How to Apply to John Lewis Partnership

9 min read Last updated April 20, 2026 3 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through jobs.deere.com, John Deere's SuccessFactors-powered career portal. Filter by Professional/Technical, Production/Skilled Trades, or Student programs across global locations including Moline IL, Waterloo IA, Des Moines IA, and Cary NC.
  • The hiring process averages 25 days: application, optional assessments, recruiter phone screen, 2-3 STAR behavioral interview rounds, background check, and offer.
  • John Deere uses the STAR behavioral interview method extensively and transparently — prepare specific examples of teamwork, problem-solving, failure recovery, and quality orientation using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework.
  • Deere has transformed into a 'Smart Industrial' company investing heavily in autonomous tractors, AI-powered precision agriculture, computer vision, and IoT connectivity — technology candidates should highlight relevant experience in these domains.
  • Core values are Integrity, Quality, Commitment, Innovation, and Humanity — interviewers actively assess alignment, especially around quality standards and genuine interest in Deere's agricultural and infrastructure impact.
  • Benefits are strong: generous 401(k) match (estimated 10% total), 11 holidays plus Christmas-to-New-Year shutdown, comprehensive health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and free Coursera access.
  • Use a clean, single-column resume format for SAP SuccessFactors parsing — avoid graphics, tables, multi-column layouts, and non-standard fonts.
  • Demonstrate genuine passion for Deere's mission of advancing food production, sustainable agriculture, and infrastructure development — this authenticity consistently differentiates successful candidates from those who treat it as 'just another employer.'

About John Lewis Partnership

Deere & Company, universally known as John Deere, is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and the world's largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deere — who invented the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow — the company has grown over nearly two centuries into a global industrial powerhouse employing approximately 83,000 people across 30+ countries, with fiscal year 2024 revenue of approximately $51 billion. John Deere operates through four primary business segments. Production and Precision Agriculture manufactures large agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, cotton pickers, and planters, integrated with advanced precision agriculture technology — GPS guidance, variable-rate application, autonomous operation capabilities, and the John Deere Operations Center cloud platform. Small Agriculture and Turf covers compact utility tractors, riding mowers, commercial mowing equipment, and golf course maintenance equipment. Construction and Forestry produces excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, articulated dump trucks, and forestry harvesting equipment. Financial Services provides financing, leasing, and crop insurance through John Deere Financial, supporting both dealers and end customers. What sets John Deere apart as an employer is its transformation from a traditional equipment manufacturer into a technology-driven 'Smart Industrial' company. Under the company's Leap Ambitions strategy, Deere is investing heavily in autonomy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and connected technology. The company has deployed fully autonomous tractors in production agriculture, uses AI-powered computer vision to distinguish crops from weeds for targeted spraying (reducing herbicide use by up to 66%), and operates one of the largest agricultural IoT platforms in the world through the JDLink connectivity system. This technological transformation means Deere now hires significant numbers of software engineers, data scientists, machine learning researchers, and embedded systems engineers alongside its traditional mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering workforce. Deere's core values — Integrity, Quality, Commitment, Innovation, and Humanity — have guided the company since its founding. The addition of Humanity as the fifth core value in fiscal year 2024 reflects the company's commitment to inclusivity and its global impact on food security, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management. For career seekers, John Deere offers the rare combination of a nearly 190-year-old Fortune 100 company with genuine startup-level ambition in autonomous systems and agricultural AI, strong Midwest values, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work on technology that directly impacts global food production and sustainability.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Search for positions on John Deere's career portal at jobs

    Search for positions on John Deere's career portal at jobs.deere.com. The site is powered by SAP SuccessFactors and organizes roles into categories including Professional, Technical, and Management; Production and Skilled Trades; Student and Recent Graduate programs; and Dealer/Distribution opportunities. Filter by location (major hubs in Moline IL, Waterloo IA, Des Moines IA, Cary NC, Chicago IL, Mannheim Germany, Pune India, and Indaiatuba Brazil), function, and career level.

  2. 2
    Create a candidate profile and submit your application with a tailored resume

    Create a candidate profile and submit your application with a tailored resume. SuccessFactors will parse your uploaded resume to auto-fill profile fields — use a clean, single-column format to ensure accurate parsing. Answer all screening questions thoroughly, as these are used for initial qualification filtering. You can set up job alerts to be notified when new positions matching your criteria are posted.

