How to Apply to Corteva

Key Takeaways

Visit corteva.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com frequently — with only 165+ open roles, Corteva's job board moves quickly and new positions in seasonal fields like agronomy and field testing may appear on short posting cycles
Build your Workday profile completely before applying — fill in every optional field including language proficiencies, location preferences, and skills tags, because Corteva recruiters actively use these filters to source candidates from the Workday database
Tailor every resume submission with Corteva-specific agricultural terminology — generic resumes will not survive keyword filtering in a specialized agriscience company; mirror the exact language from each job description
Prepare to demonstrate your safety mindset in both your application and interviews — EHS is foundational to Corteva's operations, and weaving safety awareness into your resume bullets and interview answers signals cultural alignment
If you're bilingual in English and Spanish, make it prominently visible — Corteva's active student programs and Latin American operations create strong demand for multilingual talent
Research Corteva's sustainability commitments and recent product innovations before any interview — interviewers at mission-driven companies notice preparation, and Corteva publishes detailed ESG and innovation reports that provide excellent talking points
For student program applicants, treat your academic research and coursework as your primary selling points — emphasize relevant projects, lab work, and thesis topics over limited work experience

About Corteva

Corteva Agriscience is one of the world's largest pure-play agricultural sciences companies, created in 2019 as a spin-off from the DowDuPont merger. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Corteva operates across two primary business segments — Seed and Crop Protection — delivering innovations that help farmers maximize yield while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The company's portfolio includes iconic brands like Pioneer®, Brevant™, and a broad suite of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides trusted by growers worldwide. With approximately 22,000 employees spread across more than 140 countries, Corteva's global footprint is vast, yet its culture centers on a deeply held purpose: enriching the lives of those who produce and consume food. Employees frequently cite the company's mission-driven environment as a key draw — working at Corteva means contributing directly to global food security and agricultural sustainability. The culture blends large-company stability with a spirit of scientific innovation, and Corteva has invested heavily in research and development, maintaining numerous innovation centers and field testing sites globally. The company actively recruits agronomists, scientists, regulatory specialists, field technologists, and business professionals, while also running robust student and early-career programs (particularly across Latin America, as evidenced by their 'Programa de Estudiantes' pipeline). For professionals passionate about agriculture, biotechnology, or environmental stewardship, Corteva represents a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and real-world impact on a global scale.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Roles on Corteva's Workday Portal
Visit Corteva's dedicated careers portal at corteva.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com and use filters to search by location, job family (e.g., Agronomy, Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs), or keyword. Corteva typically maintains a lean but targeted roster of openings — currently around 165+ open positions — so check back regularly, as roles in field testing and agronomy tend to be seasonal. Pay close attention to language requirements, as many positions (especially student programs) are listed in Spanish and require bilingual proficiency.
2
Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile
Corteva uses Workday (WD5 instance) as its applicant tracking system, so you'll need to create a candidate profile before applying. You can sign in with an existing Workday account from another company or create a new one using your email or LinkedIn credentials. Complete your profile thoroughly — Workday stores your information for future Corteva applications, so investing time upfront means faster applications for subsequent roles.
3
Tailor Your Resume and Upload Supporting Documents
Workday will attempt to parse your uploaded resume into its structured fields, so review every auto-populated section for accuracy. Corteva's roles span highly technical domains — seed genetics, crop protection chemistry, regulatory compliance — so ensure your resume uses precise industry terminology rather than generic descriptions. Some positions, particularly the student programs (Programa de Estudiantes), may also request academic transcripts or proof of enrollment, so have these documents ready in PDF format.
4
Complete Application Questionnaires and Screening Questions
Expect role-specific screening questions that assess your eligibility — these commonly cover topics like willingness to relocate to rural field testing locations, valid driver's license status, agricultural certifications, and language proficiency. For regulatory affairs and crop protection roles, you may be asked about familiarity with EPA, USDA, or international regulatory frameworks. Answer these questions carefully, as they often serve as automatic disqualification filters within Workday.
5
Initial Recruiter Review and Phone Screen
Corteva's talent acquisition team reviews applications that pass Workday's initial screening criteria. Qualified candidates typically receive a phone or video screen from a recruiter who assesses cultural fit, role alignment, and logistical factors like location flexibility. Given Corteva's global operations, be prepared to discuss your comfort with travel to field sites or willingness to work in agricultural regions that may be outside major metropolitan areas.
6
Technical or Functional Interviews
Candidates advancing past the recruiter screen commonly face one to three rounds of interviews with hiring managers and cross-functional team members. For scientific and field-based roles like Agronomy Specialist or Field Testing Specialist, expect scenario-based questions about crop management, experimental design, or pest identification. For student programs, interviews may focus more on academic projects, learning goals, and alignment with Corteva's business areas like EHS, R&D, or Marketing.
7
Offer, Background Check, and Onboarding
Successful candidates receive a formal offer through Workday's system, which typically includes details on compensation, benefits, and start date. Corteva commonly conducts background checks and, for certain roles involving chemical handling or field operations, may require drug screening and safety certifications. Onboarding at Corteva often includes immersive orientation covering the company's safety culture, sustainability commitments, and an introduction to its agricultural innovation pipeline.

