Sure, there are plenty of cool jobs out there, but there are also a lot of sneaky-cool jobs, and you might be surprised to learn that the landscape industry is one of them. Our teams get to work on some fascinating projects, some of which you may recognize or have visited yourself. 

Not everyone knows this, but… 

Some of the Work Involves Fun & Games

Take for instance LEGOLAND® Florida, where playing with LEGOS was just part of the job. Our Design and Development teams helped bring the iconic site to life, relocating trees to make way for the park’s attractions and breaking down and recycling materials from the existing theme park into the new construction for maximum sustainability.

There’s an Element of Sport

Sometimes the work involves high-performance clients with exacting standards. If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you probably already know about Circuit of the Americas, Austin’s grade 1 FIA-specification racetrack, but what you might not know is that construction of the track entailed extensive landscape work, including the installation of over 1.3 million square feet of track, as well as construction of the real and synthetic turf verges that border it.

Or, if baseball is more your speed, you might enjoy knowing our Development teams had a hand in Marlins Park! 

The Job Can Be a Real Work of Art

Whether restoring the splendor of the Huntington Library’s Japanese Garden or developing and maintaining outdoor spaces that mirror the beauty of the masterpieces contained within the Kimbell Art Museum, sometimes working in the landscape industry is a mix of art and science.

Sometimes It Feels Like a Vacation

Working in beautiful outdoor environments is already a great perk of the job, but who wouldn’t want to work in a vacation destination to boot? Our Development teams helped create the outdoor environments of some of the Las Vegas Strip’s most famous hotels, including the Wynn, Aria, and Bellagio, and when a tsunami devastated the stunning beachfront of Hawaii’s Four Seasons at Hualalai, our Design and Development teams were there to restore its glory.

Often, You’ll Work on the Cutting Edge

We’ve designed, installed, and continue to maintain a number of rooftop gardens, an important advancement in sustainability. Rooftop gardens not only maximize space in urban areas, but also reduce energy needs. At the world-famous Cedars-Sinai medical center, we helped the hospital create and maintain a beautiful rooftop garden for patients and staff to enjoy, complete with an innovative groundwater system with low-flow irrigation that’s contributed to an estimated overall savings campus-wide of 27 million gallons of water annually.

Where could a landscape career take you? The only way to know is to apply! Check out our current openings or join our talent community to stay posted on the latest opportunities. 

Ah, the great outdoors. There’s fresh air, sunshine (most of the time), and room to stretch your legs. And wouldn’t you know, it also happens to be a great place to work. In fact, working outdoors offers great benefits for mind and body, a welcome change as scientists recommend against extended sitting. Luckily, the landscape industry offers numerous opportunities to reap the rewards of working outdoors. Here are some of the ways in which working outdoors can be beneficial.

Improved Mood

Fluorescent lights and computer screens make me happy… said no one ever. Studies show nature reduces stress, especially in the workplace. Employees with a higher exposure to natural elements report greater satisfaction with their jobs than employees with less exposure. There’s even a term for it: biophilia. Biophilia refers to a human instinct to connect with nature and living beings. 

Improved Memory & Creativity

Biophilic workspaces have even been found to enhance cognitive function and creativity. One of the best parts of working in the landscape industry is that not only do you get to enjoy those benefits, but you also get to aid the clients you work with in achieving them, too. Here at BrightView, we help many clients add innovative outdoor spaces to their properties that give their visitors and employees the same cognitive stimulation.

Reduced Stress

When you feel like you need a mental break at work, where do you go? For many of us, the answer is outside. It turns out there’s a scientific reason we seek out nature. When humans are outside, cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone) and blood pressure are lower. It’s like a big hug from Mother Nature.

Stronger Teams

Studies have also shown that being in nature can increase our willingness to be trusting and helpful towards others. Those are all traits that help us bond with one another and build stronger teams. 

