Skype nanny interviews can be even more nerve-wracking than normal interviews for nanny jobs. On top of all the worries about what questions you’ll be asked and whether you’ll have spinach between your teeth you start to worry about the technology failing and how you’re going to judge a family when you can’t meet them. Luckily there are some simple things you can do to make sure you stand out as the best nanny over Skype.
1. Prep your interview well ahead of time.
You don’t want to be rushing round at 10.57 trying to clear up, plug in your laptop or tablet, find your list of questions and brush your hair if your interiew is at 11. Use the time you would have spent travelling to a local interview to make sure your background gives the impression you want, do a Skype test call to see how you appear on screen and make sure you have everything to hand. Present yourself as you would for a normal interview – smartish clothes, tidily styled hair and discreet make up. Warn everyone around you that you’re having a nanny interview via Skype and you don’t want to be disturbed.
2. Sit comfortably
The most sensible thing to do is to sit at a table. If you’re in a chair you won’t need to shift position as much as if you’re cross legged on the floor or on a bed, and the tablet or computer will be at the right height for the family to see your face in the camera rather than above your head or your stomach.
3. Greet them with a smile
Get your smile on before you answer the call. If you think they’re a relaxed family or you’re a relaxed person then throw a wave in there too.
4. Speak slowly at first
Take time to gauge the lag of the technology. If it’s a really poor connection then consider switching to voice only. Skype can be jumpy so don’t be afraid to say ‘I didn’t catch that’ if you’re not sure what they said.
5. Avoid getting up and moving around
Before you’re interview gather together a copy of your CV, because they will probably ask you questions about it and it’s useful to refer to, your nanny portfolio (or if you don’t have one your certificates etc), a notepad, your list of questions for them and a small bottle or a glass of water. Getting up mid interview means that your future employers will be left staring into space and will probably get a good look at your bum in the bargain. Just in case you do need to move around though make sure you dress from head to toe, no matter how tempting it is to put a smart top on and leave your PJ bottoms. Fidgeting lots can make the image freeze so if you tend to wave your hands around when you talk try to hold a pen or soemthing you can occupy your hands with off screen.
6. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re nervous or that you’ve not done this before
Skype nanny interviews are a bit different and practice makes perfect. If you can get someone to give you a dummy nanny interview beforehand via Skpye then that’s a great idea. It will help you feel more relaxed and confident on the day.
7. Keep your body language open
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if they’re not in the room with you then your facial expressions and body language don’t matter. The whole point of a Skype interview is for a family to see potential nannies rather than just hearing their voice over the phone. Try to make eye contact with the camera rather than the screen, it’s not the same as looking someone in the eye but it will feel more like it for the family than someone looking to the side of the screen.
So there you go! Good luck with your interview!