If you are looking to self-hire a gardener, there are several things you need to be aware of. It is a lot of hard work, and it can be challenging making the right decisions. So make sure you know exactly what you are getting started with when you self-hire a gardener. So that you don’t get disheartened in the process. And you get the results you’re after!
Self-Hire Step 1: Create a Job Spec
The first step when it comes to self-hiring your new gardener is to create a clear job spec. This means that you have to have a very clear understanding of exactly what the job entails. If you are not sure, it will be near impossible to find a suitable person for this.
Start by making a list for yourself of all the tasks. Everything you can think of you want your gardener to do. Then look at the actual job details. Will this be an employed or self-employed role? How many hours a week will this be for? Is there accommodation offered, or just a salary?
And when you are going through all these things, you will notice a job will take shape. Are all the tasks you listed, for example, realistic for the hours per week? Do you need more hours? And perhaps you need someone with certain specialist skills. All things to mention in the job spec!
Finally, do not forget to mention location (not your exact address though), how to apply and when the role would start. The more clear you can be on the job spec. The bigger the chance to get candidates who are actually suited for the job.
Self-Hire Step 2: Get The Spec Out There
Now that you have your job spec, you need to get it out there! If you are self-hiring, you need to be creative. You can use websites such as Gumtree to post your job advert. But also don’t forget social media. If you are using the right hashtags, you can reach the right audience.
Also, consider using your own network. Do you know anyone who recently has hired a gardener? It will be worth it chatting to them to find out how they did it. And they might still have some CVs on candidates for you to consider! Letting people know you are looking for a new gardener can be a great way to naturally find someone. Just make sure that you don’t just go by recommendation. What suits one person might not be the right thing for you, after all.
Self-Hire Step 3: First CV Selection & Interviews
This is where the first part of hard work comes in. So you have posted your job spec, and are starting to get applications in. You will very soon realise that this is a lot of work. Many people will apply for the job. And not only people who are actually suited for the role! So make sure you take your time in going through each application. Because you also don’t want to miss the good ones!
Once you have made a selection, you can set up first interviews. So that means calling or emailing everyone and scheduling all of that in. Again, this is a time-consuming process. But to get a great gardener to self-hire, you will have to go through this.
Self-Hire Step 4: Reference Checking & Trials
After you have set up interviews, it is worth checking references already. if you really like a candidate, you have to be prepared. So make sure to follow up and check on references and qualifications. Again, this will be a very time-consuming process. You might not be able to get hold of all the references. Some people might not want to speak to you.
But if you are hiring a gardener for your household or home, you cannot take any risks. You want to make sure that the person is who they say they are. Especially before you move to trials or a job offer!
If you have interviewed the person and are happy with their references. It is a good idea to set up a trial before you move on to the job offer stage. Someone can come across great during an interview. But you don’t know exactly what someone is like until you have them work for you for a little while. Make sure yo pay the person for any time they spend doing a trial for you! As this is still time out of their day, and work provided.
When you are happy with the candidate, you can, of course, offer them the job! Make sure the job offer is clear, and have a contract or at least a working and payment agreement in place. This will stop any confusion potentially happening later on.
How Polo & Tweed Can Help
Are you ready to self-hire your next gardener? Or would you like to get a bit of assistance? When using Polo & Tweed for your gardener search, all the stress and hard work will be taken away from you. All the candidates that will be presented to you will be fully vetted and checked. And they will match the job spec, too! We will arrange interviews, trials and help with putting together a job offer too. Why not drop us a line and we can chat about your needs, and how best to help find and hire a gardener and take all the stress out of the process!