Interview Questions Cancel The title field is required!

1. Whitehead Kyle J

   
   12/15/2011 8:12 AM

   My Equipment Manager decided to move on to bigger and better things recently. So, I'm in need of a new one. Being that I'm no expert when it comes to equipment maintenance, does anybody out there have some good interview questions for Equipment Managers that I could ask during the interview?
   
   However, I'm in an area that not a lot of experienced golf course mechanics would live, or even re-locate to. I have a feeling that the potential candidate will have little to no experience in golf.
   
   Thanks for your help
   
   Kyle Whitehead
   Golf Course Superintendent
   Silver Creek Golf Resorts

   
   
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   12/15/2011 10:12 AM

   These guys will come to your site and train your mechanic using whatever grinders and equipment you have there. I recommend them. (877-912-7335)
   
   http://expressreel.com/index.html

   
   
   
   
3. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   12/15/2011 10:12 AM

   One good place to look is at any local trade schools where they are training people in mechanics. While they are green to golf course equipment you may be able to get a decent one that can learn as they go. Talk to the teachers first to see if anyone getting ready to graduate may fit your needs.

   
   
   
   
4. Stephen Tucker

   

   0 posts
   
   12/16/2011 5:12 AM

   Here are some interview questions for equipment managers:
   
   http://www.golfcourseindustry.com/gie-2 ... ement.aspx
   
   
   This may help as well:
   http://www.golfcourseindustry.com/Artic ... e_id=71342

   
   
   
   
5. Trevor Monreal

   

   5 posts
   
   12/16/2011 6:12 AM

   First question:
   Do you watch NASCAR? If he says no, kick him out quickly...No mechanic here, and for sure has no business in the golf industry.
   Second question:
   Before you even THINK about fixing anything, will you hunt me down and blame every person on the crew and tell me how stupid there are first? Very important...at least GC mechanics think so.
   Third question:
   Once you prove your value, will you understand that you can call in sick, come in late, and take unscheduled vacation WAY more often than anybody else on the crew would dare? This will show experience in the industry

   
   
   
   
6. Adam Engle

   

   1 posts
   
   12/18/2011 11:12 PM

   Wow! Happy worth yours Trevor?

   
   
   
   
7. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   12/19/2011 6:12 AM

   thetrev said: First question:
   Do you watch NASCAR? If he says no, kick him out quickly...No mechanic here, and for sure has no business in the golf industry.
   Second question:
   Before you even THINK about fixing anything, will you hunt me down and blame every person on the crew and tell me how stupid there are first? Very important...at least GC mechanics think so.
   Third question:
   Once you prove your value, will you understand that you can call in sick, come in late, and take unscheduled vacation WAY more often than anybody else on the crew would dare? This will show experience in the industry

   
   
   
   Fourth question:
   How many R&R Products jackets do you own? On what daily rotation will I see them, or will you wear the same one everyday?
   
   Fifth question:
   Do you eat breakfast or drink coffee? How long will it take you to complete this task in the morning before starting your work?
   
   Sixth question:
   What antique car/motorcycle/boat do you have at home that you are "fixin up"?

   
   
   
   
8. Trevor Monreal

   

   5 posts
   
   12/20/2011 5:12 AM

   Those are great too!
   But only if you are looking for an "All-star".

   
   
   
   
9. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   12/20/2011 6:12 AM

   Nothing like the soft bigotry of low expectations. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. I'm always looking for all-stars.

   
   
   
   
10. Matthew Neff

    

    0 posts
    
    12/20/2011 9:12 PM

    You may want to find out if they'll have an anger induced stroke every time the topdresser goes out.

    
    
    
    
11. Hardy Andrew

    
    12/21/2011 10:12 AM

    So maybe someone from outside the industry wouldn't be so bad after all. As for the questions above, I thought "that guy" worked at my club and lo and behold he has clones out there.
    
    How many times would you re-heat the same coffee in a day?
    
    Do you think the shop phone is your own personal hotline?

    
    
    
    
12. Andy Scott

    

    0 posts
    
    8/4/2014 7:08 PM

    Guys,
    
    My club is in the process of hiring a new GM and I have been asked to sit in on the final interviews. I plan to ask a few questions on management style, what are some you would ask? The candidates in final 4 are a Golf Operations only, a GM only and a GM/Pro.
    
    
    Thanks for your input.

    
    
    
    
13. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    8/5/2014 5:08 AM

    These are questions we asked when hiring our last Director of Golf.

    
    
    
    
14. Stephen Ravenkamp

    

    1 posts
    
    8/5/2014 8:08 AM

    Andy's questions are very good and, while directed more toward the DOG, many apply to the GM position as well. I would add questions like:
    What do you think is the most important role the GM plays in the success of the club?
    How will you promote ownership and accountability in employees?
    What would you do if the Board wanted you to implement something that you felt was not in the club's best interest?
    How would you handle a micro-managing Board member?
    What is your philosophy about the need for total agreement within your team? Is it necessary everyone agree with you or do you encourage dissenting opinions?
    How would you handle a long-term manager who was well-liked by members but did not meet your professional expectations?
    
    Steve Ravenkamp, CGCS, CFM
    Apache Stronghold Golf Resort
    San Carlos, AZ

    
    
    
    
15. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    8/5/2014 9:08 AM

    And to add on....
    
    "Who's the top dog at this facility?"
    
    The answer should be you. If it's not, don't hire the applicant.
    
    Kidding of course. But I would still ask the question...maybe: "who do you feel are the three most important managers at this facility?" If the response is the pool guy, accountant, tennis pro, then you....you see how he feels about not just you, but the golf course in general.
    
    I remember way back when we sat down to discuss a new maintenance facility. They ended up spending the money instead on building the mansion next to the pool. The pool project was one the GM strongly wanted to do, and didn't help us one bit in our cause.

    
    
    
    
16. Andy Scott

    

    0 posts
    
    8/5/2014 12:08 PM

    Thanks Andy and Steve!