Interview with the family - Jozi Cares - Au Pairs, Child Care, Nannies, Recruitment

Your interview with a family is one of the most important steps to securing a position. This is the first opportunity for the family to get to know the au pair on a more personal level and provides an opportunity for the au pair to articulate what they are able to offer and why they would be the right candidate for the position. Please take note of the following important guidelines when attending an interview with a family:

• Make sure you arrive on time, in fact be early! If you are running late for some reason, be sure to contact the family or agency telephonically as soon as possible.

• Dress appropriately. Although you are not required to wear formal attire, low cut tops or mini-skirts are most certainly not fitting for an interview.

• If you are not sure of where the interview is taking place, ascertain the exact whereabouts prior to the interview as well as directions.

• Be sure to find out as much information as possible on the family and their requirements, such as number and ages of the children, the duties and responsibilities of the family, hours required and salary offered.

• Be aware of your body language and try to maintain “open” body language. For example, maintain good eye contact and avoid folding your arms.

• Be sure to come across as friendly, caring, open and compassionate.

• If you meet the children at the interview, be sure to interact with them and always show a keen interest in children and what you are able to bring to the family in terms of education, stimulation and entertainment. Be sure to find out the parents’ disciplinary techniques and how they would like you to handle the discipline of their children.

• Find out about holiday times, whether they would require you to work and, if not, what salary you would be paid, if any, during these times. Also be sure to find out about babysitting and overtime remuneration.