Congratulations! You have been selected for an interview at a childcare position. You are very close to obtaining this job. Before going into this interview, you need to know what the interviewers are looking for. This is a high responsibility position that comes with many challenges and rewards so interviewers want someone who will meet these needs. Below is what you can expect when going to your interview.

1. Initial Impression – Attire & Body Language

Before the official interview starts, interviewers will first see how you look and act. You should be dressed up in professional attire and overall have a neat appearance. When you greet the interviewer, you should be polite and enthusiastic. Furthermore, interviewers will also look at your body language. Ensure you have good posture and aren’t fidgeting a lot. Doing so will present your interest in the role.

2. Question Period

This question period makes up the primary portion of your interview. The interviewer will ask you a series of questions to see if you will meet their expectations for the role as well as if you will be compatible with the centre. You may answer questions surrounding the following topics:

• Personal Like most interviews, these questions will involve you having to talk about yourself and your education. For example, the interviewer may ask you to “Tell them about yourself”
• Experience The interviewer will want to know your experiences surrounding childcare. This may include questions about the age groups you worked with, how much experience you have, as well specific skills you have.
• Scenario-Based These questions are when the interviewer presents you with a situation and you have to respond with how you will act. Interviewers will see how you think on the spot and how you will react in certain situations. For example, the interviewer may ask “What will you do if child A and child B are fighting over the same toy?”
• Safety Most childcare positions require certifications so be expected to answer questions around that. You may also be asked how you will react in childcare emergencies and if you had any real-life emergency experiences.
• Values and Beliefs Some centres may have certain teaching styles and beliefs. Thus, they will ask about your teaching styles and what you value to ensure you will be compatible with the centre.

3. Time to ask your own questions

At the end of every interview, there will be time to ask your own questions about the centre or the job itself. This can give you more clarification on if the role will help with your growth and if you are compatible with the centre. Always make sure to have questions on hand. If you do not come prepared with questions, the interviewer may think you don’t know much about the centre and are not serious about the job.

It’s important to not go into an interview without preparing yourself. It can make you seem unprofessional and that you aren’t taking the opportunity seriously. Being prepared can help with how you present yourself to the interviewer. If you still have questions and want to be more prepared, you can reach out to other childcare workers and discuss how their interview process went.