How to Set Yourself Apart From Other Nannies During the In-Person Interview

If you’ve made it to the in-person interview stage, chances are the family you’re interviewing with is interested in hiring you as their nanny, or at least interested in learning if you could be the right nanny for their family. Before the interview, it’s important to reflect on why you’ve chosen to be a nanny, why you think you may be the right nanny for the family you’re interviewing with, and your basic childcare philosophies and nanny experiences; thinking these things through prior to the interview will help prepare you to answer any interview question that comes your way. You’ll also want to be sure you know how to get to your interview location as well as how long it takes to get there. Leave enough travel time to arrive at your destination a few minutes early.

In addition

to these basics, there are a few extra things you can do to set yourself apart from other nanny candidates during the in-person interview.

Dress the part

While it can be tempting to put on a suit and sport two inch heels to your job interview, don’t. When it comes to nanny job interviews, the dress code is that the outfit should be as functional as it is fashionable. A pair of slacks, nice jeans or khakis and a blouse or a polo shirt paired with a pair of flats or tennis shoes typically works well. Your appearance should be clean and neat.

Show up with a portfolio

A copy of your resume and letters of reference, along with a portfolio that showcases your nanny experience, will likely impress a potential employer. Include a childcare philosophy statement, copies of current CPR and first aid certifications, any educational certificates or certificates of attendance from childcare related or nanny conferences, sample schedules, samples of activities you’ve done with the children in your care and a photo journal showing you doing something fun or educational with past charges.

Engage the kids

While having an in-person interview when the children are present, it’s important to interact with and engage the children. Get down to eye level to speak with them, get on the floor and play with them, and ask age-appropriate questions of them. If you’re interviewing for a position with a newborn, ask if they’d like you to hold the baby. If they say yes, be sure to ask where the

nearest sink is so that you can demonstrate your concern for the baby’s health by washing your hands first.

Ask good questions

Many times, a nanny interviewing for a position may have years more childcare experience than a new mom. The mother of a newborn may not have yet considered her childrearing philosophy or discipline strategy of choice. Formulate appropriate questions based on what you know about the family. Questions like, “Why have you decided on hiring a nanny?” “Can you tell me what specific duties you’d expect of me?” and “How do you envision your nanny spending the day with your child?” can open the door to learning more about the parents, family and position.

Bring resources

If you’re interviewing with a new mom who has never hired a nanny or if you want to be sure parents understand you must be paid legally, bring along brochures from a reputable nanny payroll and tax company like www.4nannytaxes.com. Leaving a copy of your resume, any letters of references and important resources will convey that you’re a professional.

Interviewing doesn’t come naturally for everyone. For some nannies, the mere thought of an in-person interview causes anxiety; for others, the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents is an exciting one. Regardless of how you feel about in-person interviews, you must put your best self forward and be proactive in establishing yourself as a professional who is qualified and deserving of any nanny job. Doing so will surely set you apart from others competing for the same position.

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