Care Provider Interview Guide

Preparing for the Interview:

Dressing for success: Business casual is recommended. 

Please keep in mind that families may have allergies to certain fragrances, so no heavy perfumes.

Review your resume and think about what responses you’ll give to common interview questions.


Timeliness:

Being on time for an interview shows parents a glimpse of how reliable you are. Be sure to find out the time and distance of the interview beforehand and double that to ensure you won’t get stuck in traffic or get lost. A good rule of thumb  is to arrive 15 mins early to find parking and ring the doorbell 5 minutes before your scheduled interview.


Interviewing Tips:

Showcase your experience and your wonderful personality!

  • Ask if you should remove your shoes and wash your hands as soon as you arrive.
  • Focus on discussing your childcare experience. As wonderful as it was to work as a Starbucks barista, remember you are there to show your love for children :) 
  • Talk about different age appropriate activities you like to do with kids.
  • Discuss your strengths and skills that make you unique.
  • Tell them why you LOVE being a nanny!
  • If children are present, be sure to interact with them.
  • Let the family know about long/short term goals and tell them how committed you are with working for them.
  • Try your best to RELAX.  When nerves get the best of us, our bodies tend to get fidgety and our energy may shift. Keep in mind that the family chose to interview YOU out of other candidates. They saw something special in you!

Questions to ask the family:

  • What does your family like to do together?
  • Can you tell me more about (child’s name)
  • What are your children's favorite activities?
  • What are your pet peeves?
  • What is your preferred communication style?
  • What are you looking for in a nanny?
  • What duties do you need your nanny to do?
  • What is your preferred behavior management style?
  • What type of values do you wish to instill in your children?
  • Do your children have any health issues, special needs, or food allergies
  • What else should I know about your family?
  • What safety measures do you have in place in regards to COVID-19

After the interview, please let your Helpr care consultant know how it went.


If offered a trial:

  • Again, make sure you’re on time. Allow extra time for unexpected delays.
  • Ask if you should remove your shoes and wash your hands as soon as you step foot in the house.
  • Follow the structure parents have laid out, otherwise, go with the flow.
  • Engage and focus on the children–this is your time to connect with them to see if it’s a great fit for the family and for you.
  • When the shift is over, share any fun activities you did and how well their child may have taken to you.
  • Email your Helpr consultant to tell them how it went.