How to Ace a Video Interview as a Nanny

Nannies looking for a new job this year are finding themselves in a unique situation, thanks to COVID-19. Even though your job requires face-to-face interaction, some families may not want to meet you in person unless they’re ready to hire you. 

That’s why nanny video interviews are becoming so popular lately. If you’re not used to doing virtual interviews, you may not be as prepared as you’d like. But we’re here to help! We have you covered with some tips and tricks for acing your next video interview below.

Choose a good spot for your interview

The background you choose for your video interview will make a first impression on your potential employers, so pick a good one! Find a well-lit spot that’s neat and not too cluttered. A wall with a few bookshelves or art pieces is okay if they’re far from the camera; too close, and they may distract your interviewers. 

Make sure your computer or laptop is set up so that your head and shoulders can easily be seen. To do that, position your webcam or computer’s camera at about eye level. 

Test your tech ahead of time

Now that you have a good spot for your video interview, remember to test everything ahead of time. Check that you have a good quality microphone. Do a couple of voice and video recording tests to see if you need to make adjustments. Also make sure you download the tool you’ll need for the video call, whether Zoom, Skype, or others.

Be aware of other noises that your microphone will pick up, too. If you picked a busy spot in the family room with pets or other people, or a chair on your back porch where there’s lots of outside noise, you may need to consider a different location.

Be prepared and professional

Your video interviewing equipment is all set up. Great! Don’t forget to prepare yourself as you would for a regular interview. 

Watch the clock

Be on time, or better yet, be ready to go a few minutes early. Reliability is an important part of being a nanny. Being late for your interview is not the first impression you want to make.

Dress the part

Choose an outfit that looks professional and neat. Wear what you would to a regular interview, making sure it’s not just business from the waist up! Also, try on your outfit before the big day. You don’t want to sit down for your interview and find that your shirt has a stain or that your jewelry makes too much noise when you move around.  

Give them your dedicated attention 

This is not the time to be checking your email or your phone. Switch your devices to Do Not Disturb and turn off alerts on your computer. You don’t want to be distracted by popups or notifications when you’re in the middle of your interview.

Treat it like an in-person interview

One of the best ways you can prepare for a video interview is to treat it as a regular, in-person interview. Review the family’s job description and any notes on their expectations and requirements. They’ll likely ask you questions that are specific to their needs, so it’s a good way to prepare for those questions. For example, if they need care for a child with special needs, be ready to talk about any education or certification you have that would make you the best nanny for the job.

Come up with a few questions of your own that you’d like to ask the family, too. Not only does this clarify your role, but it also shows that you are genuinely interested and engaged. 

Practice, practice, practice

Ask a family member or friend to conduct a mock interview with you ahead of time. Use the same platform that you’ll be using for your real interview — whether that’s Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts — so you can familiarize yourself with it now.

Have them take notes on what you look like, how you sound, the lighting and camera angle, the quality of your answers, everything that your interviewers will notice. Are you gesturing too much while you speak? That can cause even more of a video delay, even with a decent internet connection. Are you looking at the image of yourself on screen, or into the camera to make eye contact? 

Once you know what you need to work on, practice again! You’ll feel more comfortable, confident, and ready for your actual interview.

Join A Perfect Fit for more tips

Looking for more support and resources from other professional nannies like you? A Perfect Fit is a nanny placement agency based in Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver committed to finding the best match between nanny and family. As a nanny on the A Perfect Fit team, we’ll set you up for success so you can find a family that meets your needs and skills. 

And if you’re hired, we make sure that your employee agreement is fair and that you love your new family. Apply now to join A Perfect Fit today!