More Energy

Another area researchers have studied is whether being in nature increases vitality, which refers to how much energy we have physically and mentally. Even when controlling for physical and social activity (which in itself can be energizing), the results of their studies seemed to suggest that simply being in nature has the power to give us a little extra zing.

Greater Variety & Adaptability

Can your desk change with the seasons or grow new features? We’re guessing probably not. But when you work outdoors, your “office” is constantly changing. That means no two days ever look the same. Plus, the constant change in environment can make you more adaptable. It’s for this reason some experts recommend doing team-building exercises outside to give teams usually confined to a desk exposure to some of those same benefits.

Can you picture yourself in a career that gives you greater exposure to the outdoors? Then you may have found your crew here at BrightView. Whether working in one of our branches, or at the corporate office, a connection to nature is part of the job. Check out our current openings and find your perfect opportunity today. 

First days of work feel a bit like the first day of school. There are new people, new routines, maybe even new clothes if you’ll be sporting a new uniform. But even in all that newness, there are some things that always remain the same—specifically the ingredients for making your first day a great success. 

Be Ready for Anything

Even if you have some idea of what your first day will entail, you never really know what to expect until you’re there. So, go in with an open mind and be prepared for anything. Even if you’re anticipating spending the day in onboarding or training, bring the right mindset (and clothes if you’ll be in the field) to jump right in just in case someone could use your help. Your hiring manager will appreciate your adaptability and your teammates will be glad to know their new coworker is someone who doesn’t miss a beat.

Be Curious & Take Notes

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, you should ask questions. Why? Because even if you’re a landscape industry veteran, there are things that will inevitably be handled differently at each company. You’re not expected to know everything, and you’re certainly not expected to remember it all. But by asking questions and taking notes, it shows you’re earnest about hitting the ground running. Bonus—taking notes makes it more convenient to write down the names of the people you meet so you don’t forget them!

Be Available for Lunch

First days aren’t just for learning about the job; they’re also for learning about your teammates. So, if you can, keep your lunch plans flexible so you can bond with your crew or get to know other friendly faces. Bring a sack lunch or snacks just in case the team’s usual ritual involves a picnic lunch so you don’t miss out on the fun.

Be Okay with Asking for Help

Whether it’s how to work the copy machine or a piece of equipment, no one is going to judge you for asking for help. Besides, that’s so much better than breaking something, or worse, getting injured. Okay, so maybe the start button was in a really obvious place. But it’s okay! It’s your first day!

Be Kind to Yourself 

First days (heck, first weeks) can be overwhelming even if this isn’t your first job in the landscape industry. Just remember to be kind to yourself. Give everything you’re learning time to sink in and don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake. Everything will start to feel like second nature in due time. In the meantime, keep up with the tips above and chances are you’ll find yourself feeling settled sooner than you expect.

If you’re prepping for a job interview, chances are you’ve given a lot of thought to the questions you might be asked. But, what about the questions you get to ask?  

The interview isn’t just an opportunity for the interviewer to evaluate whether you’d be a good fit for the role; it’s also an opportunity for you to assess it for yourself. So, what should you ask if you’re contemplating a role with a new company, or transitioning into the landscape industry?  Consider these ideas:

• “What are the biggest challenges in this role?”

The answer might just provide another opportunity to sell yourself. Tight deadlines? Not a problem if you’re organized and calm under pressure. Growing the client portfolio in a tough market? With years of sales experience, you’re not deterred.

• “Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be joining?”

We spend a lot of time with our coworkers, so wouldn’t it be great to get a sense of who you’ll be working with? Camaraderie is important for all teams—whether a landscape maintenance crew, regional management, or corporate function.

• “What are the potential career paths for this role?”

The neat thing about the landscape industry is that career paths can take many shapes. For example, an entry-level role at a branch could provide a springboard to highly specialized positions, such as estimating, water management and enhancements, or into leadership positions at the branch, region, and beyond.

• “How would you measure success in this role?”

