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Tel: 0044 (0)208 392 1658 Fax: 0044 (0)208 392 2386 email: sarah@aegisnannies.co.uk Interview tips home page childcare types salary scale external links contact us Choosing a family Choosing the right family is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. So much rests on this decision, not least the future happiness of yourself and the family you will be working for. We will provide you with all the help and support you need at this time. The all important interview First impressions do count, both for you and the family. Bear in mind that the interview is a two way process. You have as much right to decide against a particular family, as they have to decide against you. We advise all of our candidates to go to as many interviews as possible before making a decision. No two jobs are identical and the pros and cons of each of them need to be weighed up. 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 (CRB, School, College), etc. We also recommend you take along your driving licence and National Insurance details. Be prepared to answer questions on a wide variety of topics, including " Why have you chosen to make child care your career", "What do you regard your strengths and weaknesses to be?", "What have you learnt in previous jobs which will help you when caring for my children?" etc. 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. It is advisable to agree in writing, terms and conditions of employment with your family before commencing work. This will help resolve disputes should they arise in the future. 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 assess if this is appropriate. Be very 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, over time compensation, baby sitting. Driver Does the family need a qualified driver, does the family provide a car? Sickness Is there payment during sickness. Status of inoculations. Holidays Who agrees on dates, how many days per year, bank holidays etc. Notice period Discuss the length of notice for both parties. 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 and your values and moral views. Discipline Find out the families views on discipline, discuss your views. Meeting the children Make this a priority. Make arrangements to meet the children during the interview, or if not convenient, as soon as possible afterwards. 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. Aegis Nannies, Ltd. Aegis Nannies, Ltd., 12 Treen Avenue, Barnes, London, SW13 0JT Tel - 0208 3921658 Fax - 0208 3922386(London) Monday to Friday: 7:30am - 8:00pm sarah@aegisnannies.co.uk ©2000-2008, Aegis Nannies Applications - All rights reserved