Received Thursday, November 6, 2008. - Perspective & Opinion Just wanted to get some advice on what to wear for an interview for a nanny job. Does anyone have any suggestions?
well, you are going to laugh but i have taken to wearing medical scrub tops and jeans while i nanny. The kids I watch,including my own love the tops with Mickey Mouse,Dora,Diego and SpongeBob..the nice thing..you can but four or five and wear them over and over like a uniform. You don't have to worry about your favorite shirts getting spilled on or stained and it really helps you distinguish work from the rest of your life!! You can often find them at Walmart and even Goodwill. When I explain to parents that "I dress like this because the children love the different characters and wanted them (the parents)to see the real me that would be showing up every morning," they always gush, "what a great idea". It's what works for me..maybe it will for you too.Goodluck
Wear a nice shirt and pants, be modest,conservative and most of all comfortable (in case you may need to take a roll on the floor lol). In other words, look professional. That will do great things for your confidence in an interview and first impressions count even in the nanny field. Good luck!
It really depends on the kind of family you're going to work for. Are they very formal & professional? If so, wear a suit, you'll make an excellent impression, and chances are the interview process for a family like that will consist of several dates, one being specifically to spend time with the kids. That will be the day you wear clothes to run around and roll around in.
If, however, they're a middle class family, their focus will be on how you interact with the kids from the word 'go', so skip the formalities and go right in for comfortable clothes.
This might sound silly, but watch Supernanny. She always shows up dressed professionally. She gives an aura of authority and professionalism. Then, the next day, she comes dressed to get down to work. I think that's exactly how a top nanny should be.
When I interviewed with my former family, it was summer time, and I wore a long (mid-calf) dress and cardigan. The dress was long enough so I could play with the kids at the interview, but I was also dressed up.
The parents told me they appreciated seeing a nanny dressed appropriately, as she would for any other interview, instead of, "another nanny showing up in jeans."
well that big heffer jo doesnt look like she could get down on the floor and play with kids, but that is what you should be going for. neat. minimal make up. hair that could get wet and you wouldn't scream about it. a sweater, pants and shoes that you could walk, run and play in. look neat and move a lot. dance. dance, mother fucker dance.
I always wear nice slacks/dress pants and a button-up shirt. I also wear a camisole under the shirt. For shoes, I wear nice dress-up shoes, but not heals.
An eye patch paired with beer can slippers. The patch says 'pirate chic' and the slippers say 'domestic goddess'. As far as dressing for success goes, I say fake it till you make it. Aye, matey.
I would never wear a skirt, because even if the children are school age, you may want to get down on the floor to do legos, etc. I wear Friday casual type clothes. A classic button down shirt, blazer or cardigan, good pants, not jeans, and flats. Good luck!
I don't go overboard and wear a suit bc I think the parents shouldn't see you as too prim and proper bc they'll wanna know that you'll get down and play with their kids. I wear nice pants and a nice blouse.
As a mother, I'd prefer to see my prospective nanny in clean, neat, professional clothes that she could work in, since having to get down on the floor with the kids is a definite possibility--khakis or courduroys, a top that isn't so low cut that you can see down it when she bends over, and flat shoes (not flip flops, something she would be able to walk/run around in, but not sneakers for the interview.) Thong underwear or other lingerie peaking out from anywhere would be a deal breaker for me. Scrubs may be okay after she was hired, but for me would be a little weird for the interview.
Yep, clean but not overtly pretty or flashy, cause cute is not going to go over with the lady of the house. And be sure to brush and floss thoroughly for when she lifts up your top lip and inspects your gums.
goddoesen'tevenhateidiotslikeyou I've only seen 2 or 3 posts from you that are worthy of reading. The rest are ridiculous and gross. However, I do think you are extremely clever. Cut the burp and fart BS and keep it up with the funny comments like the one above!
