35 Floral Designer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Floral Designer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Are you a team player?
How to Answer
Yes! No matter where you work you need to be a team player to help a company achieve its goals, so be prepared to tell the interviewer, "Yes, I am!" Expand on this by sharing your philosophy on the importance of teamwork and being a part of a team. Tell the interviewer that it takes a group of people for a company to achieve its goals, and you recognize that each person is a piece of the puzzle. You recognize that there may be days where you need to perform duties outside of your usual job description to help out, or you may need to spend time mentoring and coaching new employees to ensure they are fitting into the team.
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. How would you go about determining what kind of arrangement a customer needs?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your ability to communicate with your customers regarding their needs and vision.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When I have a new customer order I start with asking a few basic questions such as occasion, color scheme, favorite look, and budget. I will then sketch out my creative vision and we will go from there."
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. What kinds of qualities do you believe a flower designer should have?
How to Answer
Some of the employers' preferences will be listed in their job posting or job description. If you can incorporate your answer with their requests, it's a great place to start.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I feel that a lot of the most important qualities are similar to the ones you listed in your job posting. Customer service oriented, honest, creative, and reliable."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. What would you do if a customer wanted an arrangement that you believe would not be attractive?
How to Answer
Sometimes a customer's vision simply won't work out in reality. Assure the interviewer that you would handle this situation in a professional and delicate way.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If I knew that the arrangement wouldn't be attractive I would gently suggest an alternate option. I am always honest with my customers and will provide a few choices. If they are adamant about it, I will create it as they request. Most often, the customer will take my recommendations."
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. If you could take a course to learn a new floral design skill what would it be?
How to Answer
Are there any particular skills that you would brush up on, if you could? Discuss with the interviewer any areas that you would like to expand on if given the opportunity.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If given the opportunity, I would love to learn more about the trends in lavish and romantic designs for weddings. I am great with wedding arrangements but there is always room to be better."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. As a floral designer you may be in extra demand for special events and holidays. Are you willing to work overtime, evenings, and weekends as needed?
How to Answer
As a floral designer, you know that the customer flow can be very seasonal. Assure the interviewer that you are able, and willing, to go the extra mile during those busy seasons.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"With wedding season just around the corner, I am well aware that I will be required to work overtime. I am happy to make myself available for the hours that you need."
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. Tell me about the largest event you have ever prepared flower arrangements for?
How to Answer
As a florist, large events can be stressful. You must perfectly time your orders and ensure that your supply is correct. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to manage large orders and events.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The largest event that I have ever prepared flower arrangements for was an incredibly large wedding of 600 guests. We handled every detail from bouquets to corsages to decorating the church and the reception area. It was an incredible task and I would love to do a large event like that again."
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. Do you have any post-secondary education?
How to Answer
Post-secondary education isn't always a requirement to be a successful floral designer. Talk to the interviewer about your educational background and ensure that it is a match for their needs.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have a certificate in floral design but most of my knowledge comes from my on-the-job experience. Is post-secondary education a requirement for this position?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
We recommend primarily sticking with the professional basics and adding in a few fun facts along the way to show the interviewer that you are a real person too. Start off by telling the interviewer about your highest level of education. Give a very high-level overview of your past position stating your job title and what your standard job duties involved. Next, share 2-3 fun facts about yourself focusing on special non-work related skills or hobbies. For example, you might share that you enjoy beatboxing or making origami swans. Be prepared for the interviewer to stop you and ask you to perform your skill on the spot when its possible! Finally, share with the interviewer why you are seeking a new position focusing on positives such as wanting to further your career or having an opportunity to work for this exciting company.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
10. How would you discuss your vision with the customer?
How to Answer
Sharing your creative vision is a very important part of being a successful florist. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to share your vision with their customers.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I like to let my customers take the lead when it comes to expressing their hopes for the arrangement. I will then share my vision through a variety of image searches online and I will also sketch my idea out for them. Once that vision is agreed on, I will start the creative process!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
11. We have had concerns with employee theft recently. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing?
How to Answer
Some businesses have trouble with employee theft and they need to make sure that they are hiring someone who is honest and trustworthy. Talk to the interviewer about the steps you would take if you caught a co-worker stealing.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am sure that you have an internal policy for employee theft so I can assure you that I would follow the required steps to report the theft. I am a trustworthy person with a strong track record of honesty with my previous employers."
