Spring Landscaping

Spring is in full swing. For many of us, this means warmer weather and allergies. For those in the lawn and garden/landscaping industry, it means recruiting and hiring is at full throttle for the next few weeks.

With some of you dusting off your resume, I thought it wise to highlight some of the most frequently asked interview questions, so you the candidate, can be equiped to handle such inquisitions with ease. (Clients: Feel free to incorporate these into your arsenal)

• Tell us about a time when you failed a task.
• How have you handled angry customers/vendors/dealers?
• Tell us about the last time you made a split second decision on the job. How did you approach it?
• Tell us about the last time you and your boss disagreed. How did you settle it?
• What is the most frustrating/satisfying part of your current/last job?
• Describe a time when you took a risk and failed.

These are only some of an interviewer's areas of interest, so be prepared for additional probing and questioning. However, be yourself. An interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate why you want to transition your career and how you can positively impact the company. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please give me a call 803-548-8140 x30 or shoot me an email sty@mrilanco.com.

End of the Month Ramblings

It's a cool Friday morning here in the Carolinas and I must apologize that I have been slacking on my blog postings as of late. You, my candidates and clients, have been keeping me quite busy and for that I must thank you. This past month we have seen a flurry of activitiy, including 4 placements!! For those of you transitioning into new careers, congratulations and good luck. For those of you still actively or passively entertaining a change, let's keep the ball rolling. Below is an update on the current searches with which I am engaged. As always, feel free to give me a call at any time -

POSITIONS:

• Regional Human Resources Manager - Northeast
• Branch Managers - Throughout the Country
• Area Managers - Northern Virginia
• Off-Road Motorcycle Public Relations Manager - California
• ATV Media Relations Specialist - California
• Regional Marketing Manager - California
• Dealer Development Manager - California

Leadership Lessons

This mornings topic is one that I recently stumbled across in Success, a financial publication, and found to be of particular interest. The author, former Celtics great Larry Bird, has transitioned his career from basketball superstar to trainer/motivational speaker. In this particular article, Bird highlights the leadership lessons he has come to embrace from his experiences both on and off the court. Below are a couple of the lessons that I thought you would appreciate and could incorporate into your career.

• If you love what you're doing, you'll love your job
• Hide your weaknesses and play to your strengths
• Make choices that are best for the team/company
• Bottom Line: Provide what your customers (fans) want

To learn more about these lessons or to read Larry Bird's article in full, please see Success magazine's March/April 2007 edition. As always, please leave comments as to what you like/dislike; or let me know topics you would like to see discussed.

Interviewing Tips

In today's candidate driven market, there are more positions open and available than there are qualified candidates to fill them. As such, we as recruiters are finding that more candidates are actively interviewing on a regular basis. In an effort to keep you ahead of the game, and other candidates, I have provided some interviewing tips below. As always, I welcome your feedback -

• Always research the company and get as much information as possible about the position prior to your interview. Having company information shows the interviewer you are serious about the opportunity and the company.
• Arrive at least 5 minutes early for your interview - but no more than 15 minutes.
• Always have at least three copies of your resume. Do not assume the interviewer already has a copy.
• Be on your toes at all times and with every person you meet: secretary, company employees you pass in the hallways, etc. While these individuals may not directly be involved with your interview, their impressions and feedback can influence your candidacy.
• A candidate who tells an interviewer they do not have any questions is making a HUGE mistake. Always have a couple of well thought-out questions prepared to ask an interviewer. Asking serious, probing questions demonstrates you interest in the opportunity.
• Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first. Good salespeople sell their products thoroughly before talking price. So should you. Make the interviewer want you first and your bargaining position will be much stronger. Stress opportunity and growth, not salary, early in the interview process.
• Finally, Ask For The Job!