Interviewing for a job can be a long process, but if you take the right steps you can increase your chances of finding a family that is the right fit for you.
However, unlike other jobs, becoming a care provider means you are becoming a part of someone’s family. Because your role is to essentially act as an extension of the child’s parent, it is so important that the job is equally a good fit for you, as you are a good fit for the family. On top of questions you can ask a potential family, a trial day may be something to consider adding to the interview process for nanny and babysitting jobs.
What’s a Trial Day?
During the interview process, you could use a “trial day” as an extra step to ensure both you and the family will be happy long term. Remember, you are interviewing the family just as much as they are interviewing you. Given the nature of caring for children, sometimes you just don’t know if the job will be a good fit until you are doing the job itself!
If a family asks for you to do a trial day, it’s important to clarify what exactly that trial period will look like. Communicate your expectations upfront and ask questions if you feel like you are not getting enough information from the parent.
How Does A Trial Day Work?
A trial day can entail you going to a family’s home to meet the children and parents, and have some additional time to connect or ask questions regarding the job and the kids. Think of this as like a second interview.
The trial day can also entail more of a “practice” session, in which you’re caring for the children and engaging in a typical routine while the parents are at a distance. It can be discussed or written into a contract. That if by the end of the trial day things don’t work out, both you or the family can choose to move on from each other.
Do You Charge For a Trial Day?
If a trial day consists of taking responsibility for the child(ren), you are technically working and can be compensated for your time. It’s important to discuss this first with the parents or have the trial day written into a contract.
If a trial day is something you feel would benefit yourself and a potential family, share the idea and suggest trying it during the interview process.
Happy Sitting!
