Landing a Nanny Job in a Tough EconomyWe have been discussing how to land a great nanny job in a tough economy.
Our first suggestions were:
1. Network with anyone who will listen and by all means possible.
2. Create a standout resume.
3. Have stellar job references, getting as many in writing as you can.
4. Be trained in CPR/First Aid certification.
5. Get your driver's license.
6. Take nanny training courses or some early childhood education courses.
7. Make a professional nanny portfolio.
8. Learn how to swim.
Today we recommend making a great first impression. You only get one first impression so make it a good one.
When meeting parents for the first time think about what a mother and/or father would want a nanny they hire to wear.
If you think a formal business suit is the best thing to wear to a nanny job interview, save your money since it's not usually necessary. Parents don't expect you to work in a business suit therefore arriving to an interview in a suit might be a bit much. But, you shouldn't show up wearing sweats either. Dressing business casual and conservatively is best. Interviewees should choose clean, well-pressed clothes.
When meeting parents for the first time think about what a mother and/or father would want a nanny they hire to wear.
If you think a formal business suit is the best thing to wear to a nanny job interview, save your money since it's not usually necessary. Parents don't expect you to work in a business suit therefore arriving to an interview in a suit might be a bit much. But, you shouldn't show up wearing sweats either. Dressing business casual and conservatively is best. Interviewees should choose clean, well-pressed clothes.
In-home job candidates should avoid wearing large jewelry, heavy make-up, clothing that exposes tattoos, cleavage, belly buttons, or that is very tight. Wear nice shoes with a low heel or simply nice clean sneakers. It's not appropriate for a nanny to wear high heels.
To make a good impression, do not show up to your first meeting smelling like cigarette smoke, coffee, cologne or perfume.
To make a good impression, do not show up to your first meeting smelling like cigarette smoke, coffee, cologne or perfume.
Be enthusiastic. Be friendly. Don't act nervous or stressed-out. Greet every member of the family, and their staff, with a big smile, a hand shake, and make eye contact. If you are meeting the children during the interview, consider getting on the floor to play with them, if the situation allows you to. Nothing looks better than you interacting well with the children on their level.
Here's what our readers said about how they dress on a nanny interview:
Be the Best Nanny Newsletter asked 740 nannies what they wear on a job interview. Three hundred and fifty-five nannies (48%) responded that they dress business casual when going to a job interview; 200 nannies (27%) answered that they wear a more formal business suit or a dress to nanny job interviews; and 44 caregivers (6%) responded that they feel comfortable wearing a nice pair of jeans like they might wear to work.
Tomorrow: Preparing for a Great Interview
Tomorrow: Preparing for a Great Interview
What do you wear on a nanny interview?
