Interview tips for nannies

An interview is a two way thing - a chance for the employers and their children to see if they like you and could work with you, and a chance for you to see if you could spend every day with them. It's important to spend time on the interview because it's the one big opportunity you have of getting to know the family and most importantly, whether or not you will fit in.

Remember there are far more parents out there looking for good childcarers than there are childcarers looking for jobs so you can afford to take your time to consider which job to take. You don't have to rush in to the first one that comes along (but don't keep families hanging on too long either!).

The Interview will usually take place in the home setting and most parents will be there with their children to see how you interact with them.
Take along your CV, open references and certificates of training and education to show the family.

The sort of interview questions you are likely to be asked will include:

• What childcare qualifications do you have?
  
• What childcare experience do you have?
  
• What interests you about this particular job?
  
• How long do you see yourself working for this family?
  
• What are your views on play, food and mealtimes, social and educational activities, discipline and control, rest, sleep and so on.
  
• How would you plan a daily routine for the children?
  
• How would you cope with difficult behaviour, for example if one of the children said they hated you?
  
• Do you drive?
  
• Do you smoke?
  
• Do you have any special dietary needs?
  
• Does this job conflict with other responsibilities in your life?

There are bound to be loads more questions but it helps if you think carefully about how you would answer these questions before you go. It just makes you look better as well as making you look calmer!

There are lots of questions you should ask too to find out more about the job:

• How much housework dies the job include?
• Will I be able to use car?
• Will I be able to use the home telephone?
• Will I be given a mobile (for work only)?
• What are the family's house rules eg. on television watching, outings, junk food etc.?
• What are the family's views on discipline, routine and so on?
• Are there any religious or political beliefs which you should be aware of?
• Do they have any pets?

If live-in:

• Can my friends, male or female come and visit me / stay overnight?
• What accommodation will I be given?
• How often will I be expected to babysit? Will I be paid extra for it?

You are bound to have other questions you want to ask so write them down and take a list. The family will be impressed that you are taking the interview seriously.

During the interview you may well be asked to spend some time playing or chatting to the child/ren. Don't feel nervous or self-conscious about this, it's the only way parents can see how you interact with their child/ren. It's also the way you get to see how nice or not their children are. Just be natural. And remember, you are interviewing the family in the same way that they are interviewing you.

Once the interview is over, take your time to think about it. Trust your instincts. You should know pretty quickly whether this is a family and child/ren you want to spend every single day with. If you're really unsure, don't do it. It's much harder and messier to turn back after the contract is signed.