Horticulturist Expert Interview Preparation Guide

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Horticulturists oversee landscaping activities and design attractive grounds through their expert selection and placement of plants. The interviewers thus might ask you about plants you'd place in different kinds of light, plants you'd place together or not and how you'd select plants to beautify the environment. You might be in charge of directing projects for repair or improvement of an area, and your prospective employers might check your knowledge of coordinating labor, equipment and materials. Also, be ready to answer questions about laws and standards that pertain to your assigned areas, especially if you're vying for a job with a state or federal agency or for a large project.

It's important here to focus on the word "implemented." There's nothing wrong with having a thousand great ideas, but if the only place they live is on your notepad what's the point? Better still, you need a good ending. If your previous company took your advice and ended up going bankrupt, that's not such a great example either. Be prepared with a story about an idea of yours that was taken from idea to implementation, and considered successful.

Follow these three easy research tips before your next job interview:
1) Visit the company website; look in the "about us" section and "careers" sections
2) Visit the company's LinkedIn page (note, you must have a LinkedIn account - its free to sign up) to view information about the company
3) Google a keyword search phrase like "press releases" followed by the company name; you'll find the most recent news stories shared by the company
Remember, just because you have done your "homework", it does not mean you need to share ALL of it during the interview! Reciting every fact you've learned is almost as much of a turn off as not knowing anything at all! At a minimum, you should include the following in your answer:
1. What type of product or service the company sells
2. How long the company has been in business
3. What the company culture is like OR what the company mission statement is, and how the culture and/or mission relate to your values or personality

As a horticulturist, you must have in-depth knowledge of fertilizers and pesticides. Your duties also might include placing orders for proper materials and other plant supplies. Thus, interviewers might ask you about fertilizer programs you developed and started for areas such as parks, sports arenas and business complexes. You can also expect them to quiz you about the various methods for controlling pests. Here, you'll talk about weighing options such as pruning, mulching and even replanting before turning to chemicals. You'll also discuss selecting chemicals least harmful to humans and the environment.

More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the organization's values and vision. Every organization has its strong points, and these are the ones that you should highlight in your answer. For example, if the company emphasizes on integrity with customers, then you mention that you would like to be in such a team because you yourself believe in integrity.

It doesn't have to be a lie. In the case that your values are not in line with the ones by the company, ask yourself if you would be happy working there. If you have no issue with that, go ahead. But if you are aware of the company culture and realize that there is some dilemma you might be facing, you ought to think twice. The best policy is to be honest with yourself, and be honest with the interviewer with what is it in the company culture that motivates you.

Horticulture involves the use of different types of machinery, such as tractors, vertical cutters, mowers and weed cutters, and interviewers will likely test your knowledge of working with these machines. For example, they might ask you to discuss the tools you use to control thatching. In response, you could talk about vertical cutters and power rakes. The hiring managers also might want to be sure that you can use the tools safely and deal with any problems that might arise. At this point, you'd discuss maintenance schedules for your equipment.

A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is "What challenges are you looking for in a position?"
The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job.
You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job.
You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past.

Oral and written communication is essential, because you'll likely prepare reports for your superiors, clients and customers, and you'll answer queries from visitors. Basic mathematical skills are also essential so you can calculate areas, circumferences and volume. Another important skill you need to have is to be able to understand instructions sent to you. These could be in the form of diagrams, schedules and written reports. Prepare to answer questions regarding these skills, because you need them to perform your duties effectively.

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

The job of a horticulturist includes a lot of physical labor, so hiring managers will want to know if you're capable of dealing with long hours outdoors. You'll be working with your hands a lot, planting, weeding and pruning and caring for plants. At times, you might also need to lift heavy weights and work in hot, humid conditions in all kinds of weather. You might need to put in extra hours or work an added day over the weekend. Thus, you'll field questions about overtime work and your physical condition.