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
- What is your current position (workplace, course, uni)?
- What days/hours are you available? Are you somewhat flexible with your start/end time?
- How would your friends/family best describe you?
- Tell me about your past experience of childcare, do you have any formal training? (where, when, who)?
- Do you have any special qualifications? (e.g., Childcare, First Aid and CPR)
- Why do you want to do babysitting or nannying?
- What are your favourite things about working in childcare?
- What are the most challenging things about working in childcare?
- What are your interests and hobbies? Do you have unique skills my kids might like (cooking, arts and crafts etc)?
- Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?
- Have you ever disagreed with a parent and how did you resolve this?
- What is your hourly rate? Is this different for daytime vs night time care?
- Would you be willing to help with light clean (kid related) and can you cook simple meals for the kids?
- Do you have a driver's license and a car? Do you have a clean driving record? (If driving is required for the job)
- Do you have references available I can call?
Questions you might like to ask parents
- How old are the child/children?
- Tell me about their personalities.
- What are their likes and dislikes?
- Do they have a comfort toy and/or dummy?
- Would I be required to feed her/him? What types of food?
- If he/she is an infant - Will he/she take a bottle from me? How much milk should I give them for each feed?
- Does he/she have any allergies?
- Does he/she have any special needs?
- Do you have a routine I should follow?
- If I need to resettle the child, what settling strategies do you use?
- Are there any other duties required, apart from childcare?
- What other childcare have you used?
- How has your child adjusted to this care?
- How would you like to transition your child into my care?
- What hours would you like me to work? Daytime / evening / frequency and duration?
- 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.