As a newly qualified gardener, your main aim is to find a job that pays well and as well as where you get to do what you love. It is often challenging in society to combine the two, so the most important thing is to always strike a smart balance between the two. Fortunately, gardening is something that is rather well paid, providing you have the skills, experience and knowledge to make yourself stand out in a crowded market place. However, you may have all of these and still struggle to find something decent that is worth your time. You may be applying everywhere and still receive no response. It becomes disheartening as well as morally hard, when you're not finding what you want. The simple advice that can be given is to never give up; however that is easier said than done.

The first thing you need to establish is your WHY. Why have you chosen gardening above all? What is so special about the horticultural industry to you that you wish to work in it as well as top that up with more experience in garden maintenance? An employer has full knowledge that you're coming to work of course for the financial remuneration, however the enthusiasm and passion must be there too. Surely, there has to be something specific that you enjoy that would help you do whatever it takes to land gainful employment with a gardening company.

The second thing is to be pro-active. Unfortunately, there are lots of individuals in society that don't always do much to land a job. They think sending out one CV here and there will warrant them a job instantly. When you are job hunting, leave no stone unturned because it is often the last place that you choose to look where you will find it. Use social media sites as well as online listings to find jobs. The horticulture industry is filled with positions that are looking to be filled, especially by punctual and hardworking people such as you.

The third thing is to use all your contacts to help you. Use your family, your friends and just about anyone you know. Ask if they know anyone who is hiring and even if they don't, if they would be willing to put in a good word for you. People underestimate the power of the six degrees of separation. You would be surprised who knows who and the person that is able to land you the job.

Fourth, consider an apprenticeship, more like a “learn as you earn” sort of thing. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, what is important is that you are willing to start from scratch to be able to get well skilled no matter the route. It gives you a chance to learn from people who are much more experienced and knowledgeable than you are as well as make many contacts that are valuable in your industry. Think outside the box when it comes to landing a job.

Most people think that job hunting is easy, and because they have the experience they should most definitely receive it. Your job is to stand out from the crowd and prove yourself as to why exactly someone should hire you. Your persistence, dedication and consistency in following up where you have applied should be more than enough to land you a good position in the gardening sector. Once you are there, make every effort to learn as much as you can. Each place can teach you something you don't know.