The Caregiving Candidate´s Interview Process

The family for whom you will work will want to - and should want to- get to know you.
They will want to know a bit about your background and experience. Candidates, on the other hand, should get to know the family and the children who will be in their care to see if the job being offered is a job you really want.

It is totally acceptable to bring along a family member, friend or other supportive person during your first interview, as it is never a good idea to enter into an unknown residence alone. The family interviewing you will not take offense that you have someone trusted with you.
Moreover, your friend or family member can give you their feedback on the job offer and on the family and the surroundings where you will be working. He or she can help you analyze those first impressions that so greatly influence the decision you will make on whether or not to accept the job offer.

Why type of persons have invited you to share their home? It is important to get a sense of the family and the children from the very beginning. Watch how the children interact with you. If they are not present during your interview, they will most likely show up toward the end of the interview.
Are they cordial and well-educated?
Do the children seem happy, well-adjusted and respectful?
Is the house clean and orderly?
Do you get the feeling you will enjoy working there?

It is important to prepare for the interview, as first impressions on both parties are extremely important. What should you do to make that good first impression?
Let´s start with the basics: physical appearance. Remember that the family is looking for a person who will take care of their children; someone who will teach them and play with them.
They will be looking for someone who is enthusiastic, energetic and well-groomed. It probably goes without saying, but we´ll give you this piece of advice anyway: don´t wear jewelry or accessories that might harm the children.
It is probably a good idea to get a manicure and avoid long fingernails that might interfere with you doing your day-to-day tasks or cause injury to the children. Dress the part by wearing comfortable clothing.

What type of documentation should you bring to the interview?
If you want to make that good first impression, don´t forget to bring the following documents with you during your first interview:

• Two original documents that identify you. These can include an identification card issued by your school, a driver´s license, a passport, a birth certificate, etc., and one of them should have your picture on it.
• Any certificate or diploma of courses you may have completed, and accreditation of any foreign language you might speak.
• The contact information of your references, which should preferably be a family you may have worked for in the past or other persons who are reputable referrals.

Download our Caregiver Application Form from the Sunshine Help Resource Center to understand more of the information that will be required from you during the interview process.

What kind of questions should you ask during your interview?
We believe it is important that you ask questions that show your interest and professionalism. These should focus on finding out what tasks and jobs you will be required to do.
For example, will you be required to do household tasks? Perhaps. But in any case, you should find out exactly what you will be expected to do during your employment. Will you be required to drive a car, and if so, will you be covered under the family´s insurance policy? Find out if you will be expected to work overtime, and if so, how will you be compensated - by the hour or by the job - and if travel expenses will be paid.
Try to find out as much information as you can about the children´s education and what they have learned. You should also find out what are the children´s hobbies - do they participate in sports, do they like to play, what kind of music do they enjoy listening to, are they bookworms or do they like to run around, etc. If you are a live-in Au Pair, find out why type of accommodations will be offered.

You will probably receive a few job offers, and therefore you should evaluate all offers and choose the job that suits you best and the one that meets your needs. We also recommend that you go for a second interview in order to negotiate the terms of your job or employment contract.
Weigh your options carefully before you make any decision. Don´t settle on the first family that offers you a job. Take time to think about how you will fit into the family dynamics and whether you can easily adapt to the job being offered.

We hope this information was helpful. For more tips and other information, visit the Sunshine Help Resource Center.