Nanny Interview Basics 101
If I could teach a class on Interview Basics 101 then these are the most important tips I would like to share
- From the minute an interview is scheduled you are under scrutiny – From the minute you agree to an interview with a family you are being scrutinized. If you are late, if you are not prepared, if you are not familiar with the family information regarding the job you are interviewing for, all of that is taken into consideration. Shake hands with confidence (wimpy, wimpy, wimpy is not good for trash bags or handshakes), smile with confidence and enthusiasm. Show up, be bright and happy and knowledgeable and that will communicate positively.
Nanny Interview Basics 101 Tip: Don’t partially block a driveway when parking your car for the interview. You will communicate a lack of attention to detail. Remember that this may seem petty to you, but it’s not to a perspective family.
- What to share and what to keep private – There is a distinct line between being honest and having integrity in your answers and oversharing. Whether a first interview or after you start working for a family, remember there are still personal boundaries. There might be a rare situation in which you become close personal friends with your employer, but that will take time. Avoid blurring lines. When in a domestic staffing situation you will have a more intimate relationship with your boss so there is some natural sharing of persona lives. Your family will want to know that you are an open, warm and caring person, especially with their children.
- To play it cool or not to play it cool – It is important to be open and emotionally available to a family during the interview process. They want to feel like they are seeing the real person that they will be inviting into their house. Avoid any sort of games. I do not recommend that you are either overly aggressive in telling them how much you want to work with their family nor should you be overly aloof.
Nanny Interview Basics 101 Tip: If you are considering multiple job offers, then don’t tell the family during the interview that you want to keep your options open and continue to interview for other positions if you are truly interested in their job. You could risk losing the job of your dreams and the family could offer the job to a more interested candidate.
- Professional Preparedness – Have your resume and your references and portfolio (Read more about creating a top-notch portfolio The Million Dollar Question). Be knowledgeable about the job, hours, and the pay range. If you are interviewing with multiple families, then make sure you look over the job posting one last time, so you are not confused.
Nanny Interview Basics 101 Tip: If you are interested in a particular job and want to interview for a position, then make sure the pay range fits within your needs BEFORE you interview with the family. Families typically discuss pay range and salary with you during the 1st or 2nd interview and expect you to understand and feel comfortable with the pay they are offering. You will ultimately waste your time and the families time if want them to pay more.
- How to dress – Dress professionally. Jeans are not okay. Mini shirts and stillettos are not okay. A knee length or longer skirt, slacks and a nice shirt or a nice business casual dress are appropriate. Georgia’s Dream Nannies has a Pinterest board dedicated to Interview Outfits.
With this knowledge in hand, you can interview with confidence. You have something incredible to offer each family you interview with. Allow them to see the bright shining star that you are.
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