Livestock Agent
Livestock Agent: The livestock Agent talks to customers on behalf of companies and businesses. They often answer questions, resolve problems, process sales and provide information.
Some customer service agents work in designated call centres, where they can field phone calls and respond to emails.
And others work for specific companies such as banks, airlines, and insurance agencies.
What is a livestock agent?
A livestock agent, also known as a livestock buyer, is an agricultural professional who manages the buying and selling of farm animals, such as cattle, poultry or pigs.
They work on behalf of their clients, which may include farmers, ranchers, meat processing plants or other companies that use animal products.
They travel to various auctions to assess the health and quality of livestock, estimate profit values and make purchases for clients.
These agents follow market trends closely so they can advise their clients about livestock to purchase.
Acquiring the Skills of a Livestock Agent
Earn a high school diploma
For many employers, a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for livestock agent jobs.
While in high school, take a variety of courses to help prepare you for a job in this field.
Such as biology, mathematics, animal science, and business.
Some high schools offer agricultural programs that can help you learn more about agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Joining these programs can also help you enhance your college applications if you choose to pursue a degree.
Learn how to communicate effectively.
The livestock agents are required to communicate regularly with the people a company does business with.
You will need to speak clearly and professionally on the phone, in person, and through email.
Livestock Agent
Gain experience with customers.
While most customer service agents receive training on the job, knowing how to work with customers will help prepare you for work as a customer service agent.
- Work in a retail position. This will help you learn how to meet the needs of customers, process sales and returns, and deal with complaints and problems.
- Get a job in the service industry. Working as a waiter or a landscaper will be good practice in how to listen to customers and give them what they want.
Learn to feel comfortable with sales.
Not all customer service agents are required to sell products and services, but it might be part of your job.
- Talk to people and identify their needs. This will help you recommend specific products and services. Identifying needs and matching them to purchases will help you become a customer service agent.
Learn the components of conflict resolution.
A customer service agent will need to be a problem solver.
Know how to collect information and resolve the customer’s problem while staying within a company’s standards and procedures.
- Practice treating everyone with a friendly, calm, and respectful demeanor.
- Part of your job will be to talk with people who are angry, irrational and rude.
- You will need to remain professional and diplomatic and know how to handle irate customers.
Getting a Job as a Livestock Agent
Put together a resume that reflects your experience.
It should include any positions you have had that required you to deal with customers, answer phones and answer questions.
Respond to job listings you find online and in your local ne£wspaper.
Sites that include companies hiring for customer service positions include CareerBuilder, Monster, SimplyHired, and Indeed.
What do livestock agents do?
Livestock agents often act as a liaison between a seller and their clients to facilitate the purchase of livestock. While their responsibilities may vary based on the agricultural industry in their area, these professionals typically have the following duties:
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Identify opportunities to purchase livestock and visit farms to evaluate the condition of animals for sale
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Assess the value of livestock and negotiate prices with sellers to get the best deal for their client
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Assist with preparing contracts and answering clients’ questions about the sales agreement
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Arrange the transportation of animals to their clients
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Communicate with clients to understand their livestock needs and make recommendations on purchases
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Follow market trends and stock prices to stay updated on current conditions
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Attend auctions to buy and sell livestock for their clients
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Maintain purchasing records and prepare sales reports for their company or agency
Livestock Agent
Sign up with a staffing agency.
You can find temporary or permanent customer service jobs with staffing agencies.
There might be smaller localized staffing agencies in your area as well.
Learn how to network.
Get to know professional people by attending job fairs, training sessions, and community events. You might meet people who know of job opportunities.
Work with placement or career offices at your school.
If you are a recent high school graduate, you might be able to get some guidance when it comes to job hunting.
Community colleges often place their students with companies who are hiring as well.
Livestock Agent
Look for a customer service position working from home
Many companies are reducing their overhead costs and allowing their customer service agents to do their jobs from home.
- Ensure you have the necessary equipment. You will need a computer with an Internet connection and a landline phone.
- Seek opportunities for virtual customer service jobs with companies such as hotel chains, home or online shopping networks, healthcare agencies, and other corporations.
- Check general career search agents such as Monster.com and Indeed, and look for specialized sites that promote work at home positions and include customer service agent jobs.
Livestock Agent
More tips
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Expect shift work, depending on the type of company you are working for. Many customer service agents are required to work evenings and weekends.
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Think about your salary requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a customer service agent in 2010 was $30,460 per year or $14.64 per hour.