Does anybody have any tips on how to really stand out and win the kids over?
How to Answer Interview Questions - The Number One Job Interview Tip
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I work in a daycare as a head teacher. I have been on my own interactive interviews and have been in my classroom while potential employees have done theirs. There is more to the interview than knowing how to entertain the kids.
While you are in the classroom you need to remember a few things. You are not just winning the children over, but also the director of the school, and the teacher in the classroom. After a potential employee has been in the classroom, the director always asks me how it went, what I noticed, and what made one person stand out over another.
There are a few things I look for when someone is in my classroom.
1) Is the person active with the children? Does she come in a play with them, talk to them, etc? Is she comfortable with the children and the classroom setting? The last thing you want to do is just come in a stare at the kids, or wait around nervously for them to interact with you. You may be nervous(everyone is, and we expect it), but try and be as natural as possible. Talk to them about what they are playing with, get down on the floor with them, etc.
One of the most difficult times to interview is during snack time or transition times. If you are in the classroom at snack you still need to talk to the children. You can ask them about what they are eating, what they did over the weekend, what they are planning to do today, etc. If they are too young to talk, you can still talk to them about their snack, if it is yummy, etc. If they are transitioning, you can help them clean up, talk to them about how well they are cleaning, etc.
You can also offer some help if it seems necessary. If the teacher is getting snack ready, etc you can offer a hand, or ask if there is anything you can do.
2) Does the person seem comfortable being silly? Singing? etc? If we are in the middle of circle time I look for the person to sing with us. I typically choose well known songs that day so the interviewer can participate. When they sing I look for someone that is fun, and not singing quietly with their heads down. If we are all dancing, is this person participating?
3) Are the children comfortable with this person? Do they play with her, or shy away? Your demeanor can really have an impact on this. Is this person warm, playful, and loving? Does she seem to enjoy being in the classroom?
4) Can I work with her? If the head teacher is talking to you, it is in your favor to give a bit of information and try and forge a good impression. The head teacher often has a very big impact on the decision to hire in most cases. The director is often looking through the window or on a camera, but the head teacher is seeing the actual interaction between you and the children.
I would suggest that you keep relaxed, and remember that most places are looking for someone who loves children, can get silly, dance and sing, etc. You only need to be slightly more outgoing, interactive, etc than the other people. When the director asks the head teacher how it went you want her to say "She really seemed comfortable with the kids. She sang with them, danced. The other person was ok, but just not as good."
Also, remember that you are almost there. Most daycares only call back 2-4 perspective employees out of all that apply. The daycare I work at only calls back 2.
Preparation is the Best Job Interview Tip
- Smile! Kids will smile back even if they don't know what you are smiling about :D I used to be in child development class where we took care of them. Be patient and even if they aren't the kindest to you, still maintain your cool and be sweet with them. Girls and boys are typically brought up to the stereotypical likes and dislikes. Speak to the girls about fairies and princesses and how you like the way their hair looks today and ask if their mommy made it for them. Boys might rather play with little cars and tend to dislike pink and like blue. They may like playing ninja or soldiers. Also pointing out the color, don't wear pink because then boys tend to completely disregard you and label you one of the girls. Keep it neutral and use some colors other than pink or blue. Always act happy and be friendly and they will love you c: Make sure to pay attention to the kids but if your interviewer asks something answer quickly as to show that youll be fun with the kids but still understand the discipline and authority. Oh! and just in case they may try to trick you! They may make one of the children pretend they fell down or hurt themselves to check how you react. be compassionate or ask if u can help. Good luck and I hope you get the job!!
