Interview: Need Advice on How to...

[KDC]

I am currently interviewing for a spot this fall. I have a rare infant spot available and three people interested. I have an interview tonight after closing, tomorrow morning and Sunday afternoon. Nothing I hate more than spending my weekend screening potential families, but it'll be nice to fill this space.

My questions... How do I frame it to the families that I am interviewing them just as they are interviewing me I am interviewing them? Do I tell them I'll have an answer by Monday evening?

Do I tell them I'm interviewing other families for the right fit? I only have 1 spot available. I just don't want to push them away by saying it, but it's true! I guess I'm just worried because my last interview agreed to sign up before I offered and when I tried to back them up letting them know I had another interview and would be making a decision by the end of the week she flipped out on me and asked for my provider number!?! I have no issues handing it out since I have no violations, but she didn't even want my references before bringing her checkbook out 5 mins. earlier. I just wonder if I didn't frame it correctly and it made her defensive, or if she was just a whack-a-do

[Blackcat31]

At the end of the interview I always say "It was very nice to meet you. I should be done interviewing prospective candidates for the space by the end of next week. I will get back to you with my decision at that time and you can let me know your choice at that time as well. Thank you!"

Doesn't matter what was said during the interveiw....I just make sure I end it that way so that the family understands I am also choosing/deciding/interviewing.

[Blackcat31]

Do I tell them I'm interviewing other families for the right fit? I only have 1 spot available. I just don't want to push them away by saying it, but it's true! I guess I'm just worried because my last interview agreed to sign up before I offered and when I tried to back them up letting them know I had another interview and would be making a decision by the end of the week she flipped out on me and asked for my provider number!?! I have no issues handing it out since I have no violations, but she didn't even want my references before bringing her checkbook out 5 mins. earlier. I just wonder if I didn't frame it correctly and it made her defensive, or if she was just a whack-a-do

She was a whack-a-doo.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

At the end of the interview I always say "It was very nice to meet you. I should be done interviewing prospective candidates for the space by the end of next week. I will get back to you with my decision at that time and you can let me know your choice at that time as well. Thank you!"

Doesn't matter what was said during the interveiw....I just make sure I end it that way so that the family understands I am also choosing/deciding/interviewing.

How do you word it to them that they were NOT a good fit and you are NOT picking them?

[Blackcat31]

I just sent this e-mail to an interested family.

Nice family, seemingly well behaved kids but mom let it slip that littlest one doesn't sleep unless an adult lays down with her.

Next.

How do you word it to them that they were NOT a good fit and you are NOT picking them?

Dear DCF

Thank you so much for your interest in my child care.

Unfortunately at this time, I am unable to offer you a space in my program.

If you would like to be placed on my wait list, please contact me so that I can add your information or feel free to visit my web-site and access the wait list that way.

Again, I appreciate your interest in my program and wish you success in securing alternate child care arrangements.

I have included the number to the local Child Care Resource and Referral office to assist you in your search.

Sincerely,

Provider