5 top tips to ace your virtual nanny interview
How you come across to families in a virtual interview will how they think about your competence as a nanny and your fit with their family, whether it’s true or not.
In the modern era - and especially in the post-pandemic - virtual interviews have become a common first step in the hiring process, even for as personal a position as a nanny. For elite nanny agencies and discerning families, the virtual interview is an opportunity to assess the professionalism, competence, and personality of candidates. How you come across to families in a virtual interview will affect how they think about your competence as a nanny and your fit with their family, whether it’s true or not. Trust us, we’ve talked to enough families to know.
For that reason, it’s essential that you bring your A game to a virtual nanny interview, even if it takes place in the comfort of your own home. Here are the top 5 tips to prepare for a virtual interview so you can present yourself and your skills in the best light possible.
3 tips for tech preparation for a virtual nanny interview
Know the platform: Families may have preferred platforms for virtual interviews. Familiarize yourself with popular video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype, and be adaptable to the family's choice of platform. Confirm the platform with the family ahead of time and download it well before your interview.
Tech check: Ensure your device has a good camera and microphone, and test your internet connection. Log in to the service if needed and make sure your security settings allow access to the microphone and camera. Run a test call to check for any technical glitches. Log on a minute or two early if using a platform to make sure it’s all working.
Pick your device with care: No matter if you use a computer, phone, or tablet, let it help you put your best foot forward (or, in this case, face). Check the device beforehand to make sure it works, then set it up in a way that looks calm and professional, ideally at a slight distance and eye level. While it doesn’t say anything about your childcare skills, conducting an interview with a phone you’re holding at waist level or three inches from your face may distract the parents from what you’re actually trying to say.
2 tips for appearance
Professional Setting: Treat a virtual interview like an in-person one. Everyone understands that you are at home, but you can still give a professional impression. Choose a quiet space and a neutral background, ideally one where you will not be interrupted by others in the household. Make sure it is well lit so your face is clearly sseen.
Do NOT interview: from your bed, your car, or a current babysitting gig.
Dress Appropriately: Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview. Your appearance should reflect your commitment to the position. In childcare, no one expects you to wear a business suit, but being mindful of what you wear can communicate that you take the interview and the meeting with a family seriously.
Do not - and we cannot overstate this - interview from your bed, while driving your car, or while at a different babysitting job.
Need tips on how to nail the nanny interview itself?
Once everything is set up and you are ready to chat comes the actual interview portion. But don’t worry, we have you covered there too.
Here are our best tips for nailing the nanny interview
Remember, nanny agencies, like Smart Sitting, are looking for all of these clues into your professionalism and savvy as well, so employ these tips if you are doing a virtual interview with an agency as well.
Ready to interview with a nanny agency that cares?
We have helped hundreds, even thousands, of nannies and sitters find their ideal jobs with families around the country. We support you from day one, with workshops, tips and guidance for a professional childcare career and a personalized approach to making matches between nannies and families.
We are highly selective, but if you think you have what it takes to be a SmartSitter, we’d love to see your application. Just click the button below to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you!