Get a Job in a Nursery
If you'd love to work at a local nursery, this article will explain some things you can do to increase your chances of getting that job.
Steps
- Decide which nursery you want to work at and why. This is very important, nurseries tend to have there own specialties that they cater to. It is important to have an idea of what you want to learn and some knowledge of the area in which a nursery specializes. Do you want to work in a tree nursery? Maybe you are a student in landscape architecture and you want to get a feel of the industry and do a little networking. Do orchids drive you wild? Are fruits and vegetables what you want to cultivate? Visit different nurseries and pick the one you find the most captivating.
- Talk to the employees first. Ask lots of questions. People are happy to share the knowledge they have with you. Tell them you want to work there, and ask other employees how they got started before you ever ask a manager for an application.
- If you have no previous experience then you just have to get your foot in the door and work your way up. Nurseries hire seasonal help every spring (generally in February). This is the best time to get hired on. Begin applying in January. They will hire temporary employees for the busy season and keep the best of the bunch when it's over. Work hard and be enthusiastic.
- When you do apply for the job, show up before they open. This demonstrates that you can show up on time for work and creates a much better impression than wandering in at 3 in the afternoon. Check back several times a week, always showing up before most employees have arrived.
- Persistence pays off more than anything else. You might have to apply several times at the same nursery before they even consider you.
Tips
- Be patient when applying, nursery staff are very busy in the mornings and you may have to wait around for a while before somebody has a moment to speak with you.
- One question you will definitely be asked is, "Why do you want to work here?" You had better have a good answer that relates to an interest plants. The worst answer you can possible give is anything to the effect of thinking the work will be easy.
- Smile!
Warnings
- Nurseries have a substantial amount of elderly clientele who might not think your tattoo, gauges, or bleached mohawk are cool at all. Be neat and clean in your appearance to the best of your ability.
