What to Ask During Your Landscape Industry Interview

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.