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The all important interview
First impressions do count, both for you and the family, so the interview is very important. Try to remember that the interview process goes both ways, it is not just the family making a decision on who to employ but you making a decision on who to work with.
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We advise all of our candidates to go to as many interviews as possible, to best guage the variety of jobs available. No two jobs are identical and their pros and cons need to be carefully weighed up.
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Questions you may be asked
Before attending an interview it is important to make sure you have as much information as possible with you; most families like to be left with copies of all of your references, certificates, etc. We also recommend you take along your driving licence and National Insurance details.
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Be prepared to answer questions on a wide variety of questions, including " Why have you chosen to make this your career", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "What transferable skills have you learnt in previous jobs?", etc.
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Questions you may like to ask
It may also help you to go to the interview with a list of topics you wish to discuss. We advise all of our candidates to know what they are prepared to do, and not do, prior to the interview. In particular we feel it is important to lay the boundaries with regard to house hold chores, shopping, babysitting etc.
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A check list
Listed below are a number of points to consider when preparing for an interview. Please ignore those points which do not apply to your situation.
- Hours. What hours are you prepared to work?
- Nursery Duties. Establish what the family would like you to do, and decide if this is to your liking, and within your capability. Be specific.
- The children. Establish their names, ages, personalities, special needs, hobbies etc.
- The family. Parent(s) occupations, hours of work, religion, pets, previous nanny or housekeeper (why she left).
- Qualification. NNEB, NVQ, first aid etc.
- Job specification. Salary, start date, payment date, over time payments, baby sitting.
- Driver. Does the family need a qualified driver, does the family provide a car?
- Sickness. Is there payment during sickness. Status of childrens inoculations if job is primarily childcare.
- Holidays. What will the procedure be for agreeing dates, how many days per year, bank holidays etc.
- Notice period. Discuss the length of notice on both sides.
- Living arrangements. Live in/out. If you are planning to live in we advise you inspect the living arrangements during the first interview. You should also discuss arrangements for meal times, use of the kitchen and other communal areas. The telephone and all related charges need to be discussed.
- Household rules. This is especially important for live in nannies and house keepers. You need to discuss when you can have visitors (eg. girl/boy friends), can they stay the night, what time are you expected to return home (no curfew is preferable). Discuss families values, and your values, and moral views.
- Discipline. Find out the families views on discipline, discuss your views.
- Families check list. Read the advice given to familiies on this web site (see employers advice menu).
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In conclusion
Working in some one else's home goes beyond the normal employer/employee relationship. Both the nanny, or housekeeper, and the family should feel that their personalities are compatible and that they will enjoy being in each others company
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