Virtual Interview Tips For Nannies
Do you have a nanny interview with a new family on your schedule? These days it is very common to be asked to do a virtual interview before meeting potential families face-to-face. You might be feeling even more nervous than usual for this virtual interview, which is understandable. If you’re not used to video chatting, you may be worried that you won’t express yourself as clearly or have the chance to interact with the family like you normally would. And what about tech issues?!
Don’t worry! Sommet Nannies is here to help. Follow our tips below to prepare for your virtual interview. We hope they help you feel confident and excited to talk to your potential new employers.
Prep for it like a “real” interview
Just because you’re doing an interview in the comfort of your own home doesn’t mean you should treat it casually! Prepare for your virtual interview like you would an in-person one.
Review the family’s job description, including compensation and expected hours. Read through any notes on their preferred discipline style, typical schedules and activities, and unique needs they may have.
And, like you would in an in-person interview, have some questions ready to go for the family. You want to show them that you’re interested in the position and eager to learn more about them and the job.
Pick a well-lit, quiet spot
Before your interview, take some time to choose a good spot and set up your computer or laptop and other tech accessories. The background in your video will make an impression on your interviewers, so you should pick a location that’s both well-lit and neat.
To set up the most flattering angle for your interview, position your webcam around eye level and point it slightly downward. Your head and shoulders should be the focal point of the shot.
You want a quiet spot so your interviewers can hear you without difficulty. Be mindful of lighting, too. If you can, choose a room where natural sunlight illuminates your face. Check the background that will be in your video; make sure it’s tidy and won’t distract your potential employers from your face.
Do a test run
Don’t spend precious interview time dealing with technical complications! Test everything ahead of time. If you can practice with a friend, use the video chat platform you’ll be using for your interview. Have them take notes on what you look like and how you sound, as well as what you say in response to interview questions.
A test run will help you fix any tech issues ahead of time, plus make you feel more comfortable and prepared for your actual interview.
Quick extra tips
What should you wear? Again, treat it like a face-to-face interview and wear a professional outfit. You might wear a nice top and pants, or a dress for the interview. Be mindful of the colors you wear, which can either wash you out or be too distracting. But don’t be afraid to show your personality with your outfit.
What should I look for in my test run? Tech issues aside, look for ways to improve how you speak, listen, gesture, and make “eye contact.” (That means look in your camera, not at your mirror image on screen.) Most of us aren’t used to talking in video chats as we would in person, so it can take a little practice to nail video chats.
What if you have technical problems? If your video call drops, stay calm and let your interviewers know right away. If rebooting doesn’t help, have a backup plan, like continuing the interview over a phone call instead.
With preparation and practice, we’re sure you’ll feel more confident and ready to nail your virtual interview!
5.Find support with Sommet Nannies
For more tips on nannying, or to find a new family in your dream location, join Sommet Nannies! Our professional nanny agency provides continual, individualized support throughout our nanny placement process. We aim to make lifelong matches between nanny and family, plus help you succeed in your career.
Apply now to join Sommet Nannies — it’s completely free!
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like ‘What to look for in a nanny position’.
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