Job interviews

Starting a new position at a company can always be daunting especially with all the pressure, added nerves and of course the new environment. We have some tips for your interview below.

Interview Preparation

1. When applying for a position or getting called in for an interview be sure to always research the company. This shows the company that you are in tune with their strategies, their ethics, what they are about and what products and services they offer
2. Ensure that your CV is up to date – you don’t want to miss an opportunity because you didn’t include all of your work experience and skills
3. You need to research the position you are applying for – ensure that you can handle the responsibilities and duties that come with the position as well as meeting the requirements for the position (you don’t want to ruin your reputation by messing a company around)
4. Always remain calm – nerves can get the better of you. Just be yourself
5. Think of any questions you may have for your interview (asking questions is perfectly acceptable. It isn’t just limited to the interviewer. Asking questions shows that you have taken the time to think about the company and shows how prepared you are.

Before heading off to your next interview, why not download our FREE Au Pair Handbook? This handbook will prepare you for any childcare position

Au Pair Agency Interviews

Below is a guideline in terms of attending family interviews with prospective clients. Please take a moment to read this so that you are prepared…

When attending an interview with a family ensure the following:

• Dress appropriately and ensure neatness – no mini skirts, strappy tops, gym wear, slip slops etc
• Talk slowly, clearly and with confidence
• Do not sit with your arms crossed – be aware of your body language. Have your hands together on your lap
• Make eye contact
• Do not “talk” unnecessarily – answer the questions asked of you
• Always tell the truth
• Arrive on time, and if you are running late due to circumstances beyond your control, then call the Agency and advise them
  • Traffic is not an excuse. Please leave earlier
• Do not arrive more than 15 minutes early
  • if you are early, go to a coffee shop in the area or wait in your car near the interview venue
• Do not go to an interview with friends or family. If it is for security reasons, ask them to remain in the car
• Ensure your cell phone is on silent
  • never answer it during an interview
• Discuss salary but don’t show your hand first. Ask them what they are prepared to offer and then reasonably negotiate if you need to
  • We know what you are worth as an employee
  • We know how much you should be paid relative to the specifications of the position
• Do not gossip about past employers – it will make them wonder about what you will say about them to others!

Ensure to bring the following to your interview:

• Copies of references
• Position related certificates 
• Take your CV to your interview (this is professional)
  • Do you have a professional CV? we offer pre-made CV templates THAT WORK
• Remember that it shows enthusiasm to go to an interview knowing a bit about the client

Have the following answers prepared:

• • what are your strengths
  • what are your weaknesses
  • what are your hobbies and interests
  • where do you see yourself in 2 years
  • where do you see yourself in 5 years
  • why they should choose you above all other candidates

Ask the following questions:

• • what do they expect of you as an employee
  • who will you be reporting to
  • How many au pairs/nannies have they had (this will give you an indication if they are prone to dismiss/firing candidates)
  • what will your general day be like
  • what typical job functions do they have in mind

I truly hope this helps you. All the best for your interviews.

At Your Interview

1. Again, be sure to remain calm
2. Be respectful. Say please, thank you, and allow them to walk through the door/room first (it is just polite)
3. Allow your interviewer to ask questions first (don’t lead the conversation. Just go with the flow)
4. Do not, at any point interrupt the person asking you questions about your experience (this is just respectful behaviour. Remember, first impressions always count)
5. Go into detail about your experience. This helps the company better understand you
6. Don’t be shy to talk about your skills. Confidence here is key. If you are amazing at something, such as communication or running a team, say so. It isn’t being vain, it is showing strength, courage, confidence, and that you are in tune with yourself
7. Be open about your weaknesses
8. Never lie about your qualifications. This will damage your reputation and may get you into serious trouble
9. Don’t bring up the salary first (they may have a higher salary number in mind and you may come in with a lesser number, putting yourself at a disadvantage

After Your Interview

1. Thank the person for their time
2. Thank them for the opportunity and that you look forward to hearing back from them

I hope this has helped you in some way, shape, or form. Preparing for interviews is absolutely imperative and applying these 3, simple steps, could assist you in getting your dream opportunity.

At That Sassy Life Coach, we do cover these tips (and more) in our Au Pair Course. If you would like to become a well-rounded Au Pair or Nanny, then give our course a bash.

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2. Au Pair Salaries – Know your worth
3. Au Pair Qualifications
4. Hidden costs in au pair training
5. How to conduct your own checks on an au pair agency – know what to look out for
6. Online Au Pair Training
7. What is Au Pair Training?