much as creative ability. Many brands and businesses are looking for marketers who not only understand content creation or campaign strategy, but who also speak the language of rural America.
Did you grow up on a cattle ranch? Judge livestock in college? Work behind the scenes at a horse show? Those experiences matter more than you think.
Tip: Position your background as a strength in your resume and interviews. You’re not just another marketer, you’re someone who knows the lifestyle, the audience, and the culture!
2. Resume Tips for Ag + Western Marketers and Creatives
Your resume should reflect both your creative skill set and your understanding of the ag + western space. Here are some tips to help you stand out:
Customize your resume for the role – Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences for each job you apply to. If it’s a social media role, lean into your digital strategy and content examples. If it’s a communications manager role, show campaign development and leadership.
Use keywords – Include keywords from the job description to help your resume resonate with both applicant tracking systems and the actual human hiring managers/employers. Carefully read the job description and pull out specific terms like “agricultural communications,” “brand storytelling,” “western lifestyle photography,” or “email marketing strategy” and work them naturally into your resume.
Quantify your work – Instead of “managed social media accounts,” say “grew Instagram following by 35% in 6 months through branded storytelling and influencer partnerships.”
Show results, not just responsibilities – Highlight what impact you made. Did your campaign lead to a boost in engagement or sales? Did your press release land a feature in a national ag publication?
Include platforms and tools – Let employers know you can hit the ground running by listing tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Meta Business Suite, Mailchimp, Shopify, WordPress, etc.
Keep it clean – Use clear headers, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Most hiring managers skim first, so make it easy to read.
Highlight freelance and contract work – Even short-term or one-off projects show initiative and skill. Just be sure to explain the scope and impact.
List relevant certifications – These could include social media marketing certifications, SEO training, or even photography workshops that align with your focus.
Include links – If you're applying digitally, include a link to your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, social profiles, or personal website right at the top.
Proofread relentlessly – As a communicator, typos or formatting errors can be deal breakers. Triple-check everything.
3. Build a Portfolio That Tells a Story
Your portfolio is your most powerful asset as a creative or communicator. It shows not just what you’ve done, but how you think, create, and solve problems through storytelling.
Here’s how to make yours shine:
● Curate intentionally – Don’t throw everything you’ve ever created into a portfolio. Select 6–10 strong pieces that reflect your range and your niche. This might include social campaigns, ad designs, photography, blog posts, email marketing, or video scripts.
● Provide context – With each piece, briefly explain the client, the goal, the strategy, and the outcome. What problem did you solve? What was the result?
● Include work for ag + western brands – Even if it was unpaid or self-initiated, showing that you understand the tone, style, and values of this industry can set you apart.
● Use a professional platform – Whether it’s your own website, an Adobe Portfolio, or even a well-designed PDF, make sure it’s easy to navigate and reflects your aesthetic.
● Keep it updated – Add new work regularly and remove anything that no longer reflects your best effort.
● Make it personal – Don’t be afraid to infuse your voice, your values, and your western lifestyle into your design, bio, or project selection.
4. Build Relationships, Not Just a Resume
In the ag + western industry, who you know matters just as much as what you can do. Word-of-mouth and community still drive a lot of hiring decisions, especially in smaller organizations, local businesses, and family-run operations.
● Engage on social media – Follow the brands you want to work with. Comment on their posts, share their content, and show your support genuinely.
● Network in person and online – Attend ag media events, western trade shows, rural social media meetups, or join Facebook groups for freelancers and creatives in this space.
● Use platforms like Of The West and Freelance Remuda – These are built for you to help you get your name out there and connect with employers who value your skills.
● Follow up – If you apply and don’t hear back, don’t assume the door is closed. Sometimes a kind nudge or a second email puts your name back on their radar.
Stay True to the Story You're Telling
You’re not just looking for any job, you’re building a career that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and creativity. Whether you want to freelance for iconic western brands or become the in-house marketer for a legacy ranch, it starts with a clear message: who you are, what you offer, and how you serve this community.
Tell your story well and doors will open.
Visit https://ofthewest.co/ for more on how to put your best foot forward in Western + ag as a job seeker, or employer! Thank you to author Sarah Wilson and to Jessie Jarvis for sharing this content with The Freelance Remuda.