Whether it’s quantitative performance metrics (such as sales quotas), or qualities (like demonstrating leadership by mentoring junior team members), you’ll get a better sense of the expectations for the role.  

• “How does leadership facilitate employees’ success?”

If you haven’t already discussed training and development, this is a great follow-up question to the two above. Whether it’s corporate culture, or formal programs, understanding how employees are empowered to advance is helpful.

• “What do you like about working here?”

A supportive environment, a team that feels like family, flexibility… these are the insights you won’t get anywhere else.  Your interviewer’s responses will help you build a more complete picture of what it’s really like to work there. 

• “What are the next steps?”

Twiddling your thumbs is never fun. That’s why it’s a good idea to inquire about next steps, so you know what to expect and when follow-up would be appropriate. You might also want to ask about the hiring timeline, which will give you a better sense of when a decision could be made. 

Now that you have an idea of what to ask, jot down the questions most important to you and take them with you to the interview. You’ll get the information you need to make an informed career decision and make a good impression with your preparedness.  

Speaking of preparedness, you’re obviously quite savvy if you’re reading this article, so why not join our team of savvy landscape professionals? Check out our open positions here. 

Ah, the New Year, full of promise and new beginnings. If landing a new job is part of your vision for the New Year—whether in the landscape industry or somewhere else—the best way to position yourself for success is with a resume refresh. If the thought of working on your resume fills you with dread, fear not. We’ve compiled a list of tips that will make the process as painless as possible. 

Tip 1: Make the Introduction

You wouldn’t walk into an interview without introducing yourself. The same should be true of your resume. Instead of jumping right into the details of your current or most recent role, make the introduction with an objective statement or resume profile. 

An objective statement is a short, punchy description of your strengths and aspirations. It’s especially useful if you’re switching careers, as it provides an opportunity to highlight relevant, transferable experience upfront. Objective statements are also a good place to clarify if you’re planning to relocate and searching for jobs in a locale different from your current address. 

Objective statements needn’t be longer than a few sentences and even a single, concise sentence is fine. It should tell the reader who you are and what you’re looking for. For example:

“Knowledgeable landscape professional with 5-years industry experience looking to deliver exceptional customer care, operational efficiency, and high-quality service in a branch management position in the Northern California region.”

On the other hand, you may decide a resume profile is a better fit. Resume profiles summarize the qualifications contained in your resume and make clear the value you can offer. Consider it your elevator pitch. Like the objective statement, a resume profile can be 1-3 sentences. For example: 

“Detail-oriented crew leader with 3-years experience leading a 5-person team. Passionate about maintaining a safe working environment and achieving the highest client satisfaction.” 

Tip 2: Find the Key(words)

Next up, it’s time to incorporate keywords for important skillsets, credentials, or job requirements you’ve seen in job listings for your target position. Many companies employ recruiting management software that scans incoming resumes for keywords deemed important to that position. Adding in those keywords can help your resume sail through that initial screening, and into the hands of a recruiter. 

This is one of the big reasons why you should customize your resume for every job you apply for. It doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. Simply swapping out keywords and adjusting your objective statement or resume profile as needed can have a big impact. 

Tip 3: Show the Results

If ever there were a time to brag, this is it. Make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to see at a glance the results you’ve achieved. Wherever possible, include supporting facts that illustrate your impact, such as numbers and percentages. And don’t forget to include promotions, awards, or continued education you’ve received since your last update. 

It can be a tough mental shift when the default inclination is to impartially list your job responsibilities. Remember, what the recruiter really wants to see is evidence of your success. 

Tip 4: Spring into Action 

Scan over the verbs in your resume. Do they feel tired or overused?  Swapping them out for more compelling verbs not only makes your resume more interesting to read, it also better conveys the value you can bring. For example, would you rather read about someone who was “responsible for Northern California sales’ or someone who “grew Northern California sales by a record 40%”?

Led, handled, and managed are all verbs guilty of resume overuse. Swap them for more dynamic terms like sustained, maximized, generated, developed, and cultivated, or break out a thesaurus for more ideas. The possibilities are endless. 

