Interviewers are known to use all kinds of strategies to choose the right person for the job: mind games, curveball questions, the silent, starey-eyes treatment.
It’s enough to bring anyone out in a cold sweat – unless of course, you’re a childcare worker.
That’s because there’s nothing like a bunch of under-fives to teach you to prepare for the unexpected. Little ones can do mind games (and any other games for that matter) like nobody else.
Curveball questions are a speciality (“But why is the sky blue?”) and they’re ace at keeping schtum when they want to.
That’s not to say childcare workers don’t face challenges when going for a new job interview: there are still hurdles to overcome, not least being able to show a positive attitude, limitless energy and a passion for interacting with children.
Anyone applying for childcare vacancies on s1jobs has a variety of roles and settings to choose from, including home environments, hospitals, nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, out-of-school clubs and children’s centres.
Jobs range from social care worker to early years practitioner and out-of-school auxiliary to nursery manager.
Once you’ve successfully navigated the application process and landed that all-important face-to-face time, these helpful hints could help bag the childcare job you’ve been dreaming of.
As with all interviews, it pays to prepare. Learn all you can about the nursery or childcare setting before you attend the interview – look at their website or any brochures they may have.
Read their most recent inspection report and make a note of key points to bring up during the interview.
Remember you may be asked to engage with children as part of the process and you’ll feel a little silly turning up in heels and skirt or pinstripe suit, if you’ve got to get down with the kids in the sandpit.
Rehearse typical workplace scenarios, such as what you might do if a child sustained an injury or had an allergic reaction – or how to deal with a complaining parent.
Remember to stress what you enjoy most about working with children – but don’t be afraid to admit the bits you’re not so keen on, as this displays honesty.
Your answers need to highlight how trustworthy, caring and responsible you are.
And because childcare is much more than potato painting, aspiring childcare workers must be well informed about trends in early years health and education, as well as up to date on regulations.
If you really want to impress throw in this quote: “Children are not a distraction from more important work, they are the most important work!’’
Find all the best vacancies in childcare with s1jobs