1. Tell me about yourself.
Present your “infomercial.” Keep it focused on business activities, goals, etc., and not personal information. Tailor your response to the position for which you are interviewing. If you are not sure what the interviewer needs, feel free to ask if there is a particular aspect of your background that would be most relevant to them. This will help you find the appropriate focus for your answer and avoid discussing the irrelevancies. Example: if you choose to describe yourself as someone who is able to communicate with a diverse group of people, provide an example of a situation where the skill was demonstrated that could be applied to work. 2. What are your strengths or what are your outstanding qualities?
Isolate high points from your background. Demonstrate pride, reliability, and the ability to stick with a difficult task, yet change rapidly when required. Example: if you indicated the ability to work under pressure as one of your strengths, you might want to say, “I believe in planning and proper management of my time. However, I can still work under pressure.” 3. What are your weaknesses?
This is a direct invitation to hang yourself. Be sure to turn your negatives into positives. Example: “I have not worked with this kind of irrigation system before, but given my experience with other automated types, I don’t think it should take me long to pick it up.” Another good option is to give a generalized answer that takes advantage of your values. Design the answer so that your weakness is ultimately a positive characteristic. Example: “I enjoy my work and always give each assignment my full effort. Therefore, if I sometimes feel that others are not pulling their full weight, I find it a little frustrating. I am aware of that weakness, and in those situations I try to overcome it with a positive attitude that I hope will catch on.” 4. What are your career goals?
Relate your answer to the job opportunity you are discussing. The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a professional and a team player. Example: “I have always felt that firsthand knowledge and experience open up opportunities that I might never have considered. At this point in time, I plan to be a viable part of the maintenance operation. It is reasonable to expect that other exciting opportunities will crop up in the future.” 5. Can you work under pressure?
Because this is a closed-ended question, you might be tempted to give a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Such an answer reveals nothing and you lose the chance to showcase your skills and strengths. Whenever you are faced with a closed-ended question, think in terms of giving a brief yet comprehensive answer. Do that and you will not only provide the information requested but also seize the opportunity to sell yourself. Example: “Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper management of my time to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility.” 6. How do you get along with different kinds of people?
Don’t waste time talking about respect for others, the need for diversity, and all the other politically correct clichés. If you really believe in those things, demonstrate it by explaining to the interviewer. Example: “I enjoy working in a team environment, where I can solicit and accept input, ideas and viewpoints from a variety of sources.” 7. Which jobs have you liked least?
The interviewer is trying to trip you. It is likely that your experience contained a certain amount of repetition and drudgery, as all early jobs in the business world do. So, beware of saying that you hated a particular job because it was “boring.” Avoid the negative and respond with the positive. Example: “All of my jobs had their good and bad points, but I’ve always found that if you want to learn, there’s plenty to be picked up every day. Each experience was valuable.” You may also then proceed to describe a seemingly boring job, but show how it taught you valuable lessons or helped you hone a different aspect of your personality. 8. What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field?
There is more to answering this question than reeling off your academic strong points as they relate to the position you seek. If you are not sure whether the interviewer is interested in your academic or work experience, ask him or her to be more specific. Your answer should be specific as well. Example: “As a summer intern I participated in all areas of golf course maintenance. Therefore, I am capable of mowing, applying fertilizers and pesticides, etc. Since you mentioned that a major task right now is to rebuild the back nine, let me tell you about my renovation experience. During my last internship I was fortunate enough to be there when they were rebuilding some tees, greens and fairways.” 9. What have you learned from the jobs you have held?
Tie your answer to your business and professional profile. The interviewer needs to understand that you seek and can accept constructive advice, and that your business decisions are based on the ultimate good of the facility, not on your own personal whims or preferences. 10. What kind of experience do you have for this job?
This is a golden opportunity to sell yourself, but before you do, be sure you know what is most critical to the interviewer. The interviewer is not only looking for a competent assistant superintendent or golf course maintenance crewmember, he or she is looking for someone who can contribute quickly to the current projects. Example: “My knowledge of the daily maintenance tasks and equipment operation will allow me to contribute quickly.” Go on to give examples of your knowledge of golf course maintenance tasks. 11. What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
This question will come only after a full explanation of the job has been given. If not, qualify the question with “What void are you trying to fill with this position?” Then, recap the job description, followed with: “I can bring to this job a determination to see projects through to a proper conclusion. I listen and take direction well; I am analytical and do not jump to conclusions.” 12. What do you know about our golf course operation?
Based on your preparation you should be able to “wow” them. Talk about what you learned through your research of the course operation. 13. Do you prefer working with others or alone?
This question is usually used to determine whether or not you are a team player. Before answering, however, be sure you know whether the job requires you to work alone or with others. Then answer appropriately. 14. Describe what qualities would make an ideal boss for this position.
From your earlier research, you should know who you would be reporting to and some information about their management style, which you could work in here if appropriate. You should know the type of person you would like to work for. Words you could use to describe that person could include: honest, fair, team player, leader, trusting, listens, open to new ideas, flexible, not a micromanager, etc. 15. How would you describe your personality? How would your associates describe you?
This question is designed to get at your self-perception. If you are outgoing and friendly, you can explain how these qualities help you in your job. If you are quiet and shy, you can talk about how you are respected for your thoughtful and studied approach to problems. 16. What have you done that showed initiative and willingness to work?
Tell a story about how you landed or created a job for yourself, or even got involved in some volunteer work. Your answer should show initiative in that you can handle unexpected problems calmly and anticipate others. Your willingness is demonstrated by the way you overcame obstacles in your job. 17. As an employee, how do you view rules?
It is always safe to demonstrate a healthy respect for rules. While no one wants a “loose cannon” working for them, nor do they want someone so caught up in the proper process that they lose sight of the desired outcome. You can abide by rules and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit. 18. Why do you want to work here?
To answer this question, you must have done your research and built a profile of the golf course. Reply with the golf course’s attributes as you see them. 19. Why should we hire you?
Your answer should be short and to the point. It should highlight areas from your background that relate to your current needs and problems. Recap the interviewer’s description of the job, meeting it point by point with your skills. | 
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