How to write a gardener CV (with template and example)

Updated 6 March 2023

Gardeners are responsible for maintaining the greenery of a specific environment, such as by growing new plants or altering flower arrangements to suit a certain style or aesthetic. Gardening is a hobby for many, but it may also become a career, where you maintain flowers and plants for an organisation or private individual. This usually involves a formal job application with a CV, and knowing how to write this helps you secure an interview. In this article, we examine the steps for writing a gardener CV before providing a clear template and example to help you.

How to write a gardener CV

The steps for writing a good gardener CV include the following:

1. Decide on the right format

Your first step when putting together a CV is determining which format you wish to use for your application. A chronological CV emphasises your previous work history, which lets you showcase any gardening or gardening-adjacent experience you have. You may also use this to highlight certain projects or displays you're particularly proud of. A chronological CV allows you to immediately highlight your use of particular tools or plant types that may feature in the job description.

If you don't currently possess any formal gardening experience but have multiple skills that might relate to the role, you may instead use a functional CV that prioritises your skills. For example, if you're a hobbyist gardener, you likely understand the key principles of caring for plants and are ready to translate this into a full position. Alternatively, many candidates use a combination CV that prioritises skills and experience equally to show their key strengths.

2. Add your contact information

Before writing the actual content of your CV, make sure you add your contact information to the document. This usually goes on the header and demonstrates that you're ready for the potential employer to contact you. They might have a preference in this regard, so offer a range of contact options in case they want to call you over the phone instead of emailing you.

The details you put on your CV mainly include your name, email, phone number and city or town, as many gardening jobs look for candidates in the local area who may respond quickly and consistently to an area's upkeep. Check these are up-to-date and typed correctly, as incorrect contact details may stop them from contacting you. Ensure you have an appropriate email address that conveys a good level of professionalism. If they ask for a cover letter, ensure your details are consistent. You may also link an online professional profile if applicable.

3. Begin with a professional summary

After you make sure the CV's formatting is to a high standard, start writing your professional summary. This is around three sentences which aim to summarise your application and give some background on you and why you decided to apply. Mention your strengths or any relevant qualifications, including college courses or apprenticeships related to plant work or agriculture. Your professional summary helps you promote yourself, so make sure you project confidence in your abilities. Your professional summary may determine if the hirer continues with your CV, as they might have a high volume of applications.

You may write your summary in either the first-person or third-person so long as you succinctly cover your relevant experience and key skills. Regardless of which writing style you use, make sure to keep this consistent across the entire summary. Check the job description when writing, as this may reveal the traits that the hiring organisation or individual desires most.

4. Note your experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position and then elaborating on the roles before that. People usually take this approach because it shows their progression over time while emphasising their current skills and responsibilities, allowing you to continue making a good first impression. When noting each job, specify your title, the organisation or individual you worked for, your employment dates and main duties, especially any that might relate to the job posting.

Even if you don't have any previous gardening positions, it's still possible for you to impress the hiring manager by elaborating upon jobs that involve key gardening skills. For example, a previous position in customer service may be a good chance to mention your communication skills alongside strong attention to detail. Volunteer positions in community gardening are worth mentioning to show your dedication to working with plants and knowledge of the area. Gardening also involves certain physical skills, so emphasise roles relating to this. For example, you might show that you're capable of digging soil for extended periods.

5. List your skills

Although many of your gardening skills are likely already apparent through your education and previous roles, it helps to summarise them so the employer may see them at a glance. If you have any additional abilities which are relevant to this position, make sure you mention them here and check the job posting once more to see which skills are a clear priority. It also helps to reiterate any skills you already mentioned, such as your ability to organise flowers or foster the growth of particular types of plants or trees.

Aim to list at least seven abilities which relate to gardening, with a mix of hard and soft skills. A functional CV places the skills section higher up, in which case you may strengthen it by specifying instances of you using these abilities, even outside a gardening environment. Emphasise the times you used these skills to achieve success, as this shows your ability to positively impact a workplace. Think of these examples even if you aren't using a functional CV, as an interviewer may ask you about these skills.

6. Elaborate upon your qualifications

The exact qualifications depend on the job you apply for, but employers may expect some level of formal gardening education or certification. There are various college courses in horticulture and gardening that you might take, as these teach you valuable gardening skills, such as how to use specialist machinery and identify plants. You might also embark upon a degree apprenticeship, which teaches you key gardening skills while giving you practical experience as a gardener.

A gardener course or apprenticeship typically requires several GCSE passes, but the exact number depends on the level of qualification you hope to achieve. For example, a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture requires at least four or five GCSE passes of at least a 4 or C grade. In contrast, you may embark upon a Level 1 Horticulture Skills Certificate with only one or two GCSEs of any grade. To let the hirer see your long-term progression and suitability, list any qualifications you possess in reverse chronological order.

CV template for a gardener

Here's a CV template for a gardener application:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Degree] | [Name of School or University]

CV example for a gardener

Here's a complete CV example for a gardener:

Paul Williams 07123 456789 | p.williams@example.com | Birmingham, UK

Professional Summary
I'm an experienced gardener who has managed gardens of all scales, including for businesses and private individuals. I recently attained a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture to assess my skills and gain familiarity with newer gardening tools. My past employers have particularly praised my attention to detail, alongside my intricate displays and arrangements.

Experience
Garden Maintenance Manager | September 2019–Current
Birmingham Landscaping Ltd. | Birmingham

manage a team of gardeners across a range of projects
teach apprentices how to use new tools and equipment
cut hedges to fit shapes depending on client specifications
lead pest control endeavours to ensure plants are healthy
work closely with clients to realise their creative vision

Gardener | January 2015–September 2019
Gardening Inc. | Birmingham

maintained protected spaces in Birmingham to a high standard
conducted lawn maintenance to provide a consistent aesthetic
operated complex machinery and vehicles to complete duties

Education
Level 3 Horticulture Certificate | Birmingham Technical College

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a gardener CV (with template and example)