1. Preparation
Before you begin your nanny search spend some time preparing a professional nanny resume. Include all your experience with children and any relevant training. There are lots of examples of good nanny resumes online. Also, prepare a strong nanny specific cover letter and include a summary of why you want to be a nanny, the skills and qualities that make you a great nanny, what you are looking for in a job and why you are a good match for the job you are applying for.
2. Research
Before you begin your nanny search spend some time preparing a professional nanny resume. Include all your experience with children and any relevant training. There are lots of examples of good nanny resumes online. Also, prepare a strong nanny specific cover letter and include a summary of why you want to be a nanny, the skills and qualities that make you a great nanny, what you are looking for in a job and why you are a good match for the job you are applying for.
2. Research
Before going to the interview, it is important to do your research. Make sure you are aware of what the family expects from you. Find out what your duties and responsibilities will be and how much the position pays. Doing your research is a great way to get a feel of whether this position is a good fit for you. If after your research you decide this position will not work, it will save both you and the family time from meeting to have an interview.
3. References
Your references will always be checked when applying for a nanny job. Therefore, it is very important that you have your references up to date prior to the interview. You may want to contact your references and ask for the best way to reach them so you will have the most recent number. Also, it is helpful to make sure they are aware they are being used as a reference so when they are called they will not be caught off guard.
4. Etiquette
"First impressions are lasting impressions". From your initial contact up to your actual interview, it is important to always be professional. When emailing a potential family, be sure you are using correct grammar and punctuation. No one will take an email seriously that does not use capital letters, has poor spelling and grammar, and little punctuation.
Dress appropriately for the interview. It shows you are taking the job seriously. You do not want to arrive to an interview with jeans, t-shirts, flip flops, or any outfit that is inappropriate or suggesting. It is also a great way to show your respect.
Always be punctual. This is another way to show your respect. It is important to show up to an interview on time or at least 15 minutes early. One way to avoid arriving late to an interview or getting lost, is to go on a dry run before the date of your interview. This will ensure you are certain where the location is and you will get a sense of how traffic is in that area. If you think you are going to be late, give the family a call to explain you are on your way.
5. Prepare a Folder of Your Past Work Experience
It is helpful to bring with you a portfolio of your work experience. This can include pictures of you with kids you have worked with in the past. Also include any certificates you have earned or any other child care related training. This is a great way to show off your work and impress the families.
6. Questions to Ask
It is important for not only the families to ask you questions during the interview, but for you to ask questions to the family. They will expect you to have questions. Listed below are some sample questions you should ask during your interview.
After the interview, it is always nice to send a follow up email to thank the family for the opportunity to interview with them. It is polite and it shows your interest in working for them. In this email you could also restate your interest in the position and that you look forward to hearing from them.
If you follow those tips, landing your perfect nanny job should be a breeze. Good luck!
Dress appropriately for the interview. It shows you are taking the job seriously. You do not want to arrive to an interview with jeans, t-shirts, flip flops, or any outfit that is inappropriate or suggesting. It is also a great way to show your respect.
Always be punctual. This is another way to show your respect. It is important to show up to an interview on time or at least 15 minutes early. One way to avoid arriving late to an interview or getting lost, is to go on a dry run before the date of your interview. This will ensure you are certain where the location is and you will get a sense of how traffic is in that area. If you think you are going to be late, give the family a call to explain you are on your way.
5. Prepare a Folder of Your Past Work Experience
It is helpful to bring with you a portfolio of your work experience. This can include pictures of you with kids you have worked with in the past. Also include any certificates you have earned or any other child care related training. This is a great way to show off your work and impress the families.
6. Questions to Ask
It is important for not only the families to ask you questions during the interview, but for you to ask questions to the family. They will expect you to have questions. Listed below are some sample questions you should ask during your interview.
- What are my duties as a nanny?
- What is your discipline philosophy?
- How long do you anticipate this nanny position lasting?
- What is your family's favorite ways to spend downtime?
- Do any of the children have allergies?
After the interview, it is always nice to send a follow up email to thank the family for the opportunity to interview with them. It is polite and it shows your interest in working for them. In this email you could also restate your interest in the position and that you look forward to hearing from them.
If you follow those tips, landing your perfect nanny job should be a breeze. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing these tips, Nicola! It will surely help would-be nannies to pass their interview with flying colors. Interviews are essential part of the search process for parents. It is where they get to know the person whom they will entrust their kids to. It would be best to prepare for this meet-up and give your best to answer the questions. An eager attitude would give the impression that you are interested in the job. But don’t forget to state your experiences. It will give the parents an idea how you handle kids. [Neil Ickes]
ReplyDeleteSo my wife has been thinking of going to a nanny agency in Inglewood, co for a little while. I'm thinking that might be a fun idea. Do you know of any good opportunities out there? Thanks for the help.
ReplyDelete