First impressions are everything, and this is absolutely the case when interviewing for a position as a nanny. Your interviewers will make a very quick decision about whether they will feel comfortable employing you to care for their children – often before they’ve even met you, either face-to-face or over Skype - so we thought we would take some time to discuss all manner of interview and CV etiquette, and what we consider to be appropriate attire in the workplace.
We’re all for self-expression and individuality, but we also cannot ignore the fact that prospective employers will often make a swift judgement when looking at applicants’ photographs. Our thoughts? Facial piercings are rarely encouraged in any workplace for all manner of reasons including safety, and although the majority of our nannies do not work in a traditional uniform, a dress code – which includes the subtler details such as hair, make up and jewellery – very much apply.
The perils of facial piercings when working with children barely need mentioning: we shudder to imagine the damage an overzealous toddler or a fascinated baby could do to a nose, lip or eyebrow piercing – and we think the only earrings worn during work should be studs for the same reasons.
So while we would actively discourage wearing facial piercings in your application photograph, at interview and at work, we could also encourage our nannies to avoid bold hair colouring and other ‘statement’ hairdos, and to keep tattoos out of sight wherever possible. Why? Because many families want their nanny to fit seamlessly into the family unit; because VIP families prize discretion and subtlety; because style choices which attract lots of attention can sometimes put out the wrong message to people looking to employ a deeply sensible, trustworthy who will put their children first. Moving onto interview etiquette and presentation, it barely needs mentioning but we must gently point out that your potential new bosses will look at how well turned out you are as an indicator of how well you will care for their children. Arrive on time, with your clothes pressed, shoes clean, hair brushed, and nails neat. Refrain from discussing salaries (this is our job, so leave this subject to us) and try to make sure the interview is a balanced discussion: it is as much your opportunity to get to know the family as it is theirs to get to know you, but some nannies tend to focus too much on what their needs and expectations are.
Remember that this is your opportunity to sell your ‘package’ to the interviewers – so don’t forget that.
We hope that all of this comes across in the way it was intended. We are immensely proud of our wonderful nannies, and saddens us sometimes that superb candidates are overlooked time and again because of simple interview blunders and style mishaps.