winning interview hints for babysitters

BE PREPARED!

Take a folder with copies of your photo ID (e.g., Drivers License), your CRB (if you have one), References and a brief CV.

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 for the interview, so you feel relaxed and prepared.

Prepare some answers to possible questions.

Prepare a list of questions you might like to ask the parents or child.

BE YOURSELF!

Be honest and open.

Parents are looking for someone who can fit into their home - so smile and be natural!

When answering questions, keep it short, simple and stay on the topic. Keep your response under 2 minutes of talk-time!

Experts recommend that you focus on listening lots - 80% listening and 20% talking in interviews.

QUESTIONS THE PARENTS MAY ASK YOU:

What is your current position (course, university, workplace).

Tell me about your past experience of childcare (where, when, who).

Do you have any special qualifications? (First Aid?)

Why do you want to do babysitting?

What are your interests and hobbies?

How would you manage a specific issue (eg separation anxiety when parent leaves, resettling the baby to sleep)?

Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?

What hours are you available?

What is your hourly rate?

Do you have a driver's license and a car?

Do you have a CRB check?

Do you have references available?

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ASK THE PARENTS:

What is the age of the child?

Tell me about his/her personality.

What are his/her likes and dislikes?

Does he/she have a comfort toy &/or dummy?

Would I be required to feed her/him? What types of food?

If he/she is an infant - is the child bottle or breastfed? Will he/she take a bottle from me?

Does he/she have any allergies?

Does he/she have any special needs?

Do you have a routine I should follow? (eg bedtime routine)

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? (for nannies)

How has your child adjusted to this care? (for nannies)

How would you like to transition your child into my care? (for nannies)

What hours would you like me to work? Daytime / evening / frequency and duration?

My minimum hourly rate is £x.