Interview tips for nannies
An interview is a daunting and nerve wrecking experience whether this is your very first interview or if you are an experienced interviewee. For this reason Holly’s House has put together these guidelines to help you prepare for your interview. It is also worth remembering that the parent interviewing you may be just as nervous as you are.
The first thing you should remember is that first impressions last. For this reason always ensure that you arrive on time and in a presentable manner. A presentable manner means that you are clean and neat. You should wear clothes similar to those that you would do on a normal working day i.e. casual but smart. Parents can often be put off if you have excessive body piercing, tattoos and revealing clothes. Most families prefer to have a child carer who is a non-smoker so ensure that you do not arrive with a smoky aroma. It is also important to be aware of excessive perfume and body odour. The above may sound like common sense to you and that is all it is.
It is advisable to take some form of identity with you e.g. passport or driving licence as the parents may request to see this before they commence the interview. We also recommend that you take with you all your original documents i.e. qualification certificates, references etc as many families may request to see these also.
When you meet the parents remember to smile as they are looking for a friendly person to look after their child. The parents will want to get a feel of how you interact with children and will more than likely have their child in the same room as they conduct the interview. Don’t ignore the child; speak to the child especially when you first enter the room. Your demeanour will count just as much, if not more so, than the answers you give to their questions.
The family will want to discuss with you many aspects of the job such as your main responsibilities, hours of work, salary, sickness, holiday etc. Hopefully they will have already drawn up a contract of employment, if they have ask them if you can have a copy to take away with you to read over.
Remember that the interview is a two-way procedure and it is a chance for you to ask the family any questions or concerns you have. It is not only an opportunity for the family to see if they are happy with you but also a chance to see if you would be happy working for them. Prepare for this in advance; take in a notebook and pen with a list of questions you would like answering. This also allows you to make any notes during the interview that you feel are necessary. It always looks better if you ask the family some questions rather than just answering what they put to you. This implies that you have a greater interest in the role.
At the end of the interview make sure that you leave knowing what the next step will be. It may be that they want to see you again or if only one of the parents were present and they’re interested in you they may want you to meet with their partner before they offer you the job. If you like the sound of the job let them know and tell them that you look forward to hearing from them. The family may contact you directly to let you know if they wish to employ you or they may ask us at Holly’s House to inform you of their decision.
Questions you may be asked
Below is a list of common questions that families looking for a child carer often ask at an interview. Please note that these questions are not exhaustive and should be used as guidance only.
- Describe your childcare experience.
- Describe your qualifications.
- What do you find challenging / interesting about childcare?
- Have you ever had to deal with an emergency? If so what did you do?
- What would you do in case of an emergency involving my child?
- What are your views on discipline?
- How would you deal with a crying baby?
- What do you see as your primary responsibility with my child?
- What are your views on children watching television?
- What are your views of children’s nutrition?
- How would you entertain my child?
- How would you entertain my child if outside activities were not an option?
- Are you happy to supervise my child’s friend if they came over to play?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How would you friends / family describe you?
- Do you have to give notice to your current employer? If so what is you notice period?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- What are your weak and strong points?
- Do you have any questions you wish to ask me?