  3. 3
    Complete any online assessments if required for your role

    Complete any online assessments if required for your role. Depending on the position, John Deere may administer cognitive ability tests, technical knowledge assessments, or situational judgment questionnaires. Engineering and technology roles may include coding challenges or technical problem-solving exercises. These assessments are typically administered after initial resume screening.

  4. 4
    Participate in a phone or video screen with a John Deere recruiter, typically la

    Participate in a phone or video screen with a John Deere recruiter, typically lasting 20-30 minutes. The recruiter will discuss your background, motivation for joining Deere, understanding of the company's mission, and basic qualification alignment. This conversation also covers logistics like relocation willingness, salary expectations, and start date availability.

  5. 5
    Complete 2-3 rounds of interviews with hiring managers and team members

    Complete 2-3 rounds of interviews with hiring managers and team members. John Deere uses the STAR behavioral interview method extensively — expect structured questions about teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, quality orientation, and innovation. Technical roles include hands-on technical assessments, system design discussions, or engineering problem-solving. Some positions include a panel interview with cross-functional team members. Virtual interviews via video conferencing are common for initial rounds, with final rounds often conducted on-site at the relevant Deere facility.

  6. 6
    Receive an offer after successful interviews and completion of background verifi

    Receive an offer after successful interviews and completion of background verification. The average hiring timeline at John Deere is approximately 25 days from application to offer, though this varies by role complexity and level. Entry-level and intern positions may move faster, while senior engineering and leadership roles can take several weeks longer. John Deere's offer packages typically include base salary, annual incentive bonus, relocation assistance if applicable, and comprehensive benefits.

Resume Tips for John Lewis Partnership

recommended

Use a clean, single-column resume format optimized for SAP SuccessFactors parsin

Use a clean, single-column resume format optimized for SAP SuccessFactors parsing. Avoid multi-column layouts, tables, headers/footers with critical information, graphics, and non-standard fonts. SuccessFactors' parser performs best with standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) and chronological formatting. Submit as a .docx or .pdf file.

recommended

Highlight experience with precision agriculture, autonomous systems, IoT, or con

Highlight experience with precision agriculture, autonomous systems, IoT, or connected technology if applying for engineering or technology roles. John Deere's Smart Industrial strategy centers on autonomy, AI, computer vision, embedded systems, and cloud-connected equipment. Reference specific technologies: GPS guidance, LiDAR, machine learning, edge computing, telematics, or sensor fusion — these align directly with Deere's product roadmap.

recommended

Quantify your impact with specific metrics and outcomes

Quantify your impact with specific metrics and outcomes. John Deere's engineering culture is results-oriented — include measurable achievements such as efficiency improvements, cost reductions, quality metrics, project delivery timelines, or system performance gains. For manufacturing roles, reference throughput improvements, defect rate reductions, or lean manufacturing outcomes.

recommended

Demonstrate understanding of the agricultural, construction, or heavy equipment

Demonstrate understanding of the agricultural, construction, or heavy equipment industry. Even for technology roles, showing awareness of how your work impacts end users (farmers, contractors, foresters) differentiates your application. Mention any experience with agricultural systems, construction equipment, manufacturing processes, or rural/agricultural communities.

recommended

Include relevant technical certifications and specialized skills

Include relevant technical certifications and specialized skills. Valued credentials include PE (Professional Engineer), Six Sigma/Lean certifications, PMP, AWS/Azure cloud certifications, embedded systems expertise (C/C++, RTOS), and specialized engineering software proficiency (SolidWorks, MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS). For manufacturing roles, highlight CNC programming, welding certifications, or industrial maintenance qualifications.

recommended

Showcase cross-functional collaboration and leadership experiences

Showcase cross-functional collaboration and leadership experiences. John Deere's product development involves mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers working together alongside product managers and dealers. Evidence of successful cross-disciplinary teamwork, leading project teams, or coordinating between technical and non-technical stakeholders resonates strongly.

recommended

Reference sustainability and environmental impact work if applicable

Reference sustainability and environmental impact work if applicable. Deere's Leap Ambitions include aggressive sustainability goals — low/no-carbon power solutions, precision technology that reduces chemical inputs, and resource efficiency. Experience with sustainability initiatives, environmental engineering, electric/hybrid vehicle systems, or renewable energy demonstrates alignment with Deere's strategic direction.

