They inquired about my educational background and experience as related to the position, and specifically asked for details on what I did and taught as a Horticulture Instructor when I worked at a prison. In addition, we discussed some personal landscape projects I was doing /overseeing now, or had done previously. They did inquire about what I was doing now job-wise, and I informed them that some jobs I had been hired for had been cancelled or delayed due to COVID-19. At no time in the interview process, from my initial contact with them online and afterwards, did they ask for any references. In addition, in a prescreen interview over the phone, I was asked about salary expectations. They felt my expectations were too high, in light of the uncertainty with the economy , and former employees not performing up the standards they expected. I communicated to them that I understood, and would be flexible with pay. At no time, however, was a number provided by Whitaker Farms on what they had budgeted for this position or was an offer made with a number provided. We also discussed benefits, and I was told that if hired, I would be given an insurance allowance. They did provide to me a benefit sheet,. Sick pay and vacation time were included as part of the package, but Whitaker Farms did not offer to me life insurance, disability, and a 401K plan. It did not appear those benefits are offered to any employee, but to confirm, it would be best to check with them. Finally, they gave me tours of the greenhouses at the farm, to inform me what they were doing, and also gave me a tour of the garden center, where I would be primarily working. I was invited to do my own personal tour by the Assistant Manager after she left, which I took advantage of. I did contact the Assistant Manager by text after doing the tour, thanking her and everyone else for taking the time to meet with me.
