If you are a gardener and looking for a new job, it can often be challenging to prepare for a job interview. A lot depends on the job interview. As this is your chance to leave the right impression. So not preparing for your job interview can be a big mistake. And the difference between you getting the job, and having to apply for other jobs again!
Know The Job Details
The first thing you want to look at when you are preparing for your gardener interview is to make sure you fully understand the job. Hopefully, you have a full job description which lists all tasks and details fo the job. If not, make sure you request a full job description before you go to the interview. As this is a key part of preparing for it!
Does The Job Fit
So what you want to be looking for several things. Firstly, do you know exactly where the job is based, and whether this is a full time or a part-time role? Does it list the hours – and do they work for you? It can be tempting to apply for any type of job when you need it, but you need to stay realistic. If this is a live-out, part-time role that is over 2 hours drive from where you live, is it worth it? Equally so, would you be able to give the employer what they need. If they need anything last minute, would you be able to pop in? So realistically, does the job fit with your life and lifestyle.
Do You Match the Required Skills
Secondly, do you understand all the tasks and criteria. In most job listings, they will summarise tasks they would expect you to do in this role. Do you match the skillset? Do you understand all the tasks, have you got the right experience? Again, it might be rare to find a job that is 100 % perfect. But you want to make sure you have the right level of experience and skills before you attend the job interview. This will save you and the potential employer a lot of time!
Questions To Ask
Write down any questions you may have about the job, that you cannot find from the job spec. Are all the tasks indeed clear? And the working hours? Perhaps you need to know the start date. Will you be working alongside other gardeners, or are you replacing a current gardener. It is always interesting to know why they have decided to recruit now. As it can give you more information about the job, and the work environment too!
Plan For The Day
Another way to prepare for your gardener job interview is to concretely schedule the day of the interview. Do you know where the interview will be taking place? Then plan and schedule your route. And make sure you have a backup! Both in routes, and modes of transport. The one thing you want to try and avoid is to be late for your job interview as it will leave a terrible first impression. And if they will be interviewing many people, you might not be able to recover from a bad start to the interview!
So if you plan to take public transport, make sure there are several options for you to get there in case of delays or strikes. If you are planning to drive, leave plenty of time and account for traffic too.
You want to make a good first impression. So even though this is a gardening job you are applying for, make sure you dress smart. Make sure you smell fresh, no heavy makeup or perfume but show you have made an effort to look professional. You want to show you are taking this opportunity seriously – so showing up in a dirty or stained gardening uniform does not give off that impression!
How To Follow Up
A final thing you can do to prepare is to schedule the follow-up. At the end of your gardener job interview, make sure to as when they are planning the next steps, or to make a decision. If they tell you that it will take at least a week before you will hear something, then respect that time. Do not call or email beforehand asking for answers as they clearly will not be ready yet. What you can do, however, is send a polite follow-up email saying it was lovely meeting them, thanking them for the opportunity and if they need any further information you can happily provide this. This can leave a positive final impression. Especially, again, if lots of candidates were interviewed. As they might now just remember you from the polite follow-up!
How Can Polo & Tweed Help
Hopefully, you are now more clear on how you can prepare for your gardener job interview. But we can help with the full process for you. At Polo & Tweed, we work with many gardeners, and clients looking for new gardeners. Our team of highly experienced recruitment consultants are here for you and ready to help you find your new dream role. So why not apply to register with us now by completing this form, and one of our consultants will be in touch. You can also contact us directly here.