Horticulturist Expert Interview Questions And Answers

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.

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.

1. Please describe your background and experience that would make you a strong candidate for this job?
2. What technique do you follow to choose shrubs, plants and flowers by inspecting the type of soil?
3. What are your strengths in landscape design?
4. What areas would you like to gain more experience or knowledge?
5. If I did a reference check with your former manager, what contributions would he/she say you made to your previous company?
6. In your opinion what weather conditions are best for plants to thrive throughout the year?
7. What technique do you use to clean older plants from the garden?
8. What are the key responsibilities of a landscape technician?
9. What are your views in organic growth of plants?
10. What have you liked the most about your last job? The least?

► 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.

► Give us a brief idea of your educational background and your special interests in it.
► What sort of experience do you possess that you think that shall help you in this job?
► What do you think are the disadvantages of this job? Why?
► Give an example of your past job where you provided a miraculous solution to a difficult problem related to your job?
► What was the reason for quitting your previous job?
► How do you think shall this job be better than the previous job of yours?
► Why did you choose this particular career? What are your goals with respect to your career?
► What kind of a salary do you wish to acquire?
► What prospects besides money are important to you in a job like this?
► According to you which factor is more important - Yield or resistance to a fatal disease?
► What was the last experiment that you have conducted in your past job? Was it successful?

► 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?

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
Mention pressures you face on the daily, such as dealing with deadlines on a regular basis.
Try not to use an example where you created the pressure yourself, by waiting too long to start something, or by handling a task irresponsibly at the beginning. For example, working under pressure to meet a customer's deadline could be a good example, but not if you had waited too long to start the project.

"Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure."

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?

► How did this job vacancy come about?
► How do they see the role developing?
► What are the challenges facing the team/department/organisation?
► What would they expect you to achieve in the first three months after appointment?
► Are there any problems in this role that you should know about?

► What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?
► What support training would you require to be able to do this job?
► What major challenges and problems did you face?
► What is a typical career path in this job function?
► Who has impacted you most in your career and how?

► Describe a situation where you had to plan or organise something.
► How do you keep track of things you need to do?
► What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?
► What kind of events cause you stress on the job?- What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?

Do not forget to ask for the names of interviewers. And then, remember to give them a polite thank you. Your answer should be focused on what you can bring to the role that will be of benefit to the company.
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control.

► Have you had any specific offers?
► What are your plans for self-improvement and personal development?
► Have you ever worked with anyone with developmental disabilities?
► Are you willing to go where the company sends you?
► What was your overall average for class standings?
► Rate yourself on a scale of one to ten.
► Would you choose the same curriculum again?

► What concerns do you have about this job?
► Which one is better: mentoring or coaching?
► What position do you expect to have in five years?
► What did your subordinates think of you?
► What do you do to deal with stress?
► What would your ideal career position be?
► Where else have you applied for work?