Tip 5: Know When to Delete

It’s great to include your college internships on your resume… if you’re a recent grad. But if graduation day was more than 10 years ago, it might be time to remove that internship from your resume. The same goes for work experience with an end-date that exceeds the decade mark. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, if you have 20 years’ experience, but only worked at two different companies, then it may make sense to keep both jobs on your resume. 

Tip 6: Don’t Forget the Design

After sprucing up the content of your resume, don’t forget to give the design some love, too. You might experiment with font and layout to find a combination that is uniquely you. Just don’t go overboard. If you want to add a relevant industry icon, that’s great, but leave the clipart and cloud backgrounds for another use.

Tip 7: Proof Positive

Did you really mean to say you “took the leaf?” Or was that bullet on your resume supposed to say you “took the lead?” It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to give your resume a good proof before calling it final. See if you can enlist a family member or friend to proof it, too. While it’s tempting to rush the process, don’t. Give it the time it deserves. In fact, sometimes it’s beneficial to step away from the document and proof it later that day, or the following day, when you’ll have a fresh set of eyes. 

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a resume that helps you put your best foot forward. When you’re ready for your new resume to make its debut, check out our list of current openings. You might just find a new position that checks all the boxes for your New Year aspirations.

Whether you’re about to embark on your post-military career, or are a veteran looking to switch jobs, chances are you’ve read a number of articles that list the best industries to consider. While many offer sound advice, we’re here to offer another suggestion: check out the landscape industry.

Here at BrightView, we’re incredibly proud to employ many veterans across the country. Seeing their success, we can’t help but think the landscape industry is one of the best kept secrets for a post-military career. Here’s why it should be on your radar.

The Landscape Industry Offers a Wide Range of Opportunities

One of the aspects of the landscape industry veterans appreciate the most is that you don’t have to worry about being stuck behind a desk. No matter your role in the company, nature is inherently intertwined. For many people, crew positions or specialized fields like arboriculture and agronomy are what come to mind first when they think of landscape industry careers. However, these only scratches the surface. The industry is made up of a multitude of professionals—from business developers to branch management, human resources and more. So even if you don’t have any interest in getting your hands dirty, you can still enjoy a career that keeps you close to nature.

Your Strengths Will Translate Well

In the military, you’re trained to adapt to changing situations and think on your feet. Much is the same in the landscape industry. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, making your problem-solving skills valuable. Whether coordinating resources and logistics for an emergency storm response, troubleshooting a plant disease, or finding ways to get a large project completed on-time despite rain delays, your attention to detail and ability to make quick assessments makes all the difference.

Another similarity between the landscape industry and the military is the importance of teamwork. Our teams excel when they’re operating as one, which is what makes your leadership experience so important. The ability to motivate and build teams is crucial, not only for efficiency, but also for safety. Fostering trust and cohesion amongst team members ensures everyone looks out for each other.

The Potential for Advancement is Endless

Landscape is a field that continues to grow, as more people understand the importance of outdoor environments for property value, pedestrian traffic and health, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic. That translates to endless opportunities to build a rewarding and enduring career.

Here at BrightView, we offer opportunities on a national scale, but also the support and kinship of a unit through our local branches and regional teams. In addition to our mentoring and training programs, we support the success of our veterans through BRAVO, BrightView Recognizing and Acknowledging Veteran Opportunities, an employee-led advocacy program designed to foster the growth of our veterans and their families. 

From E-1 to 0-10 and beyond, the landscape industry has a career for everyone. Visit our military hiring page to see positions that map well with your experience, or check out our current openings to explore all the possibilities!

You’d been anticipating graduation day for months, but what you couldn’t anticipate was that it would arrive in tandem with a global pandemic. Despite the best laid plans, sometimes you need to pivot. Job hunting is no different.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips for those just starting their career—whether you’re a recent grad, or a current student searching for an internship. The opportunities are out there if you know where to look. Here, we’ll spill the secrets.

