I **** At Interviewing

[SilverSabre25]

I'm getting them in the door now at least; haven't had any no-call-no-shows this time around, and have actually had several contact me to cancel ahead of time, which was nice. Furthermore I'm actually having them call me/email me back to say that they haven't chosen me and that they are choosing somewhere closer to where they work, so at least that's still progress for me.

But I still think I **** at interviewing. I'm not managing to "hook" them...and I have a feeling that they're really going for cheaper care. I REFUSE to charge less. I will NOT work for less than what I charge right now...it would be stupid. And what I charge is not unreasonable either, so yeah.

SO anyway. I want to know what I can do to improve my interviewing skillz. Yes, I spelled it with a z on purpose. How do you guys interview...what do you talk about when you're just trying to hook them? I've been going over my handbook but think that's overkill when they aren't sold on me yet. So what do I talk about? we tour my house and then sit in the playroom or the kitchen to talk. I always give them a chance to ask questions after I've presented my stuff. Am I supposed to offer them a drink (Water or something)? Hellllp...I have four weeks to get at least two new full-time clients or I will have to quit and get a job outside the hours (and in fact, I am applying for one today that's I'm sure to get hired for (call center) so that we have a safety net). I've had tons of interest but no one wants me

[countrymom]

I don't know. Sometimes I think the minute they pull up they already know that they are not going to sign up. I find that either they are serious and looking for care or they are wasting my time before they even come in.

[EchoMom]

Don't charge less. You're getting them in for interviews so the price didn't turn them away from coming so that's a good sign. You are telling them your price BEFORE the interview right? If you aren't, I would start doing that. It IS a waste of time for you and them otherwise, IMO.

Here are some things to think through, of course I'm not accusing you of anything since I don't know! :P

Does your house appear very clean?
Does your play space and nap space appear organized, clean, calming, engaging?
Does your house smell fresh (I am ALWAYS afraid of this... I think sometimes my house doesn't always smell wonderful and have to battle this alot. Diapers, dog, shoes, mildew, burnt pan, etc...)

Do you act confident but agreeable, friendly?
Do you have good interactions with the kids?
Do you give the kids an interesting toy or activity to do while you're talking to parents? (If they're not too shy of course).

I have an aquarium that kids always like. I keep bloodworm cubes in the freezer and it's always a hit. I ask the kid if they would like to feed the fish and I say do you want to feed them WORMMMMSSS? This always intrigues the parents too! And I tell the kid, okay, follow me let's go get them from the freezer, that's right, worms in the freezer! Then I ask them if I can pick them up and then I hold the kid up so they can see my plop the worms in. The worms melt and break apart and it's really neat to watch. The parents are always right there watching too! Then I talk to the kid aobut the fish, how many fish are there? Can you count them? See the red worms? Mmm, the fish love them, they're like candy! Do you want to eat worms? No way, yucky!

I point out all our wooden toys, I show them where the kids eat at their low tables since I do not use high chairs (Montessori influence). I talk about how I serve organic when possible, a few key items like milk, eggs, meat. I show them a sample menu brochure.

I find that interviews are MUCH harder if the parent does NOT bring their child with them. It's harder to show them why you're great. But when the child DOES come with, these interviews I feel like were a slam dunk.

[SilverSabre25]

Thanks, glenechogirl. The first question people ask around here is rate so yes I tell them before hand. Otherwise you're absolutely right that it's just not worth it.

I wish I had an aquarium; that sounds like a great tactic! (Actually I really want a nice big one...someday...someday...)

I have lately been interviewing mostly tiny babies so they are usually here and it's easy to be good with them ("Oh, can I hold him? Oh, my goodness, he's so squishy; I love newborns! Hi sweetie!" etc). If the child is old enough (2+) I usually pull out playdough to entertain them and my own. I do the interviews in my playroom so we're surrounded by all the cool toys. Older infants I pull out some of the neat baby toys and arrange them on the floor.

My space can use some work, and I've been making progress...it's hard with 1)no money and 2) very little time and 3) dcks who won't leave artwork here :P.

The house is usually super clean before an interview, though since I have kids of my own there are always toys out by the time the interview starts.

I SO wish I had the time/space/money to implement more Montessori influences...I love Montessori.

[EchoMom]

Sorry Silver. It's tough for sure and unfortunately our area dictates much of the business and income we get.

I could only suggest before you hold the baby you could say, "Oh, let me go wash my hands first!" But that's about it. Sounds like you're a great interviewer and don't **** at all. It's just tough.

