If you’re new to our series, make sure to check out part one our introduction of Care.com and part two, Gathering Your Information.
As we continue, we’ll discuss Getting the Responses.
“The most frustrating part of the job search is applying for a position you are perfect for, waiting anxiously for a response and then getting nothing but silence in return. Care.com is a great resource for finding that ideal job. There are lots of posted opportunities and lots of people looking for work. But believe it or not, most jobs on Care.com get about 40-50 applicants, and it’s easy for families to get overwhelmed by great candidates. So how do you stand out from the crowd?
What do the parents have to say when selecting which nannies to pursue? A Care.com employee and mom found out for herself, what sets a nanny apart from others.
Still not getting the responses? A picture is worth a thousand words, or in the case of a job search, a few responses. Your picture may be hurting you. Always use caution with what you post on Facebook. Potential employers do look at profiles, and make sure to Google yourself to see what comes up, so there are no surprises.
Your responses to inquiries are equally important. What you say and how you say it can make or break a potential job interview.
You’ve succeeded in getting some interviews set up and your meeting with families. Next week we’ll discuss successful interviewing tips and strategies, what to do when you get the job, and the most important aspect of any nanny / family relationship … The Work Agreement.
By Kellie Geres
Regarding Nannies Development Team
Care.com content used with permission.
Hi Kellie . There’s some fantastic, practical advice in this post. Keep up the good work!
Best wishes, Alex
You are preparing to interview with a family for whom you would very much like to work. The family is interviewing multiple nannies, and you want to set yourself apart from the other nannies that they will be interviewing. Here are some tips to help you accomplish that goal.
1. Arrive for your interview on time. Better yet, arrive 10 minutes early.
2. Learn the family member’s names and some of their interests and activities before the interview. When the interview begins, address them each by name as you introduce yourself to them. As the interview proceeds, speak about the things you have in common with them, specifically shared interests and activities. For example, you may say, “I understand that your family likes to ice skate. I took ice skating lessons for four years when I was growing up.”
3. Dress appropriately for your interview. Machine washable dress clothes are best for most families. A dry-clean-only business suit may not appear childcare appropriate; jeans and a sweatshirt may appear unacceptably casual. (Side note: formal families may appreciate the business suit, and casual families may appreciate the jeans and sweatshirt. If you know the family’s style, you can dress accordingly. Absent that knowledge, however, the general rule of thumb is to wear machine washable dress clothes.)
4. Be well groomed and conservative in appearance. Be freshly showered. Wear a little (not a lot of) make-up. Style your hair . . . no spikes or wild colors. Wear jewelry that is childcare appropriate (i.e., no large, dangling earrings if the family has an infant or young toddler).
5. Make good eye contact.
6. Speak grammatically correctly.
7. Come to the interview prepared to ask well thought out questions. Will this be a live-in or live-out position? What are the family’s expectations of their nanny? Will a nanny contract be used? What are the children’s favorite subjects in school? What books do they like to have read to them at bedtime? Do they have traditions that the nanny can help honor? When do they anticipate making a decision about whom they will hire? How will they let you know whether you have been chosen? These and other questions show the family that you are thorough and prepared.
8. Refrain from asking about… http://blog.nannies4hire.com/interview/1193
Let me add this article for more practical tips for everyone wanting to become nannies, http://www.nanniesontheblock.ca/for-jobseekers/find-family-work-internet/ .