Prior Preparation
Pick our brains! Know as much as there is to know about the family.
The more interesting and enjoyable you can make the interview the more of a lasting impression you will make so –
The first thing to do is prepare any questions you might want to ask, there is no harm in writing them down and having them with at the interview.
A good interview is a two way process – so ask those questions! And show interest in the responses. Listed below are some sample questions you may wish to ask at interview – the list is not exhaustive and are presented as a guideline
Examples include:
- What do the children enjoy doing?
- What is your strategy on discipline?
- Do the children have friends in the area?
- Do they have any allergies?
- What groups to your children already attend?
- What would you wish your previous nanny to have done differently?
- What is your approach to treats?
- How do you feel about other children coming to your home?
- Do you have a routine that you wish me to adopt?
- Have you had a nanny or au pair before, why did they leave?
At interview
Relax, keep calm – remember the families need a nanny, as much as you need a job. At interview you should expect –
- The family to provide more details of the job, including verifying the hours, duties, babysitting requirements, rules etc.
- They will typically explain the children’s routine, (school runs, after school activities, food likes and dislikes, clubs to attend etc).
- To hear from you your views on childcare, past experiences, likes and dislikes. Remember never negatively portray an ex employer, we have all had them! Try to project your experiences in a professional manner.
- You will have the chance to ask questions – feel free to weave yours in at the moment that feels right for you.
- You will be asked questions by the family – think before you respond and don’t waffle. If you are unsure about the question, ask them to explain what they mean.
Show enthusiasm, energy and above all – enjoy your self .
Some questions the family will ask you are;
· How would you describe your Personality?
· Why do you want to come to Australia as au pair?
· How would you characterize your strengths?
· How would your characterize your weaknesses?
· What kind of children do you find it most difficult to work with? Why?
· What types of things frustrate or upset you the most?
· How do you resolve conflict?
· How do you resolve discipline with an 8, 6 yrs ? (the age of their children)
· In your previous experience with children What were some of the difficult challenges that you had to over come?
· Tell me a little about what it is like to live with you?
· How many children are you capable of caring for at the same time?
· In your opinion what qualities make a good au pair?
· What activities do you like doing with children? (Is she/he creative and/or resourceful?
· An example of the routine on a wet day?
· Do you enjoy cooking? What are your views on nutrition?
· How would you discipline poor behaviour?
· Give an example of an emergency situation and ask how the she would respond.
· Are you willing to work additional hours, baby-sitting evenings and weekends?
