Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, are software that scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They read text fields and match those to job criteria for an Agricultural Real Estate Agent. If your resume lacks key terms or uses odd formatting, the ATS may skip important details or reject the file.

Use clear section titles like Work Experience, Education, and Skills. List specific keywords that hiring managers look for in agricultural real estate roles. Examples include "farm sales", "land valuation", "acreage listings", "soil survey", "crop lease agreements", "zoning and land use", "conservation easements", "rural financing", "NRCS", "USDA programs", "MLS", "GIS mapping", and "property tax appeal".

• Use standard, single-column layout.
• Avoid tables, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and columns.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and sizes 10-12pt.
• Save as a simple .docx or a clean PDF, not a heavily designed file.

Avoid using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords. If a posting asks for "land valuation", don’t only write "property worth estimates". Don’t hide dates or company names in headers and footers. ATS may ignore those fields. Also, don’t omit tools and certifications like MLS access, GIS, or a real estate license. Recruiters and ATS expect them.

Keep your bullets short and factual. Use action verbs like "negotiated", "valued", "listed", and "closed". Quantify results when you can, such as acres sold, sale price, or time-to-close.

Pick a clean, professional template that puts contact info, summary, experience, and skills near the top. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent land deals and listings show first. That layout reads fast and parses well for ATS systems.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of relevant work. Use two pages only if you list many large transactions, land surveys, or management roles tied to agriculture. Be concise and pick the most relevant properties and deals.

Use Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text at 10–12pt and headers at 14–16pt. Leave enough white space between sections so hiring managers can scan property names, acreage, and sale values.

Use clear section headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Transactions, Skills, Education, and Licenses. For each role, add 3–6 bullet points that show acreage sold, price ranges, and client types. Quantify deals whenever you can.

Avoid complex columns, heavy colors, and images of maps or charts in the main file. Those items often confuse ATS and distract readers. Use simple bullet points and plain lists instead.

Common mistakes include tiny margins, inconsistent dates, and long paragraphs without bullets. Don’t overuse bold or italics. Keep formatting consistent for dates, locations, and currency symbols.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for an Agricultural Real Estate Agent role. A well-written letter shows why you fit the land, the clients, and the local market. It complements your resume and helps you stand out to busy hiring teams.

Key sections

• Header: Put your name, phone, email, city, the company name, and the date.
• Opening Paragraph: Name the Agricultural Real Estate Agent role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the region or company. Share one strong qualification up front.
• Body Paragraphs: Tie your past work to the job needs. Show sales, land valuation, negotiation, or zoning experience. Share concrete projects, figures, or acreage you handled. Mention client relationships and teamwork.
• Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest in this role and company. Say you look forward to discussing your fit. Thank the reader and include a clear call to action.

Start strong. Open with a short fact or result that proves you can sell land, value farms, or advise owners. Keep the first paragraph to one or two sentences.

When you write the body, use examples employers care about. Name the acres you sold, the percent you raised sale price, or the number of farm clients you served. Mention technical skills like land appraisal, GIS mapping, or lease negotiation. Keep each sentence simple and direct.

Keep tone professional and friendly. Sound confident but not boastful. Tailor every sentence to the job posting. Use keywords from the listing, like "acreage valuation" or "farm lease," when they match your experience.

End with a clear next step. Ask for a meeting or phone call. Thank them for their time and sign off professionally.

Getting hired as an Agricultural Real Estate Agent often comes down to small details on your resume. You need to show land expertise, sales results, and trustworthiness. Small mistakes can make you look unfocused or unprepared. Fixing those issues will help you get more interviews and better listings.

Below are common pitfalls people make on resumes for this role. Each item shows a bad example and a clear fix you can apply right away.

These FAQs and tips help you craft a resume that highlights your skills in land sales, farm management, and rural client relations. They focus on what agricultural real estate brokers and hiring managers look for, and give quick, practical steps you can use right away.