Top 3 tips for interview success

In our last blog post we compared your family to a sports team- where everyone works together to achieve a common goal. We also thought about how professional team members always prepare- and how as a nanny or parent, you should be thinking the very same way!

Now it's time to give you some of the tools you need to get you started on your 'team family' journey!

Getting started- our Top 3 Tips for interview success:

1. Know what you want.
You can't expect to find your dream nanny without first knowing what you want! What do expect your nanny to do on a day to day basis-? what values you are looking for in a nanny? What does your dream nanny look like and how would she behave?


Nannies- the same goes for you. You'll be able to make the best job decisions if you've really thought about what you want before you even step through the door. How do you want your new family to treat you? What's acceptable to you and what's not? Is punctuality important? Discipline? Structure? Figure out the key strengths you'd like your new employer to have and you'll know what to look for at interviews!

2. Communicate clearly

Interviews take precious time so it's important to use it wisely! Parents- before you head into your next interview, make sure you've prepared an interview checklist, an employment agreement and some important questions you'll want to cover with applicants. My Nanny Toolkit has all of the templates and tools you'll need to make this job easy.

With this prepared you’ll be much more focussed at interviews, able to weed out nannies who don’t share your goals, and ultimately make better hiring decisions.

Nannies- Many nannies are amazing childcarers but not so good at self promotion! To land that dream job you have to be able to highlight your key skills and strengths, and stand out from the crowd. If you're not certain how to do this then take some time to build your confidence by completing the Trainee Nanny Certificate. On top of refreshing you on the ABC's of baby and toddler care, this popular online course will give you some simple and easy tips and tricks to help you excel at interviews.

3. Be honest

Be honest about your needs and requirements- there will be an amazing person out there ready and willing to fulfill your very own unique requirements.

Parents, be up front about hours and your behaviours as an employer- don't tell the nanny you're home at 6 if you know it's regularly 6.30! Things like this may seem like small issues to you but it is one of the pet peeves we hear about from nannies.

Nannies, don't fall into the trap of exaggerating your experience! Most nanny employers are looking for key personality traits, good common sense and a professional attitude. Qualifications and experience are always desirable, but some of the best nannies we've seen are trainee nannies or mothers helps who are simply dedicated to learning and ongoing training as they work!

Read more about:
My Nanny Toolkit
The Trainee Nanny Certificate

Rachel Lewis is one of the Directors of KiwiOz and the creator of My Nanny Toolkit.