How to get a great Nanny or Sitter Job
So you have a nanny interview looming. Nervous? Relax! Find a babysitter.com takes the "AAAH!" out of nanny and babysitter interviews. First you need to work on your "nanny interview etiquette"
Your nanny or babysitting CV may have got you the interview, but securing a nanny job with a great London or UK family requires excellent presentation.
Remember, the mum, dad or PA you are meeting is looking at you, the nanny, as a future role model for their precious offspring. Your nanny attire must be impecable. Don't turn up scruffy picking your nose...
What do nannies and babysitters wear to interviews?
Nannies and babysitters must be clean, well dressed and sofisticated. But not too sofisticated. Don't turn up in six inch heals and a pencil skirt. You're a nanny remember not a lawyer. A pair of flat shoes, not sneakers, and black trousers are always a winner. No punging neck lines! Modesty is key. Make sure you wash your hair before a nanny job interview - if you can't look after yourself how can you look after a child?
Here are our nanny job interview tips:
1) Before your interview:
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 nanny job you truly want.
- Find out the address and research the location of your nanny job interview. If the nanny job is in London, make sure you know the local tube station. 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. If you know the little ones names, say "Hi you must be Sarah" when you walk in. Make sure you ask questions about the children, show a keen interest.
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. - Be sure to take all your relevant documents and copies to the nanny job 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 on time! Be early! Whatever you do don't be late! No family will hire a nanny who is late to the first interview.
- 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! Don't say your last family was awful! The new family will think you will gossip about them as well.
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 expect but try not to be greedy... - 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!
Well...now you are on your own... good luck, we can't wait to hear how it all went!