Resume Tips for Corteva

critical

Lead with Agricultural and Scientific Terminology

Corteva hires deeply within agriculture, biotechnology, and crop sciences. Your resume should reflect the language of these fields — terms like 'integrated pest management,' 'germplasm evaluation,' 'crop protection formulation,' 'field trial design,' 'Good Laboratory Practices (GLP),' and 'regulatory dossier preparation' will resonate with both the Workday ATS keyword filters and the hiring managers reviewing your application. Generic phrases like 'managed projects' or 'analyzed data' miss the mark when you could say 'managed multi-location soybean field trials across three growing zones.'

critical

Quantify Your Agricultural or Scientific Impact

Corteva is a results-driven organization focused on measurable outcomes — yield improvements, regulatory approval timelines, cost efficiencies in crop protection. Wherever possible, quantify your accomplishments: 'Increased trial data collection efficiency by 30% through implementation of digital scouting tools' or 'Contributed to regulatory submissions resulting in approval of two new active ingredients.' Numbers give hiring managers concrete evidence of what you bring, and they stand out in Workday's parsed resume view where recruiters scan quickly.

critical

Highlight Safety, Sustainability, and Stewardship Experience

Corteva places enormous emphasis on EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) and product stewardship — it's embedded in their corporate values and operational DNA. If you have experience with chemical safety protocols, environmental compliance, sustainable agriculture practices, or stewardship programs, give these dedicated bullet points. Even for non-EHS roles, demonstrating awareness of safety culture signals alignment with Corteva's core operating principles.

recommended

Use a Clean, Single-Column Format for Workday Parsing

Workday's resume parser handles clean, linear formatting best. Avoid two-column layouts, text boxes, headers/footers with critical information, and graphics-heavy designs. Use standard section headings — 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills,' 'Certifications' — so the parser can correctly map your content into Workday's structured fields. A simple .docx or PDF with clear formatting will outperform a visually elaborate design that the system misreads.

recommended

Showcase Bilingual and Cross-Cultural Capabilities

Corteva's active job postings include numerous roles across Latin America, and many positions are listed entirely in Spanish. If you are bilingual or multilingual, explicitly state your language proficiencies with your level (e.g., 'Spanish — Native,' 'Portuguese — Professional Working Proficiency'). Additionally, highlight any experience working across cultures or in international agricultural markets, as Corteva's operations span 140+ countries and value employees who can navigate diverse environments.