ATS System: SAP SuccessFactors

John Deere uses SAP SuccessFactors as its applicant tracking and recruitment platform, accessible at jobs.deere.com/successfactors/. SuccessFactors handles job posting, resume parsing, candidate screening, and application management across all Deere career categories and global locations.

  • Use a single-column resume layout — SuccessFactors struggles with multi-column designs, tables, and embedded graphics
  • Include standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) for reliable automated parsing
  • Mirror keywords from the job description naturally in your experience bullets and skills section
  • Submit as .docx or .pdf for best parsing compatibility
  • Complete all profile fields after upload — verify that parsed data is accurate before submitting

Complete SAP SuccessFactors Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

John Deere interviews are rated 2.91 out of 5 for difficulty on Glassdoor, with approximately 75% of candidates reporting a positive experience.

The company's interview culture reflects its Midwest heritage — professional, straightforward, respectful, and substance-focused. There is minimal posturing or trick questions; interviewers genuinely want to understand what you have done, how you think, and whether you align with Deere's values and mission. The STAR behavioral interview method is the cornerstone of John Deere's hiring process, and the company is remarkably transparent about this — their careers website explicitly instructs candidates to prepare using the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework. Common behavioral topics include: describing a time you failed and how you recovered, handling tensions within a group project, demonstrating initiative on a challenging assignment, and explaining what 'success' and 'quality' mean to you personally. Interviewers focus on your individual contribution — they want to hear 'I' not 'we' — and value honest, specific, detailed accounts over polished generalities. For engineering and technology roles, expect technical depth appropriate to the position. Software engineering interviews include coding assessments, algorithm discussions, and system design conversations. Mechanical and electrical engineering interviews may involve design reviews, problem-solving exercises, or discussions of past project work. Data science and machine learning roles include modeling discussions, statistical reasoning, and applied problem-solving with real agricultural or industrial contexts. Deere's technical interviewers are typically practicing engineers who value practical competence over theoretical perfection. The cultural dimension of Deere interviews is distinctive. As a company rooted in agriculture and manufacturing with nearly 190 years of history, Deere values humility, work ethic, and genuine passion for the company's impact on food production and infrastructure. Candidates who demonstrate authentic interest in how their work connects to feeding the world, building infrastructure, or advancing sustainable agriculture stand out. The company's five core values — Integrity, Quality, Commitment, Innovation, and Humanity — are not just corporate slogans; interviewers actively assess alignment with these principles. John Deere rates 4.0 out of 5 on Glassdoor overall, with 4.0 for work-life balance and 4.1 for compensation and benefits. Employees consistently highlight strong benefits (including a generous 401(k) match with an estimated 3x on the first 2% and 1x on the next 4%), 11 scheduled holidays plus a Christmas-to-New-Year shutdown, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, free Coursera access, and robust Employee Resource Groups. The company culture is described as collaborative, stable, and family-friendly — particularly at Midwestern locations. Career development is supported through internal training programs, rotation assignments, and technical development tracks, though some employees note that promotions can take time in such a large, established organization.

