Getting more experience

[Jester]

Hi guys, I can't believe I'm posting this but what the heck. I have an interview at a nursery in the outer west soon and I have a few concerns. I have only really started the Horticulture Cert II Course. I am currently studying plant recognition as well controlling weeds. I have had about 6 years Bonsai experience which is my main advantage. It has taught me a hell of a lot about horticulture. The nursery I have applied to also has some Bonsai but not a great deal (Bonsai for the masses)

So my main concerns (and stupid questions) include: If I get the job how do I handle questions about succulents, or ferns or chemicals I have'nt even heard of? Saying to the customer "wait here and I will get someone is not a good look especially when the boss is there!!! I am keen to learn, don't get me wrong but those initial stages scare the hell out of me. Can anyone of you suggest any strategies that might help? I really want this job!!!

Please don't laugh. I would greatly appreciate any constructive advice you might have. Thanks guys

[EdwardH]

Hover around the qualified horticulturalists, listen and learn. Also be honest and tell customers that you are the 'apprentice and still in training'. By the way you will be amazed at how much you will have picked up doing bonsai - you probably know a lot more than you think. You will also learn that like in most professions, the 10 most commonly asked questions will cover about 80% of what you do day to day, so make a list and memorise the answers. Last point is to smile and enjoy as enthusiasm will take you a long way. I employ two or three people every year and this advise has always helps them.

[kcpoole]

As a customer, I do not mind people not knowing the answer to an odd question ( and in customer service you will get many of them ), as long as you endeavour to find out and let us know then that is fine. So long as you do what you say.
If you tell some to hang on while you find out then make sure you do so and don;t let them hang around wondering where you had gone

Ken

[rayfam5]

Hi there,
I have worked in nurseries of and on both retail and wholesale. If you are working in a general nursery line you will find 90% of the questions asked are generally covering general knowledge of that species or fertilisers or pesticides. If you work in a more specific environment like a native nursery then you will need to know much more detailed info.

This may help. If you don't know anything about succulents for example. research 10 main points about that's specie. e.g. climate. potting mixtures, environments, foods, family categories, native and non native. . Then in turn take each of those points and branch out more info. e.g. climate, Australian frost tender variety vs non frost tender. qld var. vs. vic var. You build a point by point expansion sheet. You will learn very quickly. Do the same for ferns, Acid lover plants, conifers. etc.

Poisons and fertilisers. chemicals there is a book I think put out by Yates and Bayer with all the poisons explanations. In fact visit bunnings and they have a book for customers to brows in the poisons isle.

Anyone who thinks they know it all when it comes to plants has just proven that they don't. No nursery manager expects you to know everything. But the willingness, keenness to learn and be taught is far more worthwhile to the employer than a 'know all'
be familiar with pot sizes, in cm and inches. If a customers asked for a 10inch pot of something and you cant visualize the size, that's embarrassing.

good luck
pete
good luck.

[MelaQuin]

You could spend an hour or more at your nearest nursery just reading the plant labels and stowing away what they say about growing conditions, as well as browsing all the succulent labels and getting an idea on who looks like what. Same with other species. You will get a fairly good handle on what is going on and if someone asks you a question grab a nearby label and scan the info and pass it on. The first days could be scary but you will get the hang of it, particularly if you have as much bonsai experience as you say you do. Good luck.

[Petra]

hi jester,
I suggest to wear a tag that says," in training". Then no one expects you to know it all. Show interest at all times,
and dont make promises that you cant keep. Its ok to say you dont know, but you will find out from someone who does know, at least that way you will learn for the next one who asks. Also look around your area, be aware of whats growing and survives through the extremes of our seasons.
With poisons and fertilisers go through the advise set on the pack with the customer so they understand its intent and the saftey of its use. Youll pick up information as you go. Good luck with it all, and i hope you get the job. Cheers Petra!

[Bretts]

There is some great advice here for you Jester.
As soon as I read your thread I new what you had to say to any prospective employer. I take it that since you have an interview then you have already passed the qualification problem. The person making the decision would not waste their time with talking with people they don't intend to possibly hire. In my field of welding an interview almost always has meant a job. I guess this is not the same with all professions but employers don't like wasting time interviewing people they don't want to hire.
Any employer or consumer will be appreciative that you are honest with the fact that you are starting to learn.
In the interview the conversation will almost definitely head towards your interest in horticulture which is Bonsai. If it doesn't make it.
Then in a manner of words you then tell them.
Bonsai is the pinnacle of horticultural achievement and that is what I strive for.
I would probably dribble on about how I would make the Bonsai area my personal project and it will be the best in the southern hemisphere, but that is why I usuualy leave any interview going why the hell couldn't I just shut up
Have fun.
With your attitude any boss would be silly not to hire you.

[Jester]

Hi guys, can I just say a heartfelt thanks to all of you who have provided such valuable advice. If I do get the job, now I feel like I am walking in with a howitzer instead of a pee-shooter. You guys are awesome. I have an absolute stack of books at home mainly about Bonsai but also to do with general horticulture but none of them compare to the sum total of knowledge on this forum. One of these days I have to tag along to one of these Bonsai functions and hopefully meet some of you.


Thanks again guys

John