Message Board - Golf: Interview Questions

Hi guys hope everyone has had a good start to the new year.

I have a job interview for a deputy head greenkeepers position next week. I have never had an interview at this level before and was wondering if you guys could help with any of the questions that might be asked?

Any help would be greatfull.

Thanks Scott.

If you are a member of BIGGA or the IOG there will be generic job descriptions for the Deputy HG position on their websites - they are typically what would be expected of you. Also refer to the job advert, or any correspondence that you have received from the employer. Use all of this to form the basis of what you can offer as an employee, and communicate this information positively..

Other pointers

Firm handshake
Eye contact
Confidence
Enthusiasm
...

Good luck!

Excellent pointers Mike.

Scott..... The important things to consider when moving into a management role is that you think outside of your own personal box. Its not just about you anymore, but also your work colleagues, its about treating them with respect and gaining their respect in return, as well as showing respect for the various committees, members and visitors. Understanding that you are part of a service industry.

Management is not about watching the clock or choosing the better job for yourself, if a job needs to be completed, however mundane, then be prepared to make the sacrifice. Have this attitude every minute of the day and you will go far and people will notice.

Sell this attitude to your interviewees that message and you will do fine.

KB

The employer needs to know three things: Can they do the job, will they do the job and will they fit in. You've already secured an interview so well done - they already like the cut of your jib! Relax and sell yourself!

1) Stop thinking of it as an interview - call it a meeting.

2) The employer has a problem: i.e. they have a role to fill which carries certain duties. The meeting is all about their problem (not yours - which is you need a job) so remember to focus on all the things they need and not on the things you need.

3) You will consider their problem and what they need and then offer them solutions to that problem in your meeting. YOU are the answer to their problem.

4) Prepare for the meeting as any other: Know about the employer/person you are meeting with, prepare an agenda (your selling points) and know it inside out - if you do that then there is nothing they can really ask you that will phase you and you might be able to steer the meeting the way you'd like it to go. - Especially if you have properly considered their problem. Take your CV, covering letter and do take notes during the meeting if you like (I always take extra copies of my CV for anyone who might need one on the interview panel)

5) If you can offer them solutions to a problem they hadn't thought much about then you're doing even better.

6) try to put off salary negotiations and anything else which is about you until you have secured a job offer, though if they really press the point it would be rude to decline to answer.

7) Never ever lie - you will get found out.

8) People will tell you to just 'be yourself'. Don't listen to them! NEVER be yourself in a job meeting! You need to remain professional (not cold though) and rise above all your natural urges to do all those little things which your friends find endearing but which an interviewer might interpret as bad signs.

To help you prepare and build up your selling points have a look at the millions of websites offering advice - it will help jog your memory. Also, check out a website called 'buisnessballs' - it's got loads of useful info on it.

Good luck.

p.s. Be neat and tidy, and always wear a tie and preferably a suit - it mattters not what those interviewing you are wearing - you can't look too smart. Remember that you are trying to project a positive image.

p.p.s. Be clean! I recently interviewed a guy with long dirty fingernails and it put me right off him not matter how hard I tried to ignore it and focus on his good points.

Thank you, KB - happy New Year to you, and Mrs Barber!

wise words, and also those from Andy. Much of what you both said, I would have scoffed at 18 months ago, but having climbed the career ladder myself a tad over the past 18 months or so, I would whole heartedly agree with all of the above.

scott,
All above, plus specific questions could be
q. how will you relate to the h.g.
q. How will you manage the staff when the h.g. is on holiday.
q.have you had a management problem in the past, how did you deal with it.
Q. why do you want this job.
q.what do you know about turf deseases.
It will be the case that there are aspects of the job that you know nothing about, but you are enthusiastic to learn.
Good luck

Also do a little research on/of the course, it maybe their centenary soon or a local area competition. Try and have a look around the course or even play it, but don't say anything about the interview yet.

ste

Thanks guys for the post's they have all been really helpful and taken it all on board.

Scott

Good Luck...... And let us know how you get on.

KB

Thanks guys for all the help in the end it has paid off i got offered the job.

Thanks Scott

Brilliant, Scott - well done!

Mike

Terrific mate- well done

Fantastic, I am sure that you will do well. Good luck mate.

ste

Way to go Scott..... Now all you have to do is pit your words into action.

Well done mate!

KB