Attending an Interview with a Family

Being successful in an interview does involve preparation and Tinies has drawn up a quick and easy guide to achieving that success. The most important thing at an interview is to take a deep breath and try to relax!

The Employment Process - Planning for the Interview
The foundations of a good nanny/employer relationship are established at the interview when nanny and prospective employer meet for the first time. If you wear piercings or jewellery, we advise that you keep these to a minimum.

Location
It is important to plan for the interview and arrive on time, suitably dressed and with the right documents. Always obtain clear instructions regarding the location of the house and ask Tinies for the telephone number of the family in case you get lost or are running late. You will need to be suitably dressed so choose what you are going to wear in advance and make sure that your outfit is ready.

The Interview
Try and relax – remember the parents are looking forward to meeting you and are interested in employing you. Be honest in your answers. As well as talking about specific details about previous work experience, you should be prepared to talk about broader issues such as your views on:

• Why you chose nannying as a career
• The qualities of a good nanny
• What you enjoy most/least about being a nanny
• Your personal life
• Coping in an emergency
• Discipline
• Suitable development activities for the children
• Planning and preparing meals for the children
• Suitable play and social activities for the children

Asking Questions
The interview is a 2 way process with both parents and you seeking information. Therefore you should ensure you ask the parents questions to satisfy yourself that you are interested in taking up the position. If you find interviews daunting you may find it useful to bring a list of questions with you. For help we have listed some areas that you might want to cover:

Duties
Discuss what your duties will be; what activities the children like doing, who is responsible for disciplining the children and generally how the day is structured. If housework (however small) is part of your duties, this must be discussed at the interview. If it isn't clarified, it can lead to resentment at a later stage.

Hours of Work
Enquire about your working hours and your days off. Daily nannies usually work specific hours Monday to Friday. Live-in nannies are usually more flexible but you still need to know what the expected hours will be (you have a social life too!). Will weekends be free? Is babysitting required as part of the job and, if so, how many nights per week will this be? Are you paid extra for this?

Accommodation
For live-in nannies, it is important for you to see the accommodation provided .

Annual Holidays
Discuss how many weeks paid holiday is being offered and when they can be taken. Are you expected to accompany the family on holiday; this is rarely a holiday for the nanny but it can be sometimes a very attractive 'perk'.

Family Car
Will you drive the car as part of your duties, i.e. school runs, outings with the children, etc? Will you be able to use the car for your own personal use and if so, who pays for the petrol? Will you be able to take the car home at weekends? Check if you are insured to drive with the children in the car, especially if using your own car, as this may require a different category of insurance.

Friends
If living in, will you be able to bring friends to the home to entertain them to coffee, etc? Will boyfriends be allowed to visit you? Does the family encourage Nanny Circles where nannies and their charges get together on a regular basis?

Privacy
For live-in nannies - will you join the family at meals or eat with the children? Is your room private?

Salary
Salary is usually given as a net amount and the employer is responsible for paying Tax and Superannuation. Make sure that you understand and are happy to accept the salary offered, make sure you understand if it is gross or net salary be discussed.

Notice of Leaving
How much notice is required? Normally, the nanny and the employer would expect each other to give the same notice. If an employer requires one month's notice from a nanny to seek a replacement, you are entitled to the same consideration to enable you to find a new job if your employment is terminated.

When a Position is Offered and Accepted
A contract is issued by Tinies Australia to the employer. This should be signed by both parties and a copy given to you.

lternatively, a letter from the employer stating the relevant terms and conditions of employment, signed by the client, is sufficient to form a contract. You should reply in writing formally accepting the proposal.

The Employment Process - Continuing Well
After a week or so, it is a good idea for nanny and employer to have a meeting arranged specifically to discuss the employment. This will enable both parties to discuss any worries or problems that may have arisen. Both parties must be completely frank to avoid any resentment growing. Do not assume things are going well or you may be in for an unpleasant shock! Remember we are always on hand to help and will be reviewing things with you and the parents on a regular basis.

Should you have any further questions which haven't been answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us on 0427 314 091 or via email info@tinieschildcare.com.au