Interview tips for Nannies, Family Assistants, Nanny interview, How to ace the interview

1. Be prepared.
Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Bring your appointment sheet to the interview as it will list the address, phone numbers and names and ages of the children. Before your interview, take the time to review your past job

2. Prepare a few questions to ask.
Remember the meeting is also an opportunity for you to interview your potential employer. Keep your ideal job in mind and ask questions that will help determine if this will be a good fit. We recommend that you NOT ask about salary in the first interview. Review the list of suggested questions to ask on the below.

3. Change your voicemail and email.
Throughout your job search, make sure your voicemail at home and on your cell phone is professional and upbeat. No music or jokes - just a straightforward message. Also, your work email address should be professional.

4. Refine Your On-Line Image.
Potential employers will Google you as well as check MySpace and Flickr as part of their background checks. Make sure they will not find any inappropriate photographs, provocative comments or negative comments about a previous employer.

Directions. Don’t leave home without them.
The day before the assignment, go to Mapquest.com to get door-to-door directions and a travel time estimate. Consider doing a trial run. Make sure you have a map in your car and give yourself plenty of time for traffic and parking.

Check your appearance.
Before the interview, select your outfit carefully. Your clothing should be conservative, neat and clean. Clothes you would wear to a party or picnic are not appropriate for an interview. Avoid tight or baggy clothing. We recommend khaki pants and a collared shirt/knit sweater with a pair of closed-toe shoes Do not wear too much make-up, jewelry or perfume. (Many people are allergic to perfume.)

Be on-time.
It is crucial that you arrive on time- being even 5 minutes late is unacceptable. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview with 10-15 minutes to spare. In case of an emergency, call the family directly to let them know you are running late (their phone number is provided on the Appointment Sheet). Do not change or cancel your appointment unless it is an emergency.

The following is a list of important tips to remember during the interview.

1. Show up on-time.
Or, even better, 5 minutes early.

2. Go alone.
Do not bring anyone to the interview including spouses, children or friends.

Tips for the Childcare Interview
	Wash your hands. Ask to wash your hands before holding a new baby or young child.
	Get involved. Show an interest in the children. Speak with them on their level. Ask them questions and be sure to play with them.
	Know their names. Refer to the children by their names, not as kids. Their names will be on your Appointment Sheet.

3. Turn OFF your cell phone.
A ringing cell phone is not appropriate for an interview. Turn
it off before you enter the interview.

4. Greet the interviewer by name with a handshake and a smile.

5. Do NOT ask about salary or benefits. The agency can help you with these conversations at a later time.

6. Never speak badly of a former employer. Refer to your former employer(s) professionally, discreetly and politely.

7. Do not swear or use slang.

8. Highlight your accomplishments and skills through storytelling.

9. Do NOT chew gum.

10. Ask questions about the children and position.

11. Say thank you. After the interview, promptly send a thank you note. (See sample on back.)

- Tell me a little about yourself.

- What are your strengths and weaknesses?

- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

- Tell me a little bit about your family background and childhood.

- How long can you commit to stay in the position?

- What are your future plans and goals?

- Tell me about your experience working in the field.

- What did you like or dislike about your last position?

- Have you ever been confronted with an emergency situation at work? If so, how did you respond?

- If asked for a reference, what would your previous employer say about you?

For Childcare Positions:

- What is your approach to discipline?

- What kind of activities did you enjoy doing with children in your last position?

- What would a typical day be like for you and an infant or toddler?

- Why do you want to be a Nanny? (Please think beyond “because I love children...” as that will not set you apart.)

- How have you set limits with children with whom you have worked?

- What kind of food do you prepare for children’s meals and snacks?

- Have you previously had someone in this position? What did you like or dislike about the previous arrangement?

- What is the daily schedule? What hours are required? Will the schedule change?

- What are the expected duties?

- Who will be my manager? How will I communicate with you? Will there be regular meetings?

- Do you plan to have a written job description or work agreement?

For Childcare Positions:

- What are the children's daily schedules?

- What are the children's interests and hobbies?

- What is your philosophy on discipline?

- Ask the parents if they would like to share anything about their philosophy of raising children.

Saying thanks
Sending a thank you note will help you get the job! Be sure to follow up with a thank you note that expresses a genuine interest in the position. Whenever possible this should be mailed the same day as the interview. We suggest using simple stationery and keeping the note as brief as possible

Dear Mr. & Mrs. (Name);

Thank you for your time on (Date of interview). It was a pleasure to meet you and your family. I am very interested in this position and look forward to the possibility of caring for (Children’s names).

Sincerely,