It’s Good to Be Green

Landscape is one of many industries deemed an essential service at the start of the pandemic. Our services are necessary to maintain the safety of our communities and infrastructure. There will always be a need for landscape services—whether design, development, maintenance or enhancements—making it an excellent choice for a stable career. 

We might be biased, but we think working in the green industry is great. And here’s a shameless plug: we’re hiring. We have positions available across the country, including many entry-level opportunities. We also continue to offer internships. Our program is flexible to meet your school or time requirements, and best of all, it’s paid!

Think Outside the Box

You don’t have to be a horticulturalist or landscape architect to find a rewarding career in the green industry. In fact, there’s a range of opportunities for other disciplines as well—including sales, marketing and communications, finance and human resources. The same is true for other essential industries, such as healthcare and grocery, who not only need talented individuals for their front lines, but also in administrative and operational functions. 

Keeping an open mind makes it easier to find opportunities others might miss. For example, perhaps you had your sights set on working with a national company to take advantage of the advancement and training opportunities available on a larger scale. And while you might not immediately think of landscape, (surprise!) we’re a national company that offers all those benefits and more. 

Brush Up on Your Network & Skills

One of the best ways to broaden your network and help recruiters find you is to enhance your online presence. Get your LinkedIn profile polished up, taking care to work in key search terms relevant to your experience and target industries. After, check out some of the professional groups on LinkedIn that may be of interest. Join those that best align with your career goals, and participate in the discussions—even if just to share an article, or ask a question. Doing so will help put you on the radar of hiring managers and demonstrate your passion for your chosen profession.

Persist & Take Good Care of Yourself

Even without job hunting in the equation, these are stressful times, which is why it’s more important than ever to take good care of yourself. Move a little every day—even sprinkling brief walks throughout your day counts! It probably comes as no surprise that we’re firm believers in the power of being outdoors. A little fresh air does everyone good, providing mental clarity that makes it easier to identify opportunities.  

Finally, once you land an interview, don’t forget to check out our virtual interview tips for advice that will help you put your best foot forward.

Whether you’re searching for a career in the green industry, or somewhere else, we wish you the best of luck. We’ll be rooting for you!

It wasn’t long ago that we shared helpful tips for in-person job interviews; like what to pack in your bag, and mapping the interview location in advance. These days, it’s more likely you’ll be interviewing from the comfort of your own home. Yet for many people, the idea of a virtual interview is actually discomforting.  

That’s why we created a new list of best practices for remote interviewing, so you’d have “virtually” nothing to worry about (sorry, we couldn’t resist). Follow these tips, and we promise your interview will go more smoothly than our bad pun. 

Do a Dry Run

You might not be able to anticipate every question the interviewer will ask, but you can anticipate how your technology will work ahead of time. Doing a dry run is one of the best ways to alleviate virtual interview anxiety. Once you know what platform you’ll be using, such as WebEx, or Skype, set-up a mock call with a family member or friend, to ensure your microphone and camera are working properly. Though most have no cost to join, you will likely have to download a program in advance, a task you definitely don’t want to leave until three minutes before your interview.

This will also give you an opportunity to check your lighting as well as your camera positioning to make sure you won’t be sitting too close, too far away, or sharing a view of something you’d rather not share (like a pile of laundry in the corner). Which brings us to our next tip…

Don’t Use Creative Backgrounds

That digital background that looks like you’re being chased by a hungry t-rex? Hilarious. Just don’t use it for your job interview. Keep your background professional, to ensure nothing distracts from you and all your great qualifications. To that end, consider what will appear behind you at home and whether it could create an unwelcome distraction or might be considered offensive. Clean and simple are best. If it’s hard to find an uncluttered space at home, it’s okay to use a custom background, but the same rules apply.