recommended

Include Relevant Certifications and Licenses

For field-based and regulatory roles at Corteva, certifications carry significant weight. Include items like Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), pesticide applicator licenses, Professional Agronomist designations, Six Sigma or Lean certifications for manufacturing roles, or Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) for regulatory positions. These credentials signal immediate readiness and reduce the training investment Corteva would need to make, making you a more competitive candidate.

nice_to_have

Mirror Corteva's Job Description Language in Your Resume

Before submitting, read Corteva's job posting line by line and incorporate the specific language they use — not as copy-paste, but as natural integration. If the posting says 'collaborate with cross-functional teams on crop protection portfolio management,' your resume should reflect that exact phrasing where your experience aligns. This strategy improves both ATS keyword matching and the hiring manager's perception that you understand the role's demands precisely.

nice_to_have

For Student Programs, Emphasize Academic Projects and Relevant Coursework

Corteva's Programa de Estudiantes covers areas from EHS to R&D to Marketing. If you're applying to these internship or practicum roles, dedicate resume space to relevant coursework (e.g., Organic Chemistry, Plant Pathology, Environmental Science), laboratory or field research projects, and any thesis work related to agriculture or chemistry. These programs are designed as talent pipelines, so demonstrating academic curiosity and alignment with Corteva's business areas is more important than extensive work history.

ATS System: Workday (WD5 Instance)

Corteva uses Workday's WD5 cloud instance to manage all recruitment, from job posting through onboarding. Workday parses uploaded resumes into structured candidate profiles, allowing recruiters to search and filter applicants by keywords, experience, location, and qualifications. Understanding how Workday processes your application gives you a meaningful edge in making it past automated screens and into recruiter review queues.

Upload your resume as a .docx or standard PDF — Workday's parser handles these formats most reliably and avoids misreading that can occur with image-heavy or non-standard file types
After Workday auto-populates your profile from your resume, manually review every field — job titles, dates, company names, and education details frequently parse incorrectly and incomplete profiles may be filtered out
Use standard section headers (Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications) so Workday maps your content to the correct profile fields without manual correction
Incorporate keywords directly from Corteva's job posting into your resume and the free-text fields within Workday — recruiters use keyword searches across the Workday candidate database to surface relevant profiles
Avoid tables, columns, graphics, and text boxes in your resume — Workday's parser reads content linearly and can jumble multi-column layouts, resulting in incoherent profile data
Complete all optional fields in your Workday profile, including skills tags, language proficiencies, and location preferences — Corteva recruiters use these filters when sourcing candidates for multiple open roles across regions
If applying to multiple Corteva roles, tailor your resume for each submission — Workday tracks each application separately, and a resume optimized for a Field Testing Specialist role may not rank well for a Regulatory Affairs Specialist position

Complete Workday (WD5 Instance) Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Corteva's interview process reflects its identity as a science-driven, safety-conscious agricultural company with deep roots in legacy organizations like Pioneer Hi-Bred and Dow AgroSciences.

Expect a structured, multi-stage process that typically includes two to four touchpoints depending on the seniority and technical complexity of the role. The initial recruiter screen is usually a 20-30 minute phone or video call focused on your background, motivation for joining Corteva specifically, and logistics like location flexibility and travel willingness. For field-based roles such as Field Testing Specialist or Irrigation Field Agronomist, recruiters commonly probe your comfort working in rural agricultural settings, your familiarity with growing seasons and field operations, and your physical ability to work outdoors in varied conditions. Subsequent rounds typically involve behavioral and technical interviews with hiring managers and team members. Corteva commonly uses behavioral interview frameworks — expect questions starting with 'Tell me about a time when...' that explore competencies like collaboration, problem-solving under ambiguity, safety mindset, and innovation. For technical roles, be prepared for scenario-based questions: how you would design a field trial, troubleshoot a regulatory submission issue, or respond to an EHS incident. Culture fit is a significant evaluation criterion. Corteva's stated values — enriching lives, acting with integrity, and striving for excellence — aren't just corporate language; interviewers actively assess whether candidates demonstrate curiosity about agriculture, genuine passion for sustainability, and the humility to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams. Demonstrating that you understand the agricultural ecosystem and care about the farmers who use Corteva's products goes a long way. For student programs across Latin America, interviews may be conducted in Spanish and tend to be more conversational, focusing on your academic interests, career goals, and cultural fit with the local team. Panel interviews with two to three interviewers are common for mid-level and senior roles. Preparation should include researching Corteva's latest product launches, sustainability reports, and strategic priorities — interviewers notice when candidates have done their homework.