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
How to Answer
Is honesty always the best policy? Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on honesty in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Sometimes full disclosure can damage someone's self esteem, and reality isn't always best expressed in full and can be self-indulgent based on the person's intention. In those instances, honesty isn't always the best policy."
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations are to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000 and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. What feedback did you receive at your last job?
How to Answer
Every manager has a different approach to giving feedback. Some prefer to save it for the performance review while others dish it out on the regular. Your response to feedback is much more important than the feedback itself. Even if it was negative, if you can take it as constructive criticism, you can improve yourself and your skills. Give an example, like this:
"My manager told me that I was spending too much time on the details of a project. I realized that I can be such a perfectionist that I lose track of time and hyper-focus on things that just aren't that important. I'm learning to prioritize the steps I need to take and the tasks that need to be completed when working on a bigger project."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My manager told me that I was spending too much time on the details of a project. I realized that I can be such a perfectionist that I lose track of time and hyper-focus on things that just aren't that important. I'm learning to prioritize the steps I need to take and the tasks that need to be completed when working on a bigger project."
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. How would you describe your personality?
How to Answer
Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personal traits vs. your integrity. This would include buzz words such as introverted, energetic, and confident.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I would describe my personality as approachable, light hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
How to Answer
Do you know what type of management style helps you be most productive? Some managers like to keep a close eye on you, always hanging over your shoulder. Others like to let you do your thing, giving you the opportunity to come to them. Do you know what you need from a manager? Think about the last project you accomplished or challenge you overcame at work. How did your manager help you? Did they provide moral support by encouraging you or did they hold your hand every step of the way. Sometimes when you start a new job, you need a little extra support to help you learn the job and the tasks required. Once you get going, are you able to work independently? Can you self-manage? Demonstrate your awareness of what you need from a manager by explaining how past managers have supported you and what you learned from those experiences.
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. Who would you say inspires you?
How to Answer
Show that you are prepared for the interview by having an immediate answer. The only wrong answer here is simply, "I don't know." In most interviews, you will get one or two personal questions to see how you present yourself. You want to be able to articulate yourself well, responding politely and even passionately when appropriate. A good way to respond to this question is by sharing about a person who has been a positive influence on you and your career. If your dad motivated you to push through to finish your education, talk about how that impacted you. Who showed you that it was possible to overcome even the greatest obstacles? Who taught you the skills that brought you where you are today?
Written by Rachelle Enns
18. Why do you want this job?
How to Answer
What interests you most about the company? How will working for them help you to achieve your goals? Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for the same job. If you are lucky enough to land the interview, make some effort to do research on the company. Think about how this job will help you in your career. It's important for you to know not only what you have to offer them, but what they can do for you. While your passion and excitement about the job are important, it's always good to have some hard facts to back it up.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have heard great things about your company and I know I would be a great fit for this job,"
Written by Rachelle Enns
19. What is your favorite flower and why?
How to Answer
Which flower speaks best to you and why? Talk to the interviewer about your favorite flower and what your emotional attachment is to that particular flower.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite flower is the red rose. It's romantic, a classic, and the smell is unbeatable. I am a fan of traditional flowers that surpass trends."
Written by Rachelle Enns
20. Do you consider yourself creative?
How to Answer
A great floral designer should have creative flair. Talk to the interviewer about your creative capabilities.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I consider myself to be very creative! I am able to create beautiful arrangements on any budget and take calculated risks with designs when my clients allow for it."
Written by Rachelle Enns
21. What is your favorite way to express yourself artistically on your time off?
How to Answer
A creative floral designer will often be artistic in multiple ways. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you express your creativity when you aren't at work.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When I am not working I will express myself artistically through painting and photography. I like to express my creativity on a daily basis."
Written by Rachelle Enns
22. Have you ever had a dispute with a customer? How did you handle it?
How to Answer
As a floral designer you will have an unsatisfied customer from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling a dispute in a professional manner.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have had some customer disputes in my career and am confident in my ability to manage them well. I will be assertive when necessary but I find that most disputes start from a small misunderstanding that can be easily fixed. If a customer is unhappy I will simply ask them to tell me what would make them happy. I will find a workaround from there."
Written by Rachelle Enns
23. Tell me about a time when you made an error on an arrangement. How did you fix the arrangement and please the customer?
