10 Great Tips for Childcarers & Nannies going to interviews

Do you have an interview for a nanny job coming up? Or for another childcare role?
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

So follow these simple rules...

1. Be Presentable
First impressions are absolutely vital. If you are unsure how formal the family is and do not know what to wear then your Tinies consultant will be happy to advise.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
The last thing you want to be worried about before the interview is being late - first impressions matter. Work out exactly how long it will take to get to the interview, then give yourself more than that to get there and make sure you have a map and the address and contact telephone number just in case.

3. Know about the job you are going to
And be interested in it! Children should be the first thing you ask about and salary the last.

4. Discuss all the aspects of the job
And give your views honestly and openly. When answering their questions, provide more than one word answers.

5. Make a checklist of the points you want to discuss
And make sure you do discuss them. If you have any specific worries it is much better to bring them out into the open at the start. Also be prepared for the parents' questions: they will ask you about your experience, education, home life, examples of work; thoughts on discipline and development, what you would do in an emergency etc. Tinies can give you a list of questions that can help you prepare.

6. Try to meet the children
You may want to ask about this right at the beginning of the interview but if it is too late in the evening, ask at the end of the interview if you will get an opportunity at a later date.

7. Do not be rushed into a decision
It is a two way process. Both you and the family must be happy before deciding on the job.

8. Make sure you are clear on all aspects of the job
Pay, duties, holidays. If you have discussed things before then there is less room for confusion after you have started.

9. Relax
Easier said than done but the more relaxed you are the more likely you are to build a rapport with your employer and find out about them and their children.

10. Be Yourself!!

Information on the Ofsted Childcare Register can be found in the 'Other Information' section to the left. If you have any questions or queries, please contact your local branch using the Search at the top of the screen.

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