Last week we looked at the different options available to parents in sourcing a babysitter. Today we look at the aspects one should consider when sourcing a candidate yourself, through a newspaper, listing site or other direct advertising. Consider the age of your children and that of the sitter: Younger teenagers do not posses the emotional or physical maturity to deal with the many problems … Continue reading What to Ask a Babysitter
Whilst going through the interview process, don´t appear judgmental as the candidate answers. This will ensure she is comfortable during the interview and a candidates who is comfortable with you will share more information about herself. For more great articles and tips, please subscribe to receive our latest articles or join our new Facebook group. Got a childcare related question? Drop us a line at sitters (@) … Continue reading Interview Tip #10: Don’t Appear Judgmental
When questioning a candidate about her skills as an au pair, teacher, tutor or otherwise, ask questions that will give you insight to how the candidate perceives herself. Is she organized, efficient, creative, resourceful, independent? When she mentions a certain quality about herself, ask her to give examples of these skills. For more great articles and tips, please subscribe to receive our latest articles or join our … Continue reading Interview Tip #8: Get the Candidates Perception
Always check references with both the reference, and the candidate. Ask the candidate about each previous employer and the children she cared for.  “Describe your last three employers, tell me what you liked and disliked about each?”  or “Tell me about the children you cared for in your last job, I would like to know your opinion on each child individually.” See how comfortable you are … Continue reading Interview Tip #7: Check those References
Many parents make the mistake of thinking that qualifications and experience can make up for a personality issue. Do not make this mistake. It is of the utmost importance that the candidate you choose be friendly, cheerful, genuine and sympathetic. While anyone can obtain a qualification or have years of experience, having the right personality cannot be learned or brought. If you really like a … Continue reading Interview Tip #6: Personality Always Wins
One of the most common mistakes parents make in an interview  is doing the bulk of the talking. The purpose of the interview is to get to know as much as possible about the candidates so that you can make an informed decision about which of them to choose. Let the candidate do the talking. Structure your questions to inspire  longer answers from the candidates. Keep … Continue reading Interview Tip #5: Talk Less, Listen More
All too many parents make the mistake of impulsively jumping straight into a long line of questions when they interview applicants. We recommend first taking a few minutes to relax, to boil a fresh pot of tea or coffee or to make idle chit chat with the potential candidate. This will assist both you and the candidate to relax and feel more comfortable, resulting in a smoother … Continue reading Interview Tip #4: Get Cosy
Often due to the personal nature of childcare placement, many moms and dads have a number of preconceived ideas regarding what to expect from candidates in an interview.  When you have an idea of what to expect in terms of answers from a candidate, this may influence how you phrase a question, and in turn how the candidate answers. It may also result in what I like … Continue reading Interview Tip #3: Don’t Entertain Predictive Hearing
When interviewing a candidate, familiarise yourself with the candidates profile thoroughly before the interview.  Check that the information you have been provided with is up to date. Many candidates may have been interviewed years ago and may not have submitted their latest references.  Make sure to have a note pad nearby when you are busy with the review so that you can jot down any and … Continue reading Interview Tip #2: Familiarise Yourself
Before interviewing a candidate, its important to know what you would like to ask them during the interview.  Click the links below to find out more on each of the 5 areas you should be enquiring about: Background and personal history Experience Abilities Age appropriate questions How to check a reference For more great articles and tips, please subscribe to receive our latest articles or join our … Continue reading Interview Tip #1: Know What To Ask
Always ask age-appropriate interview questions. Before you interview a candidate create a list of questions pertaining to the care of children in the same age group as yours.  It is important to really get to know how the candidate handles behavioral issues, discipline, general care, responsibilities, whether you have clashing views on child rearing or whether you are on the same page. Click here to view some … Continue reading Interview tips: Ask Age Appropriate Questions
The following set of questions are great examples you can use to ask if you have children aged between 5 years or older of age: Have you worked with a child this age before? Are you comfortable reviewing and assisting with my children’s homework? How do you feel about chaperoning the children to extra murals? What were your matric results in school? What were your weakest … Continue reading Interview Tips: Age Appropriate Questions: 5 years or older
The following set of questions are great examples you can use to ask if you have children aged between 3 to 5 years of age: Have you worked with a child this age before? What methods of limit setting or discipline do you find effective for children this age? What television shows do you feel are appropriate for this age group? How much television do … Continue reading Interview Tips: Age Appropriate Questions: 3 to 5 years
The following set of questions are great examples you can use to ask if you have children aged between 1 to 3 years of age: Have you worked with a child this age before? How do you handle a crying baby? Would you pick up the baby whenever he/she cries? What do you see as your primary responsibility to a child this age? How would … Continue reading Interview tips: Age Appropriate Questions: 1 to 3 years
The following set of questions are great examples you can use to ask if you have children aged between newborn and 1 years of age: How do you handle a crying baby? Would you pick up the baby whenever he/she cries? How do handle a teething baby? What would you do if the baby did not stop crying? What do you see as your primary … Continue reading Interview tips: Age Appropriate Questions: 0 to 1 years
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