How to Answer
When it comes to creative design, your vision and the customers' vision may not always be the same. How would you handle it if a customer did not like your arrangement due to a misunderstanding on your part?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I made an error on a wedding bouquet last month. Rather than white roses, I used yellow roses. I wrote down the work order incorrectly. Thankfully I had the time to re-do the arrangement and we gave the customer free delivery for the inconvenience. I apologized profusely and made a follow up call to the customer the next week to offer a free arrangement in the future."
Written by Rachelle Enns
24. What type of flower is an Iris?
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you have the knowledge required in order to be a great floral designer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"An iris is a perennial plant with over 200 different species. It is a beautiful flowering plant that can grow in deserts, swamps, and a variety of climates."
Written by Rachelle Enns
25. Tell me about a Carnation flower.
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you have the knowledge required in order to be a great floral designer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Carnations are a herbaceous perennial plant that are said to be from the Mediterranean region. They have a very wide range of colors."
Written by Rachelle Enns
26. Tell me about a Calla flower.
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you have the knowledge required in order to be a great floral designer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The Calla flower is a flowering plant native to Northern Asia, Northern America and parts of Europe. It is poisonous when fresh and can produce small berries."
Written by Rachelle Enns
27. What is Baby's Breath, and when is that typically used in an arrangement?
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you have the knowledge required in order to be a great floral designer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Baby's breath, also called Gypsophila, are tiny flowers that bloom in white and pink. They enjoy full exposure to the sun and make a great filler for flower arrangements due to their airy feel."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
28. How extensive is your knowledge on plants?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you possess enough knowledge of plants required to do this job well.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have a great deal of experience with plants of many kinds. In addition to my formal education in horticulture, I have approximately 7 years experience as a professional florist."
Written by Rachelle Enns
29. Do you aspire to own your own floral shop one day?
How to Answer
Are you happy working for someone else for the remainder of your career or do you aspire to own your own business at some point? Assure the interviewer that they are not at immediate risk of losing you once you gain enough momentum to open a competing business.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I realize that there is a lot of risk in opening your own business and I am not at a point in my life where that is an appealing path for me. I would be happy to work for your floral shop for the long term."
Written by Rachelle Enns
30. Are you a detail oriented person?
How to Answer
Telling the interviewer that you pay attention to the small details is one thing but can you back that answer up with an example? Tell the interviewer about a time that your attention to detail benefited your employer. You can also discuss any positive comments you have received from your previous supervisor.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a very detail oriented person and have often received compliments from my previous supervisor on ability to notice even the smallest of errors in an order. My current boss will ask me to review every order before it is sent out because I am the best on our team when it comes to attention to detail."
Written by Rachelle Enns
31. Take a few minutes to walk me through your floral design experience, from your very first position, until now.
How to Answer
Briefly explain your work history, including any movement, to the interviewer. Be sure to include any special recognition or rewards that you have received.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I began my work in floral design in 2004 after graduating from a Horticulture program at our community college. With Company X, I was an apprentice for 6 months before being promoted to Key Holder. Then, in 2008 I was asked to join another florist as their Manager. I have worked for this company since then and am now looking for a bigger challenge."
Written by Rachelle Enns
32. Describe your philosophy on customer service.
How to Answer
Great customer service is incredibly important, especially in a competitive space. Assure the interviewer that you would put their customers first.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I believe that great customer service is the one thing that sets you apart from your competitors. Consumers will return to the place that they felt most comfortable and tended to. I will always go above customer expectations to win their business again and to gain referrals."
Written by Rachelle Enns
33. Why are you the best floral designer for us?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are the strongest candidate for them by showcasing some of your best, and unique, skills.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I feel that I am the best floral designer for you because I bring over 5 years of experience in creative floral design and an even longer history in great customer service. I have lived in this community my entire life so I would be able to bring in new business based on my personal connections as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns
34. How many arrangements can you make in one day?
How to Answer
Are you able to work efficiently and make an impressive amount of arrangements on a daily basis? Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle a busy workload. This is also a great time for you to find out what the potential employer's expectations are.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In my current position I started making X amount of arrangements in one day. I can now make XX arrangements in a single shift. How many arrangements would you like to see me make per day?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
35. Why have you chosen to be a floral designer?
How to Answer
Have you always wanted to be a floral designer? Where does your passion and creativity come from? Talk to the interviewer about your passion when it comes to floral design.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Growing up, my mom owned a floral shop. It's always been what I have known. It's a great creative outlet and I love to surprise people with the beauty of flowers."
Written by Rachelle Enns