Landing a Great Nanny Job in a Tough EconomyWe have been discussing ways to market yourself to get a great nanny job even in a bad economy. If you have marketed yourself well you will be invited to a job interview.
When planning to go on a job interview, follow our advice from yesterday about making a first good impression by dressing neatly and conservatively.
To be considered for the nanny position, you must arrive on time, be polite, and carry your resume, portfolio, and any identification needed to prove they can legally drive and work in the United States when meeting potential employers.
Always arrive to your job interview on time. You can arrive 15-minutes early but don't approach the house until you are just 5-minutes prior to interview time. Arriving too early is just as inappropriate as arriving late.
Listen and don't interrupt the parents. Be prepared and organized but let the parents run the interview. Make certain you listen to understand the parents' goals and concerns. When answering their questions be sure to stay positive. Never speak negatively about former employers.
When it's time for you to ask a few questions be sure to ask open-ended questions that require more than just a "Yes" or "No" answer. For example, you might ask, "What activities do your kids like to do?" Or you might ask, "How do you discipline your children?"
Be prepared to answer these questions on a job interview:
1. Why do you want to be a nanny?
2. What activities do you like to do with the children?
3. Do you prefer indoor activities or outdoor activities? Do you like structured play or free play?
4. What age children are you experienced working with? What ages of children do you prefer?
5. Are you interested in helping with general household chores or child related chores only? (Be reasonable and specific about chores you are and are not willing to do).
6. What was the best part of working as a nanny in the past?
7. What were the worst things when working as a nanny in the past?
8. How do you discipline children? Give an example of what you have done when...."
9. Have you ever had an emergency situation while caring for a child? How was it handled? What would you do if my child were stung by a bee, fell off her bike, was having an asthma attack, and so on?
10. May we obtain written letters of recommendation from your references?
11. May we perform a background check on you by obtaining a copy of your driving record and do criminal backgrounds check?
12. Do you have recent CPR and First Aid certifications? If your certification has expired, are you willing to get certified before starting this position?
Even when you aren't interested in the job be respectful and thank the parents for their time. I have been amazed by stories from nannies who admit to telling a parent "Are you crazy? Just $10 an hour for twins?" It's not necessary to tell the family why you don't want to work for them. And of course if you are interested in the job, send a thank you note.
To be considered for the nanny position, you must arrive on time, be polite, and carry your resume, portfolio, and any identification needed to prove they can legally drive and work in the United States when meeting potential employers.
Always arrive to your job interview on time. You can arrive 15-minutes early but don't approach the house until you are just 5-minutes prior to interview time. Arriving too early is just as inappropriate as arriving late.
Listen and don't interrupt the parents. Be prepared and organized but let the parents run the interview. Make certain you listen to understand the parents' goals and concerns. When answering their questions be sure to stay positive. Never speak negatively about former employers.
When it's time for you to ask a few questions be sure to ask open-ended questions that require more than just a "Yes" or "No" answer. For example, you might ask, "What activities do your kids like to do?" Or you might ask, "How do you discipline your children?"
Be prepared to answer these questions on a job interview:
1. Why do you want to be a nanny?
2. What activities do you like to do with the children?
3. Do you prefer indoor activities or outdoor activities? Do you like structured play or free play?
4. What age children are you experienced working with? What ages of children do you prefer?
5. Are you interested in helping with general household chores or child related chores only? (Be reasonable and specific about chores you are and are not willing to do).
6. What was the best part of working as a nanny in the past?
7. What were the worst things when working as a nanny in the past?
8. How do you discipline children? Give an example of what you have done when...."
9. Have you ever had an emergency situation while caring for a child? How was it handled? What would you do if my child were stung by a bee, fell off her bike, was having an asthma attack, and so on?
10. May we obtain written letters of recommendation from your references?
11. May we perform a background check on you by obtaining a copy of your driving record and do criminal backgrounds check?
12. Do you have recent CPR and First Aid certifications? If your certification has expired, are you willing to get certified before starting this position?
Even when you aren't interested in the job be respectful and thank the parents for their time. I have been amazed by stories from nannies who admit to telling a parent "Are you crazy? Just $10 an hour for twins?" It's not necessary to tell the family why you don't want to work for them. And of course if you are interested in the job, send a thank you note.
What questions do you ask on a job interview?
