The American Public Garden Association’s Careers Page is the most comprehensive of its kind and is frequented by top prospective candidates in the field of public horticulture, so posting with us is sure to yield good results. But, there are additional smart recruiting and hiring strategies that can help you secure outstanding new employees for your organization.
Create a Smart Job Post
- Clearly organize your information by providing a company overview, job description, lists of required skills and experience, compensation information, and application guidelines.
- Keep copy concise.
- Make your postings exciting! Sell your organization and the position.
- Know your target audience.
- Distribute job postings where good applicants will see them.
Develop a Company “Sell Sheet”
Create a document detailing the key selling points of your garden or organization—both outward and inward. Many selling points are obvious, but some may not be. Let your hiring team be “armed” with all the redeeming features of your workplace—from benefits to social culture and whatever else might appeal to a desirable applicant.
Know a Strong Candidate’s Job Acceptance Criteria
If you are seriously interested in a candidate, gain a strategic edge by knowing what criteria will encourage that person to accept your position offer.
Rely on References
Ask for and follow up with references. A good reference list provides at least three professionals with whom a given candidate has worked. When following up with references, have a clear list of questions to present regarding your candidate to keep information consistent and allow good comparative analysis.
Maintain a Strong Anti-Discrimination Stance
Learn what it means to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers a clear overview of their authority, roles, and guidelines. It also pays to know what practices are prohibited in the workplace and during the interview process.
Conduct Well-planned Interviews
A good interview will make the hiring committee and prospective employee feel at ease—allowing both to communicate effectively within a set period of time. Here are some tips for developing a good interview process.
Maintain Good Communication
It is important to maintain clear communication with hires and non-hires alike. Good, respectful communication is the sign of a healthy, professional workplace.