What Corteva Looks For

Deep agricultural knowledge — whether in agronomy, crop protection, seed science, or regulatory affairs, Corteva seeks candidates who understand the farming ecosystem and can speak credibly about agricultural challenges
Safety-first mindset — given Corteva's chemical and field operations, candidates who proactively demonstrate EHS awareness and a personal commitment to safety stand out significantly
Scientific rigor and data-driven decision-making — Corteva invests heavily in R&D, and roles across the organization require the ability to design experiments, interpret data, and draw actionable conclusions
Adaptability to rural and field-based environments — many Corteva roles require working at research stations, farms, or field trial sites, and genuine comfort with these settings is non-negotiable for such positions
Cross-cultural communication and language skills — with operations in 140+ countries and strong Latin American presence, bilingual candidates (especially English-Spanish) have a distinct advantage
Purpose alignment with food security and sustainability — Corteva is mission-driven, and candidates who articulate a genuine connection to agriculture, environmental stewardship, or feeding the world resonate strongly
Collaborative spirit and intellectual humility — Corteva's innovation model depends on cross-functional teamwork between scientists, commercial teams, and regulatory experts, so lone-wolf tendencies are a red flag
Growth potential and learning agility — particularly for student programs and early-career roles, Corteva evaluates whether candidates have the curiosity and adaptability to grow within the organization long-term

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Corteva's hiring process typically take from application to offer?

Based on common patterns reported by applicants in the agricultural sciences industry, Corteva's hiring process typically takes between three to eight weeks from initial application to offer, though this varies significantly by role type and location. Field-based seasonal roles like Field Testing Specialist may move faster due to time-sensitive planting and growing season deadlines. Student programs (Programa de Estudiantes) often follow academic calendars, with applications opening months before the intended start date. After submitting through Workday, you can generally expect to hear back within one to three weeks if selected for a recruiter screen, though high-volume periods may extend this timeline.

Does Corteva require a cover letter with applications?

Corteva's Workday portal typically includes an option to upload a cover letter, but it is not always marked as mandatory. That said, submitting a targeted cover letter is strongly recommended, especially for competitive roles in regulatory affairs, agronomy, and R&D. Use your cover letter to articulate why Corteva specifically appeals to you — reference their mission around food security, a specific product line like Pioneer seeds, or a recent sustainability initiative. This is particularly valuable because Corteva's lean roster of open positions means each role attracts focused applicant pools, and a compelling cover letter differentiates you from candidates with similar technical qualifications.

What resume format works best with Corteva's Workday ATS?

Submit your resume as a .docx or clean PDF file with a single-column layout, standard section headers, and no graphics, tables, or text boxes. Workday's parser reads content linearly, so multi-column designs or creative formats often result in garbled profile data that recruiters have to manually fix — or simply skip. Use consistent date formatting (e.g., 'Jan 2021 – Present'), clearly labeled job titles and company names, and a dedicated Skills section that includes technical competencies relevant to Corteva's agricultural and chemical operations. After uploading, always review the auto-populated Workday profile fields to correct any parsing errors before final submission.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Corteva simultaneously?

Yes, Workday allows you to apply to multiple Corteva positions, and each application is tracked independently in the system. However, quality matters more than quantity — with only around 165+ open roles at any given time, Corteva's talent acquisition team will notice if you're applying indiscriminately to unrelated positions. Focus on roles where your qualifications genuinely align, and tailor your resume for each specific submission. Corteva's recruiters can see your complete application history within Workday, so a few well-targeted applications demonstrate more serious interest than a scattershot approach.

