Tips on getting a dude ranch job: 3

You may have a ranch in mind where you'd like to work. But do you really know your target ranch? Here's how to find out more: 

-When you have selected several ranches that would be a good fit for you (and vice

 versa), learn everything you can about them. Ranches now post enormous amounts of information on the internet. Also, don’t hesitate to call them with well thought out questions. Study the ranches that are close to that ideal you have in mind. Then, find out:

    * What makes them different from others?

    * What is their hiring schedule?

    * What are their requirements from applicants? (eg. videotape?)

    * How many of last year’s staff are returning this year? 

Shop ranches – pretend you are taking the vacation of your dreams, and call them with your questions. When you apply, make it clear that you have studied the ranch as a potential employer – it shows them that you are serious. When a cover letter addresses the owner by name (easy to get from the ranch web site) it makes a much stronger positive impression than “To Whom It May Concern.” Collecting this information takes only a few minutes, but can pay big dividends.

Again, we have to thank Ellen & Dan Morin of Sundance Trail Ranch for all of the above ideas. For more, visit www.Duderanchjobs.com.

Tips on getting a dude ranch job: 4

We got a followup note from Ellen Morin, at Sundance Trails Ranch in Colorado, adding her suggestions to Dan Morin's. She says, with tongue in cheek, "Everyone knows that the best way to get a ranch job is to marry the owner!" On a more serious note, she adds, "A million years ago, I wrote a wrote a paper about this very subject!" Below, with her permission, are some of her suggestions.If you want to stand out, you should:

-Honestly determine if you fit (square pegs should not work in round holes)

-Know the rules

-Know Your Target

-Let the ranch know that you have studied them

-Follow Ranch practices

-Make it easy for the ranch to check your references

Call the ranch to determine its hiring schedule; for example, most northern ranches begin accepting applications by Thanksgiving and make hiring decisions in December.

And for more information, visit www.duderanchjobs.com.

5 tips for getting a dream ranch job

We just heard from Dan Morin of Colorado's Sundance Trail Ranch, who saw our blog asking ranchers for their thoughts on how dude ranch job seekers can increase their chances of snagging that dream job. Here are some of his suggestions to job seekers:

1. Have skills that I need - these are all people skills. I can teach you to cook, clean, even ride a horse; I cannot teach you how to delight my guests and keep them safe.

2. Don't tell me how good the job would be for you. I am interested in

the welfare of my ranch, guests and staff, not that of an applicant I have never met. Tell me how good you will be for my ranch operation.

3. Have flexible dates.

4. Research the ranch, study the web site, address correspondence to me by

name (Dear Mr. Morin...), and don't ask questions already answered in the website.

5. Cowboys and cowgirls have a code of ediquette. Learn it. Refer to us

as "sir" or "ma'am," not "you guys." 

All good thoughts, Dan. thanks for sharing. For more on Sundance Trails Ranch, click here. 

How to get a dream job on a ranch

One recent ad for employment at a Colorado ranch reads: “Beautiful mountain scenery, hard work, and fun are just a few of the elements that our guest ranch crew experience every summer. If you have a ready smile, are willing to work hard, love the outdoors and enjoy working with people, we may have a job for you.”

Who wouldn’t want to combine a little hard work with a lot of potential fun in a stunning location? At most ranches, employees are welcome to use the ranch facilities on their days off, and sometimes you’re even welcome to ride any spare horses just for fun. Sounds like a great life in a wholesome, healthy environment. And so it is. But there’s a lot of competition for these dream jobs. So how do you score such a job?

Well, hang onto your Stetson. Over the next few weeks, we'll show you how to get an edge on the competition, with tips and suggestions from the ranchers themselves. And as always, don't forget to check out our job listings at Duderanchjobs.com; click here.