Do Your Homework

While you might not have to appear in-person, you still need to do your homework.  Check out the company’s website, and look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. Doing so will not only give you good background for the interview, it will also help you spot commonalities that can help forge a connection. Our 10 Tips for a Successful Job Interview has more ideas on how to prepare. 

Don’t Wear Your Sweatpants

Just like you shouldn’t use that t-rex background, you should save the comfy pants for after your interview. Dress to impress, just the same as you would for an in-person interview. While friends might joke about looking professional on top, but wearing your loungewear of choice on the bottom, why risk accidentally giving away your secret should your camera or phone slip?

Better yet, wear your outfit when you do your dry run. That way, you’ll be able to catch and remedy anything awkward in advance, like a button that gapes when you sit, or a nude colored shirt that literally appears nude on camera. 

Do Laugh Off a Malfunction

What if you’ve done everything to plan for the perfect virtual interview and yet something still goes wrong?  It happens!  Whether your dog decides to unleash an ill-timed bark-a-thon at your front door, or a family member accidentally interrupts, it doesn’t mean the whole interview is sunk. Fix whatever needs to be fixed, laugh it off, regain your composure, and keep going. Don’t panic if something was less than perfect. With families working, learning, and interviewing from home, we’re all in an imperfect situation. So, even if you’ve put Fido in the other room, but you know he might bark anyway, apologize in advance for the interruption. It’ll help break the ice and make it easier to laugh off if he does chime in.

Don’t Ignore What You Can’t See or Hear

Technical difficulties cut both ways, and it’s possible your interviewer may be the one who faces a glitch. It’s tempting to not say anything, but if you’re having trouble hearing or seeing your interviewer, or if their video froze, politely speak up. If you don’t let them know about the malfunction, you could inadvertently be creating an awkward situation. For example, what if you miss a question or social cue, and the interviewer was left to assume you simply ignored them?

Do Keep the Conversation Going

Similarly, consider missing context. If you’re looking down to take notes, but the camera doesn’t show your pen and notepad, don’t hesitate to say, “Just a moment, I’m taking notes,” to explain the silence and lack of eye contact. However, if you brought notes to the interview to jog your memory, be careful about how often you look down to reference them, so as not to appear distracted.

Now that you’ve brushed up on your virtual interview skills, why not put them to good use? Apply for one of our open positions!

Five years ago, job hunting tips wouldn’t seem like an unusual topic. But if we wrote an article about job hunting during a global pandemic, you would might have thought we were crazy.

Yet, here we are, in the new reality. As difficult as the current situation may be, life goes on and so too will your career. So, how do you move forward? Here are some tips.

Yes, some companies are still hiring.

You’ve probably already heard that shipping and delivery companies, as well as grocery stores and the healthcare industry are hiring in droves. But, those aren’t your only options. Some companies within other essential industries are also on the lookout for new team members. The landscape industry is one great example. Landscaping is considered an essential service because it’s necessary to maintaining the infrastructure and safety of our communities. The good news is, opportunities in the landscape industry aren’t only for proven green thumbs. Here at BrightView, our open opportunities span a broad range of skillsets—from crew member to business developer, branch management and beyond.

Prioritize companies that are putting safety first.

Want to size up a company quickly? Check out what they’re doing to keep their employees and customers safe during the pandemic. Their response will speak volumes about how they care for their people. Many companies are posting this information to their websites, but be sure to check their social media channels, too. For reference, you can view our COVID-19 Response here. And remember—if a company’s policy isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification during the interview. 

Strengthen your network.

Even if a company doesn’t have a current opening posted that fits what you’re looking for, that doesn’t mean there might not be one in the future. Connect with potential hiring managers on LinkedIn or via email to let them know you’re interested in their company and the skills you have to offer. Better yet, if you have a mutual connection, ask them to make an introduction. It’s a great way to get yourself on their radar. 

Overcome quarantine boredom by learning a new skillset.

