Write a killer resume that makes employers pay attention
By Daniel Fuller
Whether you’re seeking a role in horticulture production, landscape construction, or parks and garden maintenance, your resume should demonstrate how you are exactly what the employer is looking for. Here are twelve expert-level tips to help you create a standout resume so you no longer go unnoticed by employers, and you can finally land that job you’ve been dreaming of.
Be honest: The best-case scenario if you lie on your resume is that you get the job, and then you must explain why you don’t know how to do the task that you said you could do.
Customise your resume: When applying for a job, you should tailor your resume to each job you are interested in. This means customising your resume to include keywords from the job description, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and demonstrating how your qualifications match the requirements of the role. Employers don’t care if you are good at something that isn’t relevant to the job on offer.
Highlight your unique selling proposition: In order to stand out, you’ll need to figure out your unique selling proposition and highlight it. This could be a specialised skill, such as expertise with a particular type of plant or landscape construction technique, or a unique experience, such as working on a significant project that’s particularly relevant to the job description.
Use active verbs and quantifiable metrics: When writing about your accomplishments, use active verbs and quantifiable metrics to make your achievements stand out. For example, instead of saying “lawn maintenance” you could write, “managed the weekly maintenance of 80-100 residential lawns, resulting in a 20% reduction in complaint calls.”
Highlight industry-specific knowledge: In the amenity horticulture and landscape industry, technical proficiency is critical. To showcase your knowledge of industry-specific software, tools, and technologies, include a separate section on your resume that lists your relevant experience and skills. This is a good place to use industry jargon, like IPM and reticulated irrigation.
Create a visual portfolio: This is probably the best way to demonstrate your work and creativity. Consider creating a document that showcases your landscape design projects, garden installations, pruning work, and more. You can include photos, sketches, and descriptions of your projects.
Highlight volunteer work and community involvement: If you have participated in volunteer work related to the industry, include it on your resume. This type of experience demonstrates your passion for the field and shows that you’re committed to making a difference. This could be volunteering on an industry association board, or even hand weeding at a local community garden.
Attach references: Including recommendations and endorsements from previous supervisors, colleagues, or clients can add credibility to your resume. Ensure your references provide written validation of your skills, work ethic, and ability to make a positive impact in the industry. Sure, employers can call a referee’s number, but your resume is more likely to end up on the top of the pile if there is already a written reference or two attached along with it.
Showcase your leadership skills: If you have held management or supervisory roles in the past, be sure to highlight these experiences on your resume. Even if you were only leading one other person, it demonstrates your ability to take charge and manage a team effectively.
Include hobbies and interests: Give employers a glimpse into what makes you unique. This section is an opportunity to show your passion for plant care outside of work hours, as well as other hobbies that aren’t related to plant care at all but shows that you are a cool or interesting person to be around.
Make your resume visually appealing: Your resume should look good and be easy to read because it is your first impression with your employer. Use clear and concise language, headings, and bullet points to ensure your resume is easy to read.
Social Media: Lastly, including links to your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn or a personal website, can provide employers with a more comprehensive view of your skills and experiences.
It’s all about getting into your potential employer’s head and figuring out what they’re looking for in their ideal candidate. Then you need to show them that you are that exact person in a clear, concise and visually appealing way. So, get creative and don’t forget to upload your resume to HortPeople.com for free so that employers can chase you for a change!
Daniel Fuller
M: 042 6169 708
E: hello@plantsgrowhere.com