How many dcks do you have so far? How many of your own? If I ever hear of anyone moving to your area or working over there needing someone I will for sure refer you!

[SunshineMama]

I like to always use a vanilla/lavendar kind of smell in my home. Psychologists have studied those scents and found that vanilla is a comfort smell for women, and lavendar (and pumpkin) does the same for men. (It can't hurt, right) If I can, I will bake a loaf of bread in the bread maker as well, so the house has a nice homey smell.

I also clean like crazy before, and set out age appropriate toys for the child who will be attending in our living room so we can interview easier.

Otherwise, I show them the whole house, my kids rooms included (people are curious), the playrooms, and the outdoor play area. I also give examples of the work that we do and emphasize healthy meals.

I agree with the op that you should not lower your rates. Actually, you might want to think about raising them. There is a psychological component that people associate spending more with better quality. I do organic and all natural meals and snacks, and a preschool prep program, so my rates are a little higher ($175/week) because of the cost of business (includes zoo pass, science center pass, rec outlets pass, etc), and when people inquire about my rates I am sure to tell them everything that entails.

[AnneCordelia]

How do you dress? I always make a point to wear slacks (not sweats, leggings or jeans) and a button up shirt. Business casual. I put on a little make up and do my hair. I want clients to think I have pride in my appearance because that translates into pride in the other areas of my life too.

I always have a clean home. I mop and vacuum before an interview and clean the windows that the kids have access to put fingerprints on.

I offer coffee or water but nobody to date has taken me up on it.

I sit on a blanket on the floor with the kids (baby or toddler). I want to seem like I'm easy going and willing to get down and dirty.

I always make a point not to negotiate terms. If they say, "We don't want to pay when we don't attend" I say, "I know that everyone has to work their budget for themselves. I know not every daycare is for every family and I'm sure there is one out there with the policies that would work for you. These are the policies that work for me, and, at the risk of sounding prideful, I don't have trouble filling my spots with these policies." I also make sure I mention others interviewing for the spot. I want them to think I am in high demand and that they WANT their baby here.

I always tell them they get a 1/2 hour. At the 30 minute mark I do say, "We'll have to wrap it up now, as I have another interview in 5 minutes. I really appreciate you coming today and enjoyed our interview. If you feel this is where you'd like to place your child then contact me shortly and we can work out another interview to fill out paperwork and answer any other questions you have." Even if I don't have another interview I say this. Again, I want them to think I am in demand.

HTH!!

[SunshineMama]

How do you dress? I always make a point to wear slacks (not sweats, leggings or jeans) and a button up shirt. Business casual. I put on a little make up and do my hair. I want clients to think I have pride in my appearance because that translates into pride in the other areas of my life too.

I always have a clean home. I mop and vacuum before an interview and clean the windows that the kids have access to put fingerprints on.

I offer coffee or water but nobody to date has taken me up on it.

I sit on a blanket on the floor with the kids (baby or toddler). I want to seem like I'm easy going and willing to get down and dirty.

I always make a point not to negotiate terms. If they say, "We don't want to pay when we don't attend" I say, "I know that everyone has to work their budget for themselves. I know not every daycare is for every family and I'm sure there is one out there with the policies that would work for you. These are the policies that work for me, and, at the risk of sounding prideful, I don't have trouble filling my spots with these policies." I also make sure I mention others interviewing for the spot. I want them to think I am in high demand and that they WANT their baby here.

I always tell them they get a 1/2 hour. At the 30 minute mark I do say, "We'll have to wrap it up now, as I have another interview in 5 minutes. I really appreciate you coming today and enjoyed our interview. If you feel this is where you'd like to place your child then contact me shortly and we can work out another interview to fill out paperwork and answer any other questions you have." Even if I don't have another interview I say this. Again, I want them to think I am in demand.

HTH!!

I agree with the perception that you are in high demand. I always let parents know that I am interviewing several families (which is usually the case anyway when a spot is available), and I tell them that I will get back to them in a week or so after I have interviewed all of the families and have made my choice.

[SilverSabre25]

glenechogirl, I have two kids of my own and have 2/3 daycare kids leaving me at the end of the month, so I'll have 3 open spots. Frankly, depending on how close you are to Polaris (and you Sunshinemama) you might get contacted my my current dcf :P Thank you very much for the offer

Anne and Sunshine, those are good bits of advice. I need a script and a teleprompter, . Maybe I'll mix up some cookie dough and pop it in the freezer to bake just before families come...

