Ask-an-Expert: Want advice on Job Posts, Interviews, Training, or Retention...send them!

Hi ProGrow,

Thanks for your posts, and congrats on your launch. Here are my insights and suggestions:

1. The problem is in the description of what you’re looking for. No one who is a “talented gardener” with “solid horticultural background” is seeking “casual” work. You need to decide if you want temp labor or plant health technicians/arborist.

2. Given the age of your business, I would assume that you are not yet able to hire, and should instead on growing the business alone for this spring/summer. This will allow you to build a book of business, gain a solid local reputation, develop company standard operating procedures, and build a cash reserve. That way, you will be able to hire top level talent next winter and be ready to hit the ground running come spring.

3. Series Job Seekers are not on Craigslist, Facebook, or Kijiji (had to look that one up, we don’t have that in the states). When it is time to hire, use a platform like BlueRecruit that focuses on skilled trade workers or heaven forbid Indeed (just kidding).

Hope that helps, and good luck!