Do you offer coffee/tea and such during your interviews?

[fruitloop]

I was just reading some threads about interviews and saw that some offer the parents tea/coffee, drinks to the child, etc. I'm just wondering how many of you do this?

[apples and bananas]

I don't. I serve coffe and tea to friends when they visit... not to potential clients. Quite honestly, I don't want to encourage them to stay that long. And... then you have the added problem of hot beverages sitting around while their child is playing. Nope, Straight to the point around here. I'm not building frinedships... I'm building a business.

[Crayola kiddies]

I don't offer anything

[jazmic]

I only offered water. And even then, some didn't even drink it! lol.

[sunnydays]

No, nothing. LIke someone said above, I don't want to start off on an overly friendly foot. It is a business relationship, not a friendship.

[Momof4]

I don't offer anything. I interview at 5pm usually and I want the interview to finish within an hour or hour and a half so that we have covered everything and have a good feeling about whether we will make a good match. But then I want them to go home to have their supper so I can have mine and get to work on all the cleaning and prep work things I have to do every.single.evening .

[mimi]

No I don't offer any refreshments or nibbles either. If I think their child needs something in case the parents haven't brought anything I will of course provide a drink and biscuit

[Littledragon]

I do. When I first started it was suggested that I didn't do that but I find it adds some comfort to the interview. Ultimately, a family needs to feel comfortable for their child to attend care, and I think that this consideration says a lot about the type of person you are. Maybe it adds a bit more of a "friendly" atmosphere but there are A LOT of interviews you would go to out there who will offer you coffee or tea before doing the interview.

[cfred]

I do, and I also usually have fresh pastries or something with it. I like to start off with a friendly atmosphere as it puts potential clients at ease and offers an air of openness. I also offer something to the children if mum is caught without a bottle or something. I had an interview 2 weeks ago and another today. Both stayed for about 90 minutes, had a coffee and a muffin. The children played, the mothers and I sat on the floor with them and chatted about the daycare, motherhood, etc. Both commented on the connection they felt and the good feeling they had about the daycare and me. The first signed the contract on Monday. I'm pretty confident the other is on board as well.

I think everyone's different. Some people want the 'all business' approach, but others don't. My clients have always liked my personal approach and almost all of them have become close friends.....heck, I've even traveled overseas with some of them! That's what I like about this business....it's so personal.

[fruitloop]

Ok, I never offer anything during an interview either because I don't want to be "friends" with my parents. I have never been to any sort of interview in my life where they offer you drinks/snacks during the interview. I was just wondering if I was the only one who felt this way or what, lol.

[Lou]

I have never even thought to! Plus, we don't own a coffee maker :)

[Momof4]

Haha Lou, I don't drink coffee, only tea so I couldn't possibly offer it. But I don't even offer water.

[Mamma_Mia]

For interviews I offer water - more so because I have to drink, I get so nervous before that my throat gets dry but I don't tell them that! LOL so I don't want to be rude drinking away while they get nothing. KWIM?

I do offer coffee/tea ONLY when they've signed the contract and are coming for the transition "play date" on day #1 (Day 2 transition is child only and so on going forward).

[dodge__driver11]

I do not offer anything --I want it to be all business... :)

[apples and bananas]

I have never even thought to! Plus, we don't own a coffee maker :)

How do you get through the day? LOL

[Toregone]

I offer tea and coffe or water because regardless of it being a business transaction or not everyone that comes into my home gets the same offer. Be it friend, plumber or possible client.

But for business I find it helps parents "warm up" to me and puts them as ease. If I was thinking about leaving my child with was is really a stranger I would pick the person I was most comfortable with. Little niceties help with this.

[Lou]

Lol, I've always hated the taste of coffee. It's funny, my Dad said that my taste buds would mature as I grow and I'd like coffee, beer and wine as an adult....I still despise all 3!
I DO have a diet coke a day if I'm feeling run down at lunch time, but not every day. And i enjoy a vanilla cappucino a few times a year, usually for when we'll be in the car for an extended period of time and we're stopping at timmies anyways for food. My body just isn't reliant on caffeine so I don't know the difference I guess!

[kidlove]

I have offered water before, not a common practice though. :)

[angelina]

i don't offer anything. i told them, its 30 minutes. bring your questionaire - don't be shy. put a check mark when you need to, write down my answers and I will take note of your answers too. i can't memorize anything.

i tell them to bring the kids, let them play with my toddlers. If they get along, then that is a good start. my family is my priority.

an yes, it is business. 30 minutes - i want you out please .... and i kick my hubby not to invite more questions.

more questions? email me before or after the interview.

[JennJubie]

I offer. Again, I find that it creates a level of comfort during the interview. I find most people are just happy with the offer, and usually just accept a water.

Toregone, I'm with you. Everyone that comes into my home gets the same offer.