Mrs! How unkind of you to point out my developmental challenges. Its not my fault I am inclined towards potty humour. My nanny fed me chips on the slide when I was a girl and ever since I have been socially awkward and impaired. That is why I am so filled with gratitude for this site for helping shine light on these types of situations. But geez. You are really making me feel unwelcome here...
goddoesen'tevenhateidiotslikeyou You are just too cute. I really hope you stick around for awhile. You kind of liven things up around here! I think once you get over the potty humor (there is therapy for that sort of thing... if you need it) - then, well... you will be on an uphill climb from there!
There is a psychology to it. You should always go to google and do a search on the prospective employer. You can type in the name, address, phone number and just about anything to get some information. You can use the whitepages.com to do this as well. After you read up about them, then you reflect on your previous conversation. Think about what the family dynamics are. Is it a single mom, dad etc.? Are they wealthy? What type of individual did they say they are looking for? After that you can dress in a professional manner. A nice tailored shirt and pants or skirt would do. A business casual appearance but under not circumstances should you wear jeans, sneakers or any of that sort of thing. Not many people will tell you this but never, and I repeat never try to out dress the woman of the house or appear to be soliciting some type of sexual reaction from the male in the home by wearing anything low cut, tight or revealing. The woman will view this as a threat in more ways than one and you will never get the job. Just dress like a decent lady that will have some positive influence on children. Again, do not try to out dress the lady of the house. You want to appear humble yet assertive and modest. Best wishes hon.
You should also consider the age of the children in the family. If they are teens or older than 10, they might have something to say about the choice of nanny to. So not only the parents you should impress :)
Just what you would wear to any other interview. I have always just work nice capris/skirt/slacks and a nice shirt. Wouldn't recommend jeans.
ReplyDeletewell, you are going to laugh but i have taken to wearing medical scrub tops and jeans while i nanny. The kids I watch,including my own love the tops with Mickey Mouse,Dora,Diego and SpongeBob..the nice thing..you can but four or five and wear them over and over like a uniform. You don't have to worry about your favorite shirts getting spilled on or stained and it really helps you distinguish work from the rest of your life!! You can often find them at Walmart and even Goodwill.
ReplyDeleteWhen I explain to parents that "I dress like this because the children love the different characters and wanted them (the parents)to see the real me that would be showing up every morning," they always gush, "what a great idea". It's what works for me..maybe it will for you too.Goodluck
Wear a nice shirt and pants, be modest,conservative and most of all comfortable (in case you may need to take a roll on the floor lol).
ReplyDeleteIn other words, look professional.
That will do great things for your confidence in an interview and first impressions count even in the nanny field.
Good luck!
It really depends on the kind of family you're going to work for. Are they very formal & professional? If so, wear a suit, you'll make an excellent impression, and chances are the interview process for a family like that will consist of several dates, one being specifically to spend time with the kids. That will be the day you wear clothes to run around and roll around in.
ReplyDeleteIf, however, they're a middle class family, their focus will be on how you interact with the kids from the word 'go', so skip the formalities and go right in for comfortable clothes.
This might sound silly, but watch Supernanny. She always shows up dressed professionally. She gives an aura of authority and professionalism. Then, the next day, she comes dressed to get down to work. I think that's exactly how a top nanny should be.
PJs are the best. That way they know you really don't want to work.
ReplyDeleteSupernanny, needs a new wardrobe. Her outfits especially her suits are too tight. Like she is going to bust at the seams.
ReplyDeleteThe best outfits she wears are the black slacks and flowing shirts.
When I interviewed with my former family, it was summer time, and I wore a long (mid-calf) dress and cardigan. The dress was long enough so I could play with the kids at the interview, but I was also dressed up.
ReplyDeleteThe parents told me they appreciated seeing a nanny dressed appropriately, as she would for any other interview, instead of, "another nanny showing up in jeans."
well that big heffer jo doesnt look like she could get down on the floor and play with kids, but that is what you should be going for. neat. minimal make up. hair that could get wet and you wouldn't scream about it. a sweater, pants and shoes that you could walk, run and play in. look neat and move a lot. dance. dance, mother fucker dance.
ReplyDeleteJojo
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so.. weird.
