Interview Tips
Mastering interview etiquette is essential to getting your dream job. Your CV & cover letter will get you to the interview but it is the impression you make that will secure you the position.
An interview is an opportunity to not only sell yourself as a fantastic nanny or babysitter, but to also ask questions to ensure this is the position you truly want.
Below are a list of tips to guide you through the interview process:
1) Before your interview:
- Find out the address and research the location of your interview. Be sure you know which mode of transport you'll be relying on to get there & find out if there are any delays or engineering work schedules.
A useful website for getting from A to B by bus, tube or overland train is the
Transport for London Journey Planner. - Gather as much information as you can about the children & family. With this information you should formulate thoughtful questions to ask during the interview.
Have specific questions to ask about the family. This way they will know you are sincerely interested and will be a dedicated nanny or babysitter.
If you show keen interest in the children the more fantastic a nanny the parents will think you are. - Be sure you have a clean tidy presentation for the interview. No raggedy jeans or dirty nails!
Dress smart, be prepared. - Be sure to take all your relevant documents and copies to the interview. Including passport or other photo identification, CV, written references or telephone numbers for verbal references, police check & first aid certificate.
2) At your interview:
- Be punctual!
- Arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time. Not too early not too late.
- If you do arrive earlier take some time to look around the neighbourhood to see what kind of amenities it offers. This may also be seen to be a draw card for parents.
Showing interest in the surrounding neighbourhood with a view to things you may do with the children, how to catch the bus, where the local parks are, shows initiative - parents find good initiative an important trait in nannies and babysitters. - Have a firm handshake and don't forget to SMILE. Make and maintain eye contact throughout your interview. Remember to make a positive and lasting first impression.
- If you are introduced to the children show immediate interest in them. Remember: they are the reason why you are there. If the children are very young be sure to get down to their level. Say "hi" and ask them their name/ how they are doing. Be very bubbly and warm.
This shows the parents you actually do adore children and are not only concerned with finding a job. - Be yourself and show how loving and joyful you are. Ask MANY questions about the children.
- Be sure to refer to each previous childcare experience specifically; use your previous families names and children's names when speaking about them. Be positive about previous experiences!
When asked about your experiences, be sure to point out unique, positive qualities about the families and their children. They need to be different from each other.
Be able to discuss different activities you did with children of varying ages. - DO NOT discuss salary desires or accommodation (in the case of a live in position). Leave this for the 2nd interview.
Feel free to tell the parents you are more concerned about spending time with the children and being certain that you are the right nanny or babysitter for this family first before you work out the finer details.
If the parents specifically ask what your salary desires are let the family know what you previously earned. - Do not make negative comments about previous employers - the family you are interviewing with may worry you will do the same to them!
Try to state your reasons for leaving in a positive manner. For example, the family no longer required a full time nanny, you decided you wanted to live out etc. - At the close of your interview ask the family if they have any further questions. Tell them you have really enjoyed meeting them and smile when you leave!
