1st Reader: Experienced nannies what do you wear to interviews? I want to look kid friendly, but since I tend to look about 10 years younger than my actual age, I want to look mature enough for the job.
2nd Reader: What do my fellow nannies wear on job interviews? Dressing up seems so formal, dressing down seems so... slouchy? What do you wear??
18 comments:
For my nanny interviews; I wear something comfy; yet professional. Wear something that you would wear for any interview. Whenever I have an interview; I wear to fit the situation. I wear prepared- whether I meeting just parents or the family. I usually wear nice dress pants with a blouse and jacket. Something nice; but something you don't have to worry about- if baby throws up on you or kids want you to play. Good Luck on your interview.
1. nanny, if your hair is long enough, putting it up in a simple bun or twist can make you look more mature.
I wear a dressier version of what I would wear to work. Nice slacks, flats, shirt, sweater or blazer. If the children are young parents want to see you get down on the floor with them. Very minimal makeup, and jewelry, and simple hair. Short finger nails! The goal is to come across as someone who starts the day neat and well groomed, but is ready to deal with spit up, diaper blow outs, and running around the playground. Good luck in your interviews.
I do not think parents really care what you wear to a Nanny interview as much as if you were interviewing with a Fortune 500 Company.
I basically wear a pair of comfy short, a T-shirt and a pair of comfy sneakers. I try to keep it as casual as possible. I would never wear a pair of slacks, dressy blouse or heels to an interview as it would project the image that I do not like to get down and dirty and play w/the kids in the sandbox. If you dress casual, it looks like you are low-maintenance and like to have fun w/out worrying how your clothes look.
I also wear my hair in a ponytail since kids like to pull on long hair. LOL. I have a nose ring that I used to take off, but have noticed that pretty much parents these days do not care about it. I also wear black nail polish which is another thing parents do not care about. I live in CA where things are pretty much laid back.
I never wore dress pants or a jacket to a nanny interview. You want to dress for the position you are applying for, and nannies do not waltz around in black dress pants or heels.
I always wore dark, nice jeans and a nice sweater or blouse with flats. My hair was usually pulled back into a low bun and I didn't overdo it on the makeup. I also didn't wear any perfume or anything as some people are sensitive to different scents or might have allergies.
I have a few cotton "dressy" shirts (easy wash) but are super kid friendly, so I wear one of those with a pair of jeans and either flats or clean sneakers. Hair in a ponytail and no makeup.
Good luck!
I wear kid-themed scrubs and sneakers.
Wow I'm surprised to hear that you guys don't dress up for your nanny interviews. I guess I just never thought about it before, but it just seems natural to dress up. If it is a summer interview, I'll wear a sundress and sandals or a light blouse and khaki capris. During cold weather I'll usually wear a nice sweater or blouse with slacks or sometimes corduroys if it is really cold. I will wear either low heels or nice boots also during the winter. I really don't think the parents are dumb enough to think I will be wearing those outfits when I actually begin a nanny job. And I believe first impressions are very important so you should put in a little effort. But I don't ever wear makeup or fix my hair all fancy, usually just use the straightener on it, which to be honest is a lot more effort than I do on normal days.
I have always worn a nice jean skirt or linen skirt and nice top. I NEVER wear perfume or strong deoderant or anything that smells strong. Parents actually dont like that.Its also the reason I got a couple of my jobs, cause the parents didnt have to bathe there kids after meeting me to get the strong smell off them.
Dressing for nanny interviews is always a catch 22 for me because I want to appear mature and like I take the job seriously (which is completely true) but I know more often than not I'm going to be sitting/laying on the floor playing with toddlers or possible getting spit up on my clothes (which is totally no big deal) but wearing something too nice to get spit up on could send the wrong message to an employer.
I've opted for a kid friendly skirt (bright color, decent length) with black leggings beneath and a v neck with a cami underneath that so there isn't cleavage. Cardigan, ballet flats. I've always been told all or no nail polish, no chipped polish. Face makeup, eyeliner (no shadow or mascara), hair down (just because my hair isn't super long) but I always have a hairtie on my wrist like I'm sure most girls do. No perfume, no smelly lotions (if I wear it, I"ll wear Jergen's cherry almond because it's a light smell, but none of the bath and body works stuff I wear other times).
"I always have a hairtie on my wrist like I'm sure most girls do"
How old are you?
I'm 20. I pointed out the hairtie because I wear my hair down to interviews because it's more professional but because I started working in food service when I was 12, I've become accustomed to always putting my hair up when serving food, so if I'm at an interview & I'm helping with feeding baby food, my hair goes up into a ponytail.
I usually have a hair tie on my wrist and I am a professional mom in my 40's, so do a lot of my female co-workers.
i am 21 and i also always have a hairtie on my wrist at all times. i've been doing this for so long i truly cannot remember when it began. the only exception is when i go out to a nice dinner/party/nightlife activity. then i'll have one or two in my purse just in case.
It just strikes me as a very teenage thing to do. Oh well, different strokes for different folks.
As a parent, I would like to weigh in here and say that in my opinion, those who have posted so far give very good examples.
I usually agree with and respect MissMannah's POV, so I'm puzzled how she thinks her clothing description differs from the others? Basically it's casual and nice without looking sleazy or sloppy, while also being practical and utilitarian.
When I was interviewing nannies, I did NOT hire the one who showed up in a knee-length pencil skirt with kitten heels; it just struck me the wrong way. That kind of outfit is just impractical you're planning to take care of children all day, and I wanted my nanny to be the same person in the interview that she would be in my home.
I guess my point is that just as I wouldn't hire someone who appeared sloppy or with hygiene issues, I wouldn't hire someone who seemed over-dressed for the job. I would be concerned that someone who dressed like they were going to work in an office would not be serious about nanny-ing.
I hired the (very qualified) girl who wore khakis, nicer t-shirt, and sneakers. She had a cute, short, funky haircut, and did not wear make-up or jewelry while interviewing or working. In fact, it was about a month before I learned that she was engaged, because she only wore her ring on her personal time.
"I usually agree with and respect MissMannah's POV, so I'm puzzled how she thinks her clothing description differs from the others? Basically it's casual and nice without looking sleazy or sloppy, while also being practical and utilitarian."
No way, I never go into an interview looking casual. Perhaps I am more casual than those who normally go into an office setting are, but for someone who generally wears jeans and t-shirts every day, I make an effort to look nicer on interviews.
Several people mentioned you go into a nanny interview wearing what you would expect to wear when caring for children. Well I don't go into an interview expecting to care for a child. If it is a second interview (generally a "working" interview), then I'll probably wear jeans. A first interview is a time to meet the parents and discuss business only. If it is in a neural setting (coffee shop, etc), I'll probably dress up even more--wearing the pencil skirt and heels that you disparaged.
Last time I interviewed, I wore a pair of khaki's, a white cotton button down, and a simple necklace and post earrings with flats. Simple and professional.
I'm 37 and always have am elastic around my wrist for either myself or my children. You never know when you will want to put it up, especially with kids! Why do you need to judge?
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