Struggling with Interviews

[Jenniferdawn]

So I just had my first two interviews this week. Each family I had at least one, if not two phone conversations to get a feel for the families, let them ask preliminary questions etc. The entire families came over for the scheduled interview. That's when I feel kind of like, ack! I don't know what to do. We sat around for a while, making small talk (which seemed kind of awkward-I'm an introvert and am not good at that sort of thing), then I gave them a tour of the house, explaining in more detail what our day looks like, etc. Then we went to the kitchen table and went over the parent handbook together. I've read in here some of you go line by line with your parents to make sure they understand everything, so I tried that method. But...it was soooo boring! I let them take the handbook and an introduction letter I wrote about my philosophy of childcare home, but not the rest of the new child packet with forms etc. Now I'm not quite sure about the impression I made. I'm thinking of the parents who schedule an interview with me, to maybe email them the parent handbook and introduction letter before hand so they can go over it and come with questions. Any advise on that or other helpful tips for the interview process??? Feel frazzled and a bit discouraged.

[Meeko]

You will eventually find your comfort zone...but here's how I do it.

I find sitting down as soon as they come in a bit awkward.

I greet people at the door and invite them in. As soon as the handshakes/intro's are over I say...

"Let just start by looking around. Please ask any questions you have or any that pop into your mind while we go around."

I then start showing them around. The media room where we have a couch and comfy chair for reading and story time. Puzzles are here. Quiet games etc.

Then on to the indoor play area with slides, cabin etc. Here the children can climb and stretch ...especially good on days we can't go outside.

Then on to the playroom. Most of the toys are here...tables... etc.

Our dining area which also doubles as our art tables.

As I show people around and tell them what we do in different areas, it usually sparks their interest and they ask questions/make comments etc.

THEN we sit down and I ask them if they have any other questions. If they do, we go over them. if not, I ask questions. Where do they work, what do they do. Has the child been in a day care setting before?

If they seem very interested and ask about paperwork, I then quickly go over the contract and handbook. I let them know I am easy to work with and talk to, but that the contract is set in stone. There is a place in the contract that they have to sign that says they have read the handbook (14 pages) completely and that they understand and agree to it and that it is part of their legally binding contract.

That way, I do not go over every single line. The responsibility is on them. After they sign it...I don't give a hoot if they try and tell me later that they didn't see something. They are adults. I am going to babysit their kids...not them.

I end the interview with a big smile and say

"Well...that's us in a nutshell! If you have any further questions about the day care or the contract etc please call me any time."

I make sure they know that places are not secured until I have paperwork in hand and their payment.

Most of the parents I interview already know about me through friends or reputation and I don't have to give my life story, but a few like to know about me...so I hand out a casual sheet that tells them about me, my child care history etc. It's not like a resume...I keep it very friendly.

Anyway...hope some of that helps! Don't worry...you'll get into a swing of things and trial and error will make you more confident at interviews.

[beachgrl]

I have gone from being super prepared and giving them all the paperwork, being very nervous to more relaxed and giving them only the paperwork if they are about to and ready to enroll. I have had too many parents leave with my paperwork packets never to be seen or heard from again. I just try to make sure my house is orderly and clean, introduce myself and let them loom around, show them what I have and how I have things setup which they usually start to ask questions then and I answer this. I also often have some questions of my own that I ask them so I interview them as well and just get to know them, their needs/expectations a bit.

I leave it up to them to follow up and always tell them if they have any other ? To let me know. I have felt very good about most of my interviews even when I was nervous but the more times you do iypt, the easier and better and more comfortable you become with it.

[AfterSchoolMom]

I usually greet them and then have a bit of initial interaction and/or conversation with the child(ren). Then I give a tour, then we sit down and I give them copies of my references (if they didn't already have them), the daily report sheet, and the "getting to know me" information sheet that I ask new families to fill out before their child starts (child's likes/dislikes, routine, etc.). Then I tell them a bit about myself and ask them if they have any questions. We usually chit chat for awhile about various childcare related things and they get to know my personality a bit, and then I give them my policies and contract. I make sure to give them the most important parts of it (payment, drop off/pick up, illnesses/absences, and transportation), but it's up to them to read and understand the rest.

I've found that you can really tell who is going to be a good family and who isn't, because you definitely "click" with some more than others. Always trust your gut!

[Jenniferdawn]

Thanks for the advise ladies. I know I just need some practice. I like the idea of skipping the sit down time. I'm too socially awkward for that! :: What percentage would you say when you interview actually end up as clients?

[small_steps]

I always greet them and the children if they are with them, then I usually show them around and tell them about our day. Then I do sit down with them and discuss the major parts of the handbook (such as tuition due dates and late fees, etc) and then we part ways and I tell them to call me with any questions.

I have interviewed several families since opening almost two years ago and I've had all sign on with me but one and she found someone cheaper. However, the next Monday morning she shows up at my house with both children wanting to stay because the person she actually hired was a no show (i guess she hired a sitter to come to her home) and she wanted them to stay that day. It was the Thursday or Friday before that I interviewed her but I also had another interview later that day and he signed so I told her sorry..I'm full now, .

[Sugar Magnolia]

I don't go over the handbook line by line, but I do go through and summarize each section. I do go over illness policy line by line. I like your idea of emailing it first, but don't trust them to actually read it first. I don't have "contracts" but I do have a page that they must sign saying they have read and understand the policy book. They also sign the financial policy statement. Good luck!