Interview Location

[Guest]

I'm just curious, how many of you have the first interview with prospective clients (whom you've never met and aren't referred to you by people you know) take place in the home?

I don't mind letting people in if they're referred by someone I know pretty well, but I usually suggest meeting at a cafe or something for people who come through ads. One of the couples I met were so obnoxious I was glad I stuck to my guns, even though I didn't feel like it that particular night.

Anyone else do this?

[littlemonkeys]

It's funny that you asked this because my friends and I were just having this discussion earlier this week. I have always done all my interviewing at my home, that way the parents are able to see first hand where their child will be cared for. My friends brought up a good point about the some of the people craigslist attracts sometimes. I almost set up an interview with a dad I got from craigslist, but he sounded suspicious and I ended up telling him that the space was filled because I didn't feel comfortable allowing him to come to my home. So with that said, I have thought about meeting at a fast food restaurant with a play area, or the park, or coffee shops, but have never done it because as a parent I'd rather see the home.

I'm interested to see if anyone else does the first interview off site.

[Pammie]

I've always done my interviews at my home. But only in the evenings and on weekends - when the daycare children are gone - and only when my husband is home. He occupies himself and doesn't get involved in the interviews (except for a brief introduction and a quick chat - he's really good at ooh-in and aw-ing over infants) But at least I'm not letting strangers into my home when I'm home alone.

[Little People]

I interview at home and in the evening too. My DH is always here too

[SilverSabre25]

At home, during non-daycare hours, and with my DH present. My DH is part of the daycare (as an adult, not a kid. Most days : and we interview parents together to help them see the dynamic and truly understand that he is a full-time second grown-up while he's home (which is a lot with his work schedule). He also will often take the prospective dck and our DD into the living room to play while I talk to the parents in the kitchen (right off the living room) so he's a big help even there!

[PeanutsGalore]

I know parents need to tour the home, but I figure if they like you, it won't be a problem to meet up again for the tour, or even just go to the house after talking first. I don't like letting people into my home when they have ulterior motives (like that couple I mentioned earlier), and I certainly don't want to let a psycho in by accident. I haven't had any negative reactions yet, but I was wondering if I was alone in doing this. And I can't rely on my boyfriend to be there at night; he works late.

I feel better now. I'll keep sticking to my guns.

[Abigail]

I had to do interviews once for subleasing a garage that came with my apartment. I have MANY responses after only a few days from CL and two of them wouldn't even call me even though I sent them my phone number requesting they call. Then, another guy did call me. I wasn't going to meet with a stranger without hearing their voice first, but did meet them outside my apartment I lived at so they wouldn't know which number I was renting. You can kind of tell by listening to them on the phone whether it's worth it or not.

[laundrymom]

I do mine in my home. But I don't advertise on craigslist or by website. I have strictly reputation and word of mouth advertisement. My local r&r has gotten me 2 clients but the last 22 years has been word of mouth. I'm spoiled guess. Lol it's always the friend or cousin or work buddy of someone in care.