What should I prepare for a Corteva interview?

Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), with examples drawn from agricultural, scientific, or field-based experience wherever possible. Research Corteva's two business segments — Seed and Crop Protection — and be ready to discuss how your skills connect to their specific products and challenges. Review Corteva's latest annual report and sustainability disclosures to understand their strategic priorities. For technical roles, expect scenario-based questions (e.g., designing a field trial protocol or managing a regulatory submission challenge). Demonstrate your safety mindset by naturally referencing EHS practices in your examples, and prepare thoughtful questions that show you understand the agricultural industry's current landscape, from precision agriculture trends to regulatory changes.

Does Corteva offer remote work opportunities?

Corteva's workforce model is heavily shaped by the nature of agricultural work — many roles, particularly in field testing, agronomy, and manufacturing, inherently require on-site presence at research stations, farms, or production facilities. Corporate and regulatory affairs roles based in Indianapolis or other office locations may offer hybrid arrangements, though this varies by team and function. When reviewing job postings on their Workday portal, check the listed location carefully — postings typically specify whether a role is field-based, office-based, or offers flexibility. If remote or hybrid work is important to you, it's appropriate to ask about work arrangements during the recruiter screen.

What level of experience do I need to apply to Corteva?

Corteva hires across the full experience spectrum, from current students to seasoned industry professionals. Their Programa de Estudiantes (Student Programs) in areas like EHS, R&D, Quality Control, Marketing, and Procurement are explicitly designed for students seeking internships or professional practicums, requiring primarily academic qualifications and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Mid-level roles like Agronomy Specialist or Regulatory Affairs Specialist typically require three to seven years of relevant experience. Senior and leadership positions expect deep domain expertise. If you're early in your career, focus on Corteva's student and entry-level pipeline roles as a pathway into the organization — Corteva commonly uses these programs to identify and develop future full-time hires.

How important is agricultural experience for non-technical roles at Corteva?

While deep agricultural knowledge isn't required for every Corteva role, demonstrated interest in or understanding of the agriculture industry is a consistent differentiator across all functions — including Marketing, Procurement, Finance, and HR. Corteva's culture is deeply rooted in its mission to serve farmers and the global food system, so candidates who can articulate why agriculture matters to them personally tend to perform better in interviews. You don't need to have grown up on a farm, but you should be able to speak intelligently about Corteva's products, the challenges facing modern agriculture, and why you want to contribute to this specific industry rather than any other.

How do I follow up on my Corteva application?

After applying through Workday, you can track your application status by logging back into your candidate profile on corteva.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com — Workday typically displays status updates like 'Application Received,' 'Under Review,' or 'No Longer Under Consideration.' If two to three weeks pass without a status change, it's reasonable to reach out to Corteva's talent acquisition team via LinkedIn or through any recruiter contact information provided in the application confirmation. When following up, reference the specific job requisition number and briefly reiterate your interest and key qualifications. Avoid excessive follow-ups — one touchpoint after a reasonable waiting period demonstrates professionalism and genuine interest without being pushy.

How to Apply to Corteva

Key Takeaways

About Corteva

Application Process

Resume Tips for Corteva

Lead with Agricultural and Scientific Terminology

Quantify Your Agricultural or Scientific Impact

Highlight Safety, Sustainability, and Stewardship Experience

Use a Clean, Single-Column Format for Workday Parsing

Showcase Bilingual and Cross-Cultural Capabilities

Include Relevant Certifications and Licenses

Mirror Corteva's Job Description Language in Your Resume

For Student Programs, Emphasize Academic Projects and Relevant Coursework

ATS System: Workday (WD5 Instance)

Interview Culture

What Corteva Looks For

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Open Positions

Related Resources

Similar Companies

Sources