Nanny Interview Etiquette and Tips to Land the Perfect Position
Are you getting ready for your first interview as a potential nanny or even looking for a new position? Whether you decide to go the route of finding a position on your own, or with an agency; We can help you prepare for the big day! In this blog we will be sharing some interview etiquette and tips that are sure to help you nail the nanny position of your dreams.
Nanny Interview Etiquette and Tips To Land The Perfect Position
Interview Day Etiquette
An interview for a nanny position is no different from any other job interview. You need to be mindful of your appearance and your body language. You need to do the following:
– Do your research on the position you are interested in. Know the hours, know the area and things to do around that, have an estimate of what your commute time may be in heavy traffic, or no traffic. Take some time to think about the kids ages and what you might do with them each day, or what a typical day might look like if they hire you.
– Don’t forget your paperwork, i.e. job description, resume, specifications, and references, letters of recommendations, degrees or certifications or documents from extra training you have done.
– Dress for success. Make sure you are comfortable, professional, and feeling confident. I’d highly recommend business professional wear, or at very least business casual.
– Be punctual. You can bet that an agency is taking notes on when you arrive and if you were punctual or not. If you know you are going to be running late, send a message or a take a few minutes to call and give a heads up to the agency or the family. Something as small as being 10-15 mins late unannounced can easily lead to someone choosing another candidate over you.
– Make eye contact with each interviewer. This shows that you are engaged with the interview, confident and present with what they are asking you and in what you can bring to the table!
– Don’t give one-word answers. Let them know what you have achieved, be confident and clear. You want to be detailed in your answers without rambling on or giving just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
– Ask questions of the interviewer. You need to make sure the job is the right fit for you too. You are interviewing the family or agency as much as they are interviewing you. If its a family interview make sure to ask exactly what they are looking for, what they would like a typical day to look like, any extra tasks they are looking to be done and exactly what their compensation package is. If it is with an agency find out what the process is like, what to expect next, what they do to represent you and how hands on they are with the interviewing/hiring process and beyond. Agencies vary in this aspect, so make sure to ask! You want to make sure you are with an agency that will provide you as much or little support as you are looking for!
– Don’t stress and be CONFIDENT.
Interview Tips: Be Prepared for Questions
A job interview as a nanny will be filled with questions specific to that job. Some questions you can expect to hear are:
-Tell me about yourself. Focus on experience, skills, interests, and strengths related to the job.
– Why did you choose to become a nanny?
– What childcare qualifications do you have?
– What do you think is the most important aspect of a nanny job?
– What do you consider to be the qualities that children like in you?
– What did you like/ dislike in previous nanny jobs?
– What sort of activities, daily routines, foods did you prepare, etc. , with the children in your care?
– Why do you think you are well suited for this nanny position?
– What are your child rearing philosophies?
Interview Tips: Be Prepared to Ask Questions
You need to make sure this position fits well for you! So make sure you ask questions as it helps you get the answer you need and also comes across as you interested in the position as well! Some questions to ask are:
– Is there housework involved or will you only be looking after the children?
– Who is responsible for disciplining the children? What method will be used?
– What specific things should you do with the children. i.e. art projects, helping with homework, transportation, etc.
– How many hours would be required weekly?
– What would the salary be weekly? Bi-weekly?
– Will there be date night sitting on top of the weekly work hours on occasion?
– What are your holiday and vacation expectations?
-Will you be offering guaranteed hours?
-Will you be providing a car or reimbursing for gas and mileage?
If you are working with an agency, such as All About Nannies, make sure you give feedback after your family interview. We are here to help and give advice. We hope this has been an encouragement to you with the proper nanny etiquette and tips to land the nanny position of your dreams!
Ready to become a nanny or find the perfect position to end your search? Check out our new openings and apply here!
Also, something exciting for you! We are doing nanny profile headshots with Nicole of Nico Marie Photography on February 1st in Scottsdale, Arizona for only $20! This is a must-have for your nanny profile and portfolio! If you need more info on this or want to sign up, please email Kayla at info@allaboutnanniesaz.com.
