WHAT TO NOT SAY DURING INTERVIEWS
Well done with being invited to an interview at a Nursery, Pre School, Montessori or any other childcare facility. This is a great chance to really sell yourself and get them to see why you are the ideal candidate for the Nursery Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Nursery Room Leader, Nursery Deputy Manager or Manager position that you have applied for. But either due to lack of preparation, nerves or experience with attending interviews it can all go wrong and you will not be offered your dream job.
Here are 10 things you should avoid saying during an interview, along with suggestions on what to say instead:
Negativity about a previous employer or job – instead talk about why you are leaving due to wanting to progress and at the moment there is no ability to do so, or you can say you are really happy and want to leave whilst you are feeling like this as it is always best to leave on a good note.
“I don’t know.” – don’t panic when you are asked a question that you can not answer straight away and ask for a minute to think of an answer. Always prepare before attending an interview, revise the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), British Values, Safeguarding etc so that you can answer the questions confidently.
Discussions about benefits, vacation and pay – unless they raise this during the interview. This always can be discussed if you are offered the position.
Please avoid having a list of demands eg. I want to work 4 days a week when the advert clearly says it is a full time position Monday to Friday, I want to work 9am to 3pm term time only when again the advert clearly states this is not possible. If it was possible the advert would of stated this.
“It’s on my CV.” – this is so rude!!! When your answer to a question is on your CV it is likely the interviewer is simply looking for further information. Try to answer these questions by using specific examples that prove your experience or skills or explaining how your qualifications are relevant to the position.
Unprofessional language – please do not use slang, speak slowly and pronounce your words clearly. Working in a nursery or any other childcare setting you are an educator and parents will not wish their children to come home speaking like this.
“I don’t have any questions.” – An important part of preparing for an interview is to think about meaningful questions you can ask the employer that will show your interest in the company or the position.
Asking what the nursery’s opening hours, Ofsted rating etc – this shows total lack of preparation and homework into finding out what these hours. It is always good to look at their Ofsted, size of the nursery so if you want to work in a small setting but go for an interview where the size is 100 plus children then you would be wasting your time going for the interview.
Overly prepared answers – be yourself and not coming across as robotic
Discussions about your lack of experience – this will make you come across as not confident and appears negative. Instead focus on what you can do and your strengths.
Personal information not relevant to the job or your qualifications – unless asked it is best not to talk about your family, hobbies etc but instead talk about your experiences as a Nursery Nurse etc. This is the only time that you can sell yourself and to leave a positive and memorable impression.
Good luck when going for an interview and please try not to panic. Take a deep breath and breathe.