It is a common misconception that interviews are one-sided affairs.
If you want to portray yourself as a “prepared” candidate, you need to have done your research by asking questions too.
Here are a few tips that you should follow when going in for an interview:
• Do not ask for salary or benefits unless being asked.
• Never ask about job security – doing so will show your professional insecurity.
• Focus on the role that you are being interviewed for and not one that you will eventually reach, if and when you climb the career ladder.
• Avoid generic questions such as how many employees do you have when you do get a chance to ask questions.
Interview success largely depends on your attitude.
Even if you are applying for an entry-level position, your poise and confidence can win you many brownie points. Asking thought-provoking questions tells the interviewer that you have done your research well.
For a landscaping worker interview, here is a set of interview questions and answers that you can refer to for your preparation:
See also: Landscaping Resume
Landscaping Interview Questions and Answers
Working as a landscape worker, one is always at the mercy of natural elements. How do you feel about that?
I am an outdoorsy in and out! When it comes to working in the great outdoors, I know how to keep myself covered to battle the elements. And since working outdoors is the essence of this work, one has to make sure that one is prepared with raincoats and sunscreen as and when required.
Can you work with limited supervision? Can you tell us of a project that you did without supervision or very little of it?
Yes, I work quite well on my own – as well as I can work in a team. I was responsible for a 5-acre landscaping project, which I handled all on my own and within the provided deadline.
To what extent do you use visualization when you work on a project?
I have a strong visual imagination. When I plan a landscape, I begin with mental imagery, but for details, I do make rough sketches, either manual ones or computer-aided ones, to have a clearer idea about the end product. Tangible sketching also enables me to discuss the idea with the team members and to get it approved by the client.
What is your most favorite and least favorite type of soil for planting and landscaping?
My favorite is loam since it supports most of the plant life and is so easy to handle. I least like to work with wetland soil; not only is it messy, but the choices are limited to it.
Landscaping is a creative field that requires teamwork. How do you feel about working with a team on a project?
No doubt, landscaping demands creativity, but it also demands the workforce. If there is a conflict of ideas among team members, I always resolve the issue by sitting together, sharing ideas, and evaluating each plan for its feasibility. Of course, the customer’s preferences and the allocated budget pretty much define the choice of design, so it has never posed to be a problem.
What manual skills do you offer in addition to coming up with brilliant and vibrant landscape art designs?
In addition to designing, I am well versed in ground cleaning, cutting, shaping, mowing, fertilizing, and irrigating the site for landscaping.
What is your most successful design project so far? What factors contributed in its success?
The most successful landscaping I have done so far is that in the light well of a huge shopping mall. It has been successful, I think, because the design ideas were unique, and the plant selection was informed, just in accordance with the light and moisture factors, so its maintenance is super easy.
If you are working with loam soil and you feel that the design calls for some cacti here and there. What do you do?
Soil is never a limitation. If the design calls for cacti, I’ll plant those in large pots of sandy soil or by allocating a whole bed to sandy soil or shale.
What are the main factors you consider while making your initial draft design?
Initial landscaping and plantation are much easier than the actual maintenance of the landscape. Before designing the practical issues are evaluated, air, moisture level, sunlight, earth cut, and of course, the client’s design requirements are of primary importance that determines the type of landscaping which will be done.
Have you ever planned and installed an artificial irrigation system?
Yes, several times. Almost all landscapes, especially indoor ones, require special irrigation systems for maintenance, and I am well versed in blueprinting and installing the same.
Which manual and electric landscaping tools are you familiar with?
I am apt at using square, round and trench shovels, spades, pickaxes, electric tampers, and post-hole diggers.
Which correlating vehicles and machinery are you adept at using?
I am trained in the use of power mowers, tractors, twin-axel vehicles, snowblowers, chainsaws, and electric clippers.
Why do you feel that you can work well with us?
I believe that I have the creative vision, coupled with experience in landscaping and grounds maintenance, which you may not find in other contenders for this position.