Tips For Your Interview
Prepare for the interview:
Be calm, centred and focused during the interview. Work on achieving this by thinking positive thoughts about yourself. Being nervous is normal; it makes you feel alive, brings colour to your cheeks and shows you care! Now breathe in good thoughts!
Familiarize yourself with the job description. Think about what would be expected of you.
What are the ages of the children and what activities would you do with that age group.
What is your approach to discipline with this age group
What questions would you ask the parents about the family and the position that you are applying for. Ask questions, be interested in their family.
Research or read up on any difficulties you might have been told about during the profiling of the position by the agency. For example: ADHD - what is it, how do you deal with it?
At the Interview:
Explain that you have been profiled the job but that you would like to hear directly from the family what their requirements are.
Encourage them to ask you questions about your past, your family, education, your work experience and your experience with children.
Be upfront and honest about your future and your long term goals but don't mention a ‘dreamed of' plan, like an overseas trip, that you haven't thought through properly.
Let the family see ‘who you are'. Even if you are a quieter person allow your personality to come through.
Talk directly to both parents, using plenty of eye contact.
If the children are present always spend time acknowledging them, even if you have to stop the interview process with the parents to interact with them.
Be upfront about your past employment. If something didn't go well in the past explain as briefly as possible and do not breach the confidentiality of your previous employers.
Talk about your childcare experiences - What you enjoyed most, what your responsibilities were, what fun things you did, how you handled the difficult situations. If you have photos of these children taken whilst you were looking after them then take them with to the interview. A picture will bring them into the room with you.
Don't be shy to talk about your strengths and what you are good at - if you don't say it, the family can't know it.
Show interest. Ask questions. What is the family's approach to nutrition? Are there any special needs, allergies or issues their children might be experiencing.
Ask about the parents approach to discipline. Are you adaptable?
Does your approach fit in with theirs?
Don't talk about salary in the first interview unless you are asked. Many parents will view this as being money hungry and showing disinterest in the ‘real' focus - children.