From drought to interviews! WWYD

[MonkeyMamma]

After slow interest, I have two interviews booked this week and another family interested in booking one too!

Sooooo...my question. I am trying to respond to the third family to book an interview, but should I tell them that I have two interviews booked this week and would prefer they interview this week as my spots for their age group may be filled by next week? This third family has the soonest start date, which is a huge bonus for my daycare (just starting up).

Just not sure how to mention that I am interviewing others this week too. Is that wrong to do?

[sunnydays]

I always interview 2-3 families for one space and then choose the best match (assuming they all want the spot). I also always mention this to the families when booking an interview so that they know that I am interviewing and choosing them as well as them interviewing and choosing a provider. I do try to group my interviews together whenever possible, so I think you could ask htem if it is possible for them to come this week as you do have other interested families coming this week and you would like to find the best possible match for your daycare. Alternately, you could always tell the first two families that you have one more interview the following week and will get back to them after that time about the availability of the space if they are interested in placing their child with you.

[MonkeyMamma]

Thank you Sunnydays!

[MonkeyMamma]

How often do you lose a family saying that you will get back to them the following week? I'm nervous about putting a wait in and having them decide to go elsewhere and the third family not being a fit in the end!

[Crayola kiddies]

Just book your appt according to every bodies convenience and at the end of each interview just say I haven't finished all my interviews so I will get back to you when I have made my decision

[Sandbox Sally]

I tell the families flat out. "I have a couple of other interviews this week, and I'd really like to finish the interviewing process by Friday so that decisions can be made by beginning of next week, so how does Thursday at blank sound for you?"

I will also tell parents gently that there is interest in the vacancy from other families, so if they are interested in occupying the spot, please let me know by X.

Good luck! I'm glad things are looking up!

[playfelt]

I tend to go with the first family that meets my criteria in the sense that when I interview I let them know that it is based on first family back with form and deposit. I just continue to interview till I have the space filled. If I interview a family I am not happy with then I either tell them right up front sorry this won't work or let them go or tell them that I am conducting other interviews in the next two weeks and will let them know at the end of the two weeks the status of the space and for them to let me know what their preference is ie hoping I have a space still or going with someone else. And then at the end of the time take one of the other families instead and let the others know sorry.

[Other Mummy]

I tell the families flat out. "I have a couple of other interviews this week, and I'd really like to finish the interviewing process by Friday so that decisions can be made by beginning of next week, so how does Thursday at blank sound for you?"

I will also tell parents gently that there is interest in the vacancy from other families, so if they are interested in occupying the spot, please let me know by X.

Good luck! I'm glad things are looking up!

This is pretty much what I do as well. Usually, if the interested family is serious and, they will make SURE that they are available for the week that you are interviewing the other candidates for the coveted spot ;)