Module 2 - Tips to A Successful Interview
Be honest and brief. Share a clear reason, like the children starting full-time school or a family move, without overexplaining.
Stay positive. Avoid badmouthing previous employers, even if there were challenges. Focus on neutral or positive aspects.
Mention transitions. Framing your departure around natural changes, like shifting family needs, keeps the response relatable.
Highlight relationships. If possible, share that you’ve maintained a good relationship with past families—it shows professionalism and trustworthiness.
Why’d You Leave Your Last Job?
Injuries can happen under anyone’s’ care. Don’t be scared about sharing an experience out of fear that it may look like negligence or your fault.
Priorities. Your job is to ensure the best decision is made given the scenario.
Share the story. Describe how you remained calm and stayed with the child and immediately communicated with guardians.
How Would You Handle An Emergency?
Key things to do:
For Nannies:
When a nanny is asked about their future goals during an interview, the response should balance honesty with professionalism, aligning their aspirations with the role while demonstrating commitment to the family and childcare field. Here’s an example response:
Example Response:
"My future goals involve continuing to grow and refine my skills as a caregiver. I love working with children and find it incredibly rewarding to support their growth and development. I’m interested in taking courses or certifications in areas like child development, first aid, or early childhood education to enhance the care I provide. Long-term, I see myself staying in roles where I can make a meaningful impact on families, and I hope to build strong, lasting relationships with the families I work with."This response highlights dedication to the role, a desire for self-improvement, and the intention to make a positive impact, all of which are qualities families look for in a nanny.
For Babysitters:
as a young babysitter, it’s perfectly fine to be honest while keeping the focus on your current role and demonstrating your enthusiasm for working with children. Here's an example tailored to a high school student:"Right now, my main focus is doing well in school and preparing for college, where I’m thinking about studying [broad field of interest, like science, business, or the arts]. While I’m not planning a career in early childhood development, I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, and babysitting has been a great way to build responsibility and connect with families. I hope to use the skills I’m learning now, like patience and organization, in whatever career I pursue in the future."
This answer is honest and professional while highlighting transferable skills and your positive attitude toward the job.
What Are Your Future Goals?
Avoid Yes/No Answers by Telling Stories
Katherine and Arjun ask “why did you leave your last job?” Here’s an example of a
What are you willing to do around the house? Not willing do?
Key things to do:
Don’t brush off or downplay this question. Working with kids is really tiring and difficult for anyone.
Provide examples of why it’s tiring to work with children AND how you handle it.
What’s the most challenging part of working with kids?
Key things to do:
Don’t brush off or downplay this question. Working with kids is really tiring and difficult for anyone.
Provide examples of why it’s tiring to work with children AND how you handle it.
What’s the most strengths and weaknesses
Key things to do:
Don’t brush off or downplay this question. Working with kids is really tiring and difficult for anyone.
Provide examples of why it’s tiring to work with children AND how you handle it.
There’s no need to downplay hard situations. Just like adults, children have hard days, it could be due to illness or having a long day at school. Voice that you take steps to understand where the child is coming from (do they need low-key time or snack) and what you do to recharge your own battery (make sure you’re well rested, change up the atmosphere by going inside/outside). Examples of how you’ll handle it are reassuring to the employer.