How to Ace Your Nanny Interview
Having worked as a freelance nanny for almost a decade, and specialising in childcare onboard superyachts, Ella Peters shares how to dial up your performance at interview and how those interviews with parents differ from ones you may have with personal and executive assistants.
In this blog, I share my top tips on how to ace your interviews – and why conversations with UHNW parents need to differ from those initially held with personal assistants (PAs) and executive assistants (EAs).
Dressing for your Nanny Interview
Firstly, if you have been offered a face-to-face interview dress smartly and always ensure it is an outfit in which you can fulfil the role of nanny in, just in case the children are home. Personally, I always avoid wearing a skirt, as there’s every chance you may find yourself on the floor being introduced to little ones. Always carry a notebook and a couple of pens – with questions already written out to ensure there are no awkward pauses and you gather the information you need to know if this is the right role for you. As always first impressions count and so time management is imperative. Ensure you are on time – I always aim to be five minutes early, and factor in some extra time to accommodate any travel delays.
Be Prepared
Preparedness is the key to success. Always be prepared with answers to those questions that will inevitably be asked – highlights, strengths, experiences with different aged children. When you have undertaken a few interviews, you’ll realise that the same questions keep reappearing, so jot down your answers and then fine-tune your answers following each interview. Also, always remember that when speaking with either the parents or their assistants, overtly personal questions are off the agenda.
Addressing the Parents
Ensure you address the parents correctly. If you are not sure, check with the agency, and if still in doubt, opt for the more formal option – Mr/Mrs Smith, or Sir/Madam.
Stay Calm
Feeling nervous, especially when meeting with VIP and UHNW clients is a totally normal and they are probably used to people feeling a bit ‘wobbly’ around them. But remember, you’ve got to interview stage, so you simply need to be calm and convey your capabilities confidently. They have chosen to speak with you for a reason – so show them your full, fantastic and professional self.
Demonstrate your Suitability
Parents are unlikely to have undertaken much prep ahead of the interview, so in case they don’t ask you about who you are as a nanny, your approach, qualifications etc, weave these details into the conversation. With only one chance to illustrate why you are the perfect candidate for the role, you need to demonstrate your suitability at every opportunity: without coming across as arrogant or pushy.
Ensure the Role is Right for you
From my experience, UHNW parents may just hop on the call and start just chatting about their child. Whilst it lovely to hear them speak about their child, there will be questions you need to ask to better understand the role requirements and expectations. Have these prepped and make sure that you steer the call to enable these questions to be answered. It’s always a good idea to remember that whilst they are interviewing you, you can only assess whether the job is right, if you are armed with all the facts.
Interviewing with a PA or EA
When interviewing with PAs / EA, past experience has proved these are usually more formal conversations. They will typically be more prepped, having recently read your CV and come armed with questions they want to ask. A less emotional process for them, keep the conversation as professional as possible and convey through the interview your childcaring approaches, strengths and values.
Showcase your Skills
With any interview, always share examples of scenarios you have handled as a professional nanny. This not only makes the conversation more dynamic but enables you to showcase your unique skillsets, and why you are the right fit for the role. Always mix and match past experiences and scenarios in order that they align with the family and their requirements and share anecdotes that align with their values and with what they are looking for in a nanny.
I hope these tips have been helpful and I wish you every success with your upcoming interviews.
If you would like to explore my interview templates or get in touch for more support, please visit www.superyachtnanny.co
