Interview Questions

Typical Questions You May Be Asked at an Interview

Before your interview, take time to develop your best answers to common questions that you will likely be asked. If you have done thorough research on the job and the prospective employer-family, you can and should build the family's perspectives and circumstances into your answers. By forming well thought out answers to these types of questions, you will ensure that you are putting your best foot forward in your interview and maximizing your chances of obtaining the position.

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS:

Why are you the best candidate for this job?
What hours are you willing and able to work?
Why do you want this job?
How many years have you been in childcare? With what age groups have you worked? What length of time have you been with each family?
What was the best babysitting experience you've had? What was it that made that experience so meaningful to you?
What was the worst childcare experience you've had? What was it that made that experience so difficult for you?
What kind of activities will you do with children this age?
How do you handle problems that arise behaviorally and emotionally with kids this age?
What is the proper way to redirect a child's behavior or discipline a child?
What would you do if (our child, aged 4) falls, skins his knee, and is bleeding and crying?
Would you tell me how you would manage getting three pre-schoolers ready for school (i.e., washing, dressing, feeding, etc.) and getting them to school on time?
Under what circumstances would you call 911? When would you simply call the doctor?
Under what circumstances is it ok to have your boyfriend over while you are babysitting?
Under what circumstances is it ok to text or use your phone while you're caring for our child?
Do you cook? Are you willing to prepare meals for the children or for the family?
Are you willing to do housekeeping?
Do you have your own transportation? Are you willing to transport our children to various activities?
What education or training do you have that is job-relevant? Would you be willing to attend child development classes or become CPR certified?
Have you ever been convicted of or plead guilty or no contest to a felony or job-related misdemeanor?
Would you be willing to sign authorizations for us to perform background checks on you?
Are you authorized to work in the United States?
What pay rate are you expecting?
May I have a list of your references, please?
Do you have any questions for us?

By forming well thought out answers to these questions, you will ensure that you are putting your best foot forward in your interview and maximizing your chances of landing the job!

Questions to Ask of Your Prospective Employer-Family

Before the conclusion of most interviews, the employers may ask you if you have any questions. It is a good idea to come to the interview prepared with questions to ask. By asking well thought out questions, you communicate to your prospective employer-family that you are interested in the job and that you are professional and organized in the way that you are approaching this job opportunity.
Your questions should be focused on clarifying the job and its expectations.

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS:

Do your children have any activities that they particularly like/dislike? If so, what?
Are you wanting your children to be encouraged in the development of any particular skill or ability (i.e., developing their artistic ability, learning a foreign language, etc.)?
What makes your children feel most loved and valued?
Are there any physical concerns or emotional sensitivies that I should be aware of? For example, are there any allergies? Is someone a tearful child while another is not? Is anyone on medication that I would need to administer? Does anyone have a special diet?
Are there any behavior concerns that I should be aware of? (i.e. biting, hitting, etc.)
Do you have pets? If so, would I have responsibility for attending to them?
Do you want your babysitter to cook, house keep, or transport the children? If so, would you provide me with the specifics of your expectations, please?
What method of discipline are your children used to?
Would you tell me what you liked about your prior caregivers?
Would you tell me what concerned you about your prior caregivers?
You may also want to ask any clarifying questions based on the job description. For example, "I see that I would be responsible for the children's meal preparation. Which meals? What are the typical foods the children eat for these meals?"

When you have asked all of your questions, ensure that you thank your interviewers for taking the time to answer your questions.