Do you drink?.. and I don't mean kool-aid.
I always wear nice slacks/dress pants and a button-up shirt. I also wear a camisole under the shirt. For shoes, I wear nice dress-up shoes, but not heals.
ReplyDeleteForgot to add that every day after that I wear jeans and a t-shirt or sweater.
ReplyDeleteAn eye patch paired with beer can slippers. The patch says 'pirate chic' and the slippers say 'domestic goddess'. As far as dressing for success goes, I say fake it till you make it. Aye, matey.
ReplyDeleteI would never wear a skirt, because even if the children are school age, you may want to get down on the floor to do legos, etc. I wear Friday casual type clothes. A classic button down shirt, blazer or cardigan, good pants, not jeans, and flats.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I don't go overboard and wear a suit bc I think the parents shouldn't see you as too prim and proper bc they'll wanna know that you'll get down and play with their kids.
ReplyDeleteI wear nice pants and a nice blouse.
As a mother, I'd prefer to see my prospective nanny in clean, neat, professional clothes that she could work in, since having to get down on the floor with the kids is a definite possibility--khakis or courduroys, a top that isn't so low cut that you can see down it when she bends over, and flat shoes (not flip flops, something she would be able to walk/run around in, but not sneakers for the interview.) Thong underwear or other lingerie peaking out from anywhere would be a deal breaker for me. Scrubs may be okay after she was hired, but for me would be a little weird for the interview.
ReplyDeleteYep, clean but not overtly pretty or flashy, cause cute is not going to go over with the lady of the house. And be sure to brush and floss thoroughly for when she lifts up your top lip and inspects your gums.
ReplyDeletegoddoesen'tevenhateidiotslikeyou
ReplyDeleteI've only seen 2 or 3 posts from you that are worthy of reading. The rest are ridiculous and gross. However, I do think you are extremely clever. Cut the burp and fart BS and keep it up with the funny comments like the one above!
Mrs! How unkind of you to point out my developmental challenges. Its not my fault I am inclined towards potty humour. My nanny fed me chips on the slide when I was a girl and ever since I have been socially awkward and impaired. That is why I am so filled with gratitude for this site for helping shine light on these types of situations. But geez. You are really making me feel unwelcome here...
ReplyDeletegoddoesen'tevenhateidiotslikeyou
ReplyDeleteYou are just too cute. I really hope you stick around for awhile. You kind of liven things up around here! I think once you get over the potty humor (there is therapy for that sort of thing... if you need it) - then, well... you will be on an uphill climb from there!
goddoesn'tevenhateidiotslikeyou, i love you.
ReplyDeleteThere is a psychology to it. You should always go to google and do a search on the prospective employer. You can type in the name, address, phone number and just about anything to get some information. You can use the whitepages.com to do this as well. After you read up about them, then you reflect on your previous conversation. Think about what the family dynamics are. Is it a single mom, dad etc.? Are they wealthy? What type of individual did they say they are looking for? After that you can dress in a professional manner. A nice tailored shirt and pants or skirt would do. A business casual appearance but under not circumstances should you wear jeans, sneakers or any of that sort of thing. Not many people will tell you this but never, and I repeat never try to out dress the woman of the house or appear to be soliciting some type of sexual reaction from the male in the home by wearing anything low cut, tight or revealing. The woman will view this as a threat in more ways than one and you will never get the job. Just dress like a decent lady that will have some positive influence on children. Again, do not try to out dress the lady of the house. You want to appear humble yet assertive and modest. Best wishes hon.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the advice!
ReplyDeleteSo no thong???
ReplyDeleteOP, wear a barrel. The economy is bad, yo.
ReplyDeletegoddoesen'tevenhateidiotslikeyou
ReplyDeleteI'd say that you are quickly becoming another favorite around here!
You should also consider the age of the children in the family. If they are teens or older than 10, they might have something to say about the choice of nanny to. So not only the parents you should impress :)
ReplyDeleteOP -- Have you had the interview? We'd love to hear what attire you chose and how things went.
ReplyDelete