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Feeling nervous about your next nursery interview? Always remember that the interview is a two way process, you need to convince the interviewer(s) that you are the person for the job but they also need to convince you that they are the setting for you!
Here are some of our top tips to make the most of your next interview:
You should be smart and tidy. It’s likely that the interview will involve a practical element where you will be asked to stay and play in one of the rooms so pick an outfit that is both smart but also comfortable. Be sure to leave your high heels at home! Quite often settings will ask you to take your shoes off so check that you haven’t got any holes in your socks!
Do this as early as possible in case you can’t find a document. Keep the documents in a smart folder along with an updated copy of your CV. It’s always good to keep any written references you have in the folder too.
Does the setting have a website? Are they active on social media? You can find out a whole host of things such as what they have to offer and the different services that they provide. Do they have any other settings? Is there a newsletter that you can read to find out what the staff and children have been up to? If you are asked in your interview “What do you know about the setting?” you’ll be armed with some information to respond with. It’s also a good idea to read their most recent Ofsted report.
Make sure that you know exactly where the setting is. It’s sensible to check out the parking situation and to do a quick trial run in the days leading up to the interview if you can. Give yourself plenty of time to get there to allow for any hold ups. Ideally you should arrive around 10 minutes before your interview time.
It’s best to allow a couple of hours to ensure that you don’t have to rush back to work or to do the school pick up, etc. in case the interview over runs or the interview starts late or is interrupted due to the unpredictability of children.
What will your answer be if you are asked “Why are you leaving your current role?” Even if you are unhappy in your job, you think your employer is terrible and you could do a better job with your eyes shut, never speak negatively about a current or previous employer as this can come across as unprofessional. Do you know the seven areas of the EYFS? Practice these questions beforehand so you can come prepared.
This shows that you are interested, and like we shared earlier, interviews are a two way process. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions too. Would you like to know what training or promotion opportunities the setting has, for example?
Make sure that you know who you will be meeting with and who to ask for when you arrive. Store the telephone number of the setting on your phone in case you are delayed.
Lastly, remember that not everyone gets selected for an interview and you did well to be shortlisted. If you are unsuccessful don’t dwell on it. The energy used to beat yourself up about stumbling on a question is better spent on applying for the next role. Very often an even better opportunity comes along!