Please use these winning interview tips to help you find your dream childcare job.

Be prepared, and be yourself

• Take a folder with copies of your photo ID (e.g. Driver's License), your Police Check, references and a brief Resume.
• Dress appropriately for the interview in smart casual clothing.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the interview - particularly if relying on public transport.
• Arrive 5 minutes early, so you feel relaxed and prepared.
• Prepare some answers to questions that parents are likely to ask (see the list below), so you will be confident.
• Prepare a list of questions you might like to ask the parents or child to show that you are interested, and be clear about your minimum hourly rate.
• Be honest and open.
• On arrival, make polite conversation before moving onto the interview questions.
• Parents are looking for someone who can fit into their home - so relax, smile and be yourself.
• When answering questions, keep it short, simple and stay on the topic.
• Make sure you include the children during the interview.

Popular interview questions parents might ask

1. What is your current position (workplace, course, uni)?
2. What days/hours are you available? Are you somewhat flexible with your start/end time?
3. How would your friends/family best describe you?
4. Tell me about your past experience of childcare, do you have any formal training? (where, when, who)?
5. Do you have any special qualifications? (e.g., Childcare, First Aid and CPR)
6. Why do you want to do babysitting or nannying?
7. What are your favourite things about working in childcare?
8. What are the most challenging things about working in childcare?
9. What are your interests and hobbies? Do you have unique skills my kids might like (cooking, arts and crafts etc)?
10. Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?
11. Have you ever disagreed with a parent and how did you resolve this?
12. What is your hourly rate? Is this different for daytime vs night time care?
13. Would you be willing to help with light clean (kid related) and can you cook simple meals for the kids?
14. Do you have a driver's license and a car? Do you have a clean driving record? (If driving is required for the job)
15. Do you have references available I can call?

Questions you might like to ask parents

1. How old are the child/children?
2. Tell me about their personalities.
3. What are their likes and dislikes?
4. Do they have a comfort toy and/or dummy?
5. Would I be required to feed her/him? What types of food?
6. If he/she is an infant - Will he/she take a bottle from me? How much milk should I give them for each feed?
7. Does he/she have any allergies?
8. Does he/she have any special needs?
9. Do you have a routine I should follow?
10. If I need to resettle the child, what settling strategies do you use?
11. Are there any other duties required, apart from childcare?
12. What other childcare have you used?
13. How has your child adjusted to this care?
14. How would you like to transition your child into my care?
15. What hours would you like me to work? Daytime / evening / frequency and duration?
16. Let them know if you are available for a trial. This could range from 1 hour to a whole day, whatever the parents feel comfortable with.