What John Lewis Partnership Looks For

  • Engineering excellence with practical problem-solving ability. John Deere builds physical products that operate in demanding real-world conditions — they seek engineers and technologists who combine strong theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on problem-solving skills and a drive to see their work deployed in the field.
  • Passion for the company's mission and impact. Deere wants candidates who genuinely care about advancing food production, sustainable agriculture, and infrastructure development. Demonstrating understanding of how agriculture feeds the world, how construction builds communities, and how technology amplifies human capability is a meaningful differentiator.
  • Innovation mindset with quality discipline. Deere's Leap Ambitions demand bold innovation in autonomy, AI, and electrification — but the company builds machines that must perform reliably for decades in harsh conditions. They look for people who push boundaries while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
  • Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork. Building complex machinery integrated with advanced software requires mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and supply chain teams working in tight coordination. John Deere values people who communicate across disciplines and contribute to team success.
  • Integrity and ethical grounding. As stated in their Code of Business Conduct, Deere expects 'standards of honor and integrity' in all interactions. This is deeply embedded — interviewers assess character and ethical judgment alongside technical skills, especially for roles involving safety-critical systems.
  • Continuous learning and adaptability. Deere's rapid technology transformation — from traditional machinery to autonomous, AI-powered systems — requires people who embrace learning new technologies, adapting to evolving business models, and growing into new responsibilities as the company evolves.
  • Global perspective with local sensitivity. Operating in 30+ countries serving diverse agricultural and construction markets, Deere seeks candidates who can work effectively across cultures, time zones, and regulatory environments while understanding local market needs and conditions.
  • Customer and dealer orientation. John Deere's dealer network is central to its business model. Understanding how products serve end users (farmers, contractors, homeowners) and how the dealer channel operates demonstrates business awareness that Deere values across all functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the John Deere hiring process?
John Deere's hiring process typically follows these steps: apply online through jobs.deere.com (powered by SAP SuccessFactors), complete any required online assessments (cognitive, technical, or situational judgment), participate in a 20-30 minute phone screen with a recruiter, complete 2-3 rounds of STAR behavioral interviews with hiring managers and team members (plus technical assessments for engineering roles), and receive an offer after background verification. The average process takes approximately 25 days.
Where can I find John Deere job openings?
Search for positions at jobs.deere.com, which covers Professional/Technical/Management roles, Production and Skilled Trades, Student and Recent Graduate programs, and Dealer/Distribution opportunities. John Deere also posts positions on LinkedIn, Indeed, and recruits at university career fairs. Dealer technician and service positions may be listed on dealerjobs.deere.com.
What is the STAR interview method used at John Deere?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result — a behavioral interview technique where you describe specific past experiences rather than hypothetical responses. John Deere uses this method extensively and recommends it on their careers website. For each question, describe the situation you faced, the task or challenge, the specific actions you personally took (use 'I' not 'we'), and the measurable result. Prepare 6-8 varied examples covering teamwork, problem-solving, failure recovery, leadership, and quality orientation.
What types of roles does John Deere hire for?
John Deere hires across a wide spectrum: software engineering, data science, machine learning, embedded systems, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, supply chain management, product management, marketing, finance, HR, dealer operations, and production/skilled trades (machinists, welders, maintenance technicians, assemblers). The company's technology transformation has significantly expanded hiring for software, AI, and autonomy roles.
Does John Deere offer internships and co-ops?
Yes. John Deere runs extensive summer internship and co-op programs for university students across engineering, technology, business, and supply chain functions. Internships are available at major Deere facilities and often lead to full-time return offers. Positions are posted on jobs.deere.com and through university career services partnerships. Deere also offers a Part-Time Student program for students near Deere facilities.
What is John Deere's company culture like?
John Deere's culture is collaborative, stable, and values-driven, reflecting its Midwest roots and nearly 190-year heritage. Employees rate the company 4.0/5 on Glassdoor with strong marks for work-life balance (4.0) and compensation/benefits (4.1). The culture emphasizes quality, integrity, teamwork, and genuine commitment to the company's agricultural and infrastructure mission. Employee Resource Groups, development programs, tuition reimbursement, and free Coursera access support growth.
What benefits does John Deere offer?
John Deere offers comprehensive benefits including a generous 401(k) match (estimated 3x on first 2% and 1x on next 4%, totaling approximately 10%), medical/dental/vision coverage with preventive services at 100%, 11 scheduled holidays plus a Christmas-to-New-Year shutdown, tuition reimbursement, free Coursera license, Employee Resource Groups, and hybrid work arrangements for qualifying roles. Production employees may receive additional shift premiums and overtime opportunities.
What ATS does John Deere use?
John Deere uses SAP SuccessFactors as its applicant tracking system, accessible at jobs.deere.com/successfactors/. To optimize your application, use a single-column resume format, standard section headings, and avoid graphics or complex formatting that may confuse the parser. Include relevant keywords from the job description naturally throughout your experience and skills sections.
How difficult are John Deere interviews?
John Deere interviews are rated 2.91 out of 5 for difficulty on Glassdoor, with 75% of candidates reporting a positive experience. The behavioral STAR format is structured but fair. Technical engineering roles include hands-on technical assessments. The company is transparent about its process and genuinely seeks to understand your experience and cultural fit rather than trip you up with trick questions.
Does John Deere require relocation?
Many John Deere professional roles are based at facilities in Iowa (Waterloo, Des Moines, Ankeny, Davenport), Illinois (Moline, East Moline), North Carolina (Cary), or international locations. Relocation assistance is typically offered for qualifying positions. Some technology roles offer hybrid work arrangements. Production and manufacturing roles require on-site presence at the specific factory location. Check individual job postings for location flexibility details.

Open Positions

John Lewis Partnership currently has 3 open positions.

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 3 open positions at John Lewis Partnership

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