Tell me about your interview techniques

[playfelt]

I don't show the bedroom level either - this is home daycare and what colour me bedroom walls are is non of their business and so what if their child's playpen is in there. The only time daycare kids are up in the bedrooms is to sleep and only those in playpens.

I used to show the whole house like I was trying to sell and giving a tour. Then I had some interviews on nights my own kids were busy and hadn't cleaned up rooms, had friends over, were sick or whatever and I just skipped that part of the tour rather than disturb them and discovered most parents didn't care. After that I turned it around the other way and got concerned when a parent did care and felt they had the right to inspect my private areas - when you go to a daycare centre you don't get to see the directors office, janitors closet or kitchen in most cases nor classrooms your child won't be starting out in but that doesn't mean they will never be in some of those areas.

[michellesmunchkins]

I don't show the bedroom level either - this is home daycare and what colour me bedroom walls are is non of their business and so what if their child's playpen is in there. The only time daycare kids are up in the bedrooms is to sleep and only those in playpens.

I used to show the whole house like I was trying to sell and giving a tour. Then I had some interviews on nights my own kids were busy and hadn't cleaned up rooms, had friends over, were sick or whatever and I just skipped that part of the tour rather than disturb them and discovered most parents didn't care. After that I turned it around the other way and got concerned when a parent did care and felt they had the right to inspect my private areas - when you go to a daycare centre you don't get to see the directors office, janitors closet or kitchen in most cases nor classrooms your child won't be starting out in but that doesn't mean they will never be in some of those areas.

I agree with playfelt that although their children sleep in playpens in the bedrooms whether or not I have painted my walls, made my bed or threw my clothes on the floor the night before is none of their business haha. Same with my kids. I have a teenager daughter and can never guarantee that her room will be clean enough to 'showcase' so to speak. I show the main areas of my house that their children will be in.

My interviews are very casual and I agree that you find out way more about a family by just chatting with them. I watch how they interact with each other, their child and with me (and my family if they are home at the time). I go over a few things in regards to contract and handbook and answer any questions. There usually isn't a lot of questions as I email them my 20 page handbook which covers almost everything I can think of prior to the meeting. If they haven't read the handbook, we don't meet!

I also ask them questions. I feel that we are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing us...but...having said that people can certainly fool me in an interview and turn into something totally different afterwards!