If quarantine has you nursing a severe case of cabin fever, we have the cure. Learn a new skillset or get a certification that will help you stand out to hiring managers. There’s a wealth of free and low-cost resources online, from virtual classes to instructional YouTube videos and digital library access. If the landscape industry interests you, brush up on your horticultural knowledge by checking the website of your local agricultural extension for intel on local plants, their care, and the insects and diseases that affect them.  Or, browse our Resources section.

Whatever you do, don’t despair.

Sure, this might not be the ideal time to search for a job, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find one. Keep your chin up and keep trying. By continuing your search, you’re demonstrating a key trait many employers value: determination.

Ready to put those tips to good use? BrightView is hiring. Browse our open positions here.

Pat yourself on the back—your interview is done! But before you kick up your feet, there’s one more thing to get out of the way: the post-interview thank you notes.

While not every candidate writes thank you notes, everyone should. Why? Because it’s one more chance to leave a good impression with the hiring manager and those who interviewed you. Yet for some, the thought of writing a post-interview thank you note induces as much anxiety as the interview itself. Fear not!  With these tips, you’ll be able to write a message that’s impactful and genuine.

Step 1: The Greeting

Let’s start with the easy part: the recipient’s name. Now’s the time to make sure you have the correct spelling. If you collected business cards for each of the people you interviewed with, use them to double check you’ve written each interviewer’s name correctly. If you didn’t get business cards, try LinkedIn, or double check with your recruiter if you’re still unsure.

Step 2: Express Appreciation

Interviewing can be a time intensive process for everyone. Let your interviewers know how much you appreciated the meeting. Start by expressing your gratitude first and foremost. It’s ok to lead with a “thank you”—after all, that’s the main purpose of your note.

Step 3: Reference Part of Your Conversation

Each thank you note should be personalized to the recipient, and the best way to do that is by referencing part of the conversation you had with them. For example, if the interviewer asked about your experience with irrigation and mentioned the team’s irrigation specialists have been stretched thin, this is your opening. You might say “As we discussed, I’d love the opportunity to add to the team’s irrigation capabilities and feel confident my time shadowing irrigation professionals in the field will enable me to be a great help.”

Step 4: Share Your Enthusiasm

It’s not just ok to sound excited about an opportunity; it’s encouraged!  Hiring managers want to know you’d be happy to fill the role and passionate about helping the team meet its goals. Don’t be afraid to share what energized you most during the interview. Perhaps the interviewer mentioned a particular project or client account you would serve that piqued your interest. Or, maybe you just enjoyed your conversations and felt a great connection with the team. These are all good things to mention. 

Step 5: Reinforce Key Points

As mentioned before, thank you notes are a great way to circle back to any parts of your conversation you’d like to revisit. Whether it’s reminding the interviewer of special experience or skills you have that would be beneficial to the team, or expounding upon a detail you wished you had more time to discuss, this is the place to do it. However, there’s one important caveat. Whatever points you want to make, make sure you’re relating them back to the hiring manager’s needs or the requirements of the position. For example, instead of saying “I have a lot of experience operating heavy machinery,” finish the thought with how that will benefit the company. Instead, try: “My extensive experience operating heavy machinery can help you keep the Main Street project on schedule.”

Step 6: The Close

Now let’s wrap up your note. Your final paragraph should indicate how the interviewer can get in touch if they have any further questions. If you are already aware of next steps, you can reference your enthusiasm to continue in the process. If you haven’t discussed next steps, let them know you look forward to hearing from them. 

Don’t forget that time is off the essence when it comes to thank you notes. Aim to send them within 24 hours of your interview. Not only does it ensure your notes will be received in a timely fashion, but it will also make them easier to write since the interview will still be fresh in your mind. Write an individual message to each person you interviewed with, even if the interview was in a group setting. Handwritten on stationery is best, but email is ok too if you know the process is moving quickly.  Your note doesn’t need to be long. In fact, one to two short paragraphs are sufficient. 

That’s all there is to it! Congratulations on finishing your interview and thank you note. Now you can kick up your feet (but make sure to take the note to the mailbox first).