Horticulturist

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a challenging question -- as if you have no weaknesses you are obviously lying! Be realistic and mention a small work related flaw. Many people will suggest answering this using a positive trait disguised as a flaw such as "I'm a perfectionist" or "I expect others to be as committed as I am." I would advocate a certain degree of honesty and list a true weakness. Emphasize what you've done to overcome it and improve. This question is all about how you perceive and evaluate yourself.

► How would you describe the experience of working here?

► How do you react to instruction and criticism?

► What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?

► What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?

► How do you feel about taking no for an answer?

Talk about specific work related experience for the position you're interviewing for.

Don't talk about previous experience that is not related to the position in question. Make sure you're well prepared for this Horticulture interview questions as you won't likely get a second chance to really shine.

► Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?

► When were you most satisfied in your job?

► What are you expecting from this firm in the future?

► How well did your college experience prepare you for this job?

► What are three positive character traits you don't have?

Answer as sincerely as possible. Don't lie as if you are discovered, it shall be very bad situation. Make sure the experience is relevant.

Don't get trivial or negative answering Horticulture interview questions.

► How do you maintain a positive discussion?

► What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

► How well did your college experience prepare you for this Horticulturist job?

► Describe some ideas that were implemented.

► Have you ever had to introduce a policy change to your work group?

► Give an example of when you had to present complex information in a simplified manner.

► Do your skills match Horticulturist job or another job more closely?

► Have you done this kind of work before?

► Do you work well under pressure?

► What is more important to you: the money or the work?

► How did you prepare for this work?

► Do you have any questions for me?

Answer as sincerely as possible. Don't lie as if you are discovered, it shall be very bad situation. Avoid negative comments about past employers. Don't spend a lot of time on these Horticulture interview questions.

Specific example of a time when criticized your work.

What do you ultimately want to become?

What do people most often criticize about you?

Give an example of how you worked as Horticulturist on team.

Have you ever challenged, shaken old work methods.

What do you do if you disagree with a co-worker?

What do you consider your most significant strength?

► What problems have you encountered at work?

► Describe a situation in which you had to collect information.

► How would you weigh a plane without scales?

► What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?

► What would you say are your strong points?