My rates are as high as I think I can get down here, considering that we don't do field trips or anything (sunshine, I am SO JEALOUS that you guys get to go to the zoo, COSI, rec outlets, etc! I would give so much for that ability). Most people advertise rates under $100 a week in and near this area. There's even a GAHANNA provider on CL advertising for $80 a week! not happy about that...

[EchoMom]

Sunshine, are you near us too? What area? You can PM me if you want, or not tell me at all. :P

[MarinaVanessa]

When I give my tour during the interview that's when I put on my "salesman" hat, every room we walk through I point out how I use it for daycare and talk about the perks and positives about it.

Kitchen: "Here we have the kitchen. The kitchen is always gated off and even then all cabinets and drawers have safety locks. Chemicals are kept high and out of reach. I prepare all meals based and snacks based on the USDA food program and each child has a cup, set of utencils, plate and bowl to match their cubby. The large window allows me a full view of the patio to supervise the kids while serving food while they can play outside" ... etc.

I always smile from ear to ear all throughout the interview and talk in a friendly voice etc. After the interview and since I've already talked about the program I sit down and go through the policies with them. I have a copy of my handbook that they leaf through while I go over the policies in a bulleted list. Other than that I don't think that I do anything out of the ordinary.

[SilverSabre25]

When I give my tour during the interview that's when I put on my "salesman" hat, every room we walk through I point out how I use it for daycare and talk about the perks and positives about it.

Kitchen: "Here we have the kitchen. The kitchen is always gated off and even then all cabinets and drawers have safety locks. Chemicals are kept high and out of reach. I prepare all meals based and snacks based on the USDA food program and each child has a cup, set of utencils, plate and bowl to match their cubby. The large window allows me a full view of the patio to supervise the kids while serving food while they can play outside" ... etc.

I always smile from ear to ear all throughout the interview and talk in a friendly voice etc. After the interview and since I've already talked about the program I sit down and go through the policies with them. I have a copy of my handbook that they leaf through while I go over the policies in a bulleted list. Other than that I don't think that I do anything out of the ordinary.

Ooo I like this...I'm such a nerd, I think I actually am going to write myself a list :P

What policies do you highlight and what might you save for after they've signed up?

[MarinaVanessa]

Ooo I like this...I'm such a nerd, I think I actually am going to write myself a list :P

What policies do you highlight and what might you save for after they've signed up?

I personally don't save anything for after they sign up. I want to make sure I go through them all so that if they ever try to go against one of my policies I can remind them that we went over the policies already and they agreed to them. It doesn't take as long as you'd think with a bulleted list. I say the bulleted list which goes in order as the handbook while I turn the pages in the handbook for them. I make eye contact after reading each to make sure that they understand it. If they squint or furrow their brow it either means they don't understand it or they don't like it ... that's when I pause and discuss it. If they want I email them a parent packet which has a copy of my handbook and contract to look over at home afterwards (saves me paper and ink).

I feel it's important for me to do this because I'm not willing to change any of my policies for any client so if they have an issue with a policy then I make it a point to let them know that it won't work (nicely of course). Most of the time I get a "No it's ok, I understand" and they just go with it but it's a way to make a point that I have the policies for a reason and I'm willing to put my foot down and will enforce them or they should chose someone else. It sets the pace for the future and lets them know that I will be running the show in my daycare. If they sign up then I give them a printed copy of everything and they fill everything out here or they can print everything out at home and fill it out and bring it.

[jojosmommy]

I don't really try to "sell" myself. I feel like when I do I never land the client. Like I tried too hard or something.

I agree with the smell of the home thing. I always go outside to get the mail or something and then walk in just to judge what my house smells like. My house is clean but not obsessive clean. I vac, dust, windows, those things. But I do have toys out etc.

I give the family a quick tour higlighting what we do. Then I let them look through a book with pictures of kiddos doing fun things at my daycare. While they do this I play playdough or a game with the kids, basically I interact with the kids while they look at the photos and my contract.

I ask them if they have questions and then highlight my curriculum, my experience, those things.

And I ALWAYS tell them I have a number of interviews. I explain they have 48 hours to think about their decision, highlighting that I want it to be a good fit for everyone, I dont just take anyone, I really consider schedules, personalities etc. I make it clear that I am not begging for their business, that I want the right kid/family and I want them to stay long term. I tell them that once they call and tell me that they are interested, I will determine from all the interested parties who fits best for my daycare.

I also find that when I am up against a deadline to fill spots I get desperate. Relax, you will get the right clients. I think your energy and thoughts about the whole process can make a big difference to the families interested.

[SunshineMama]

Sunshine, are you near us too? What area? You can PM me if you want, or not tell me at all. :P

I am in Powell.