I'm Stressed When Interviewing
 

I get so nervous and stressed out when it comes to interviewing new families. I show them around and talk about the day care and ask and answer questions. I just feel inadequate and self conscious every time. Any suggestions?

Next time just remember about me.
I have "broken English" and heavy accent and I'm not stressed when interviewing. Why do you? Relax!:hug:

This is the time I actually use the mantra fake it til you make it. Be interested, ask them lots of questions, try not to focus on your fears, have a plan down, have a list of things you want to go over with them, and keep telling yourself if it doesn't work out there's always next time. Consider it good practice.:) Be honest and open, easy to approach, smile, pay attention to the little one.
I get so stressed out at every single one. Waiting for them to show up is the worst feeling, all that anxiety builds up. My stomach keeps doing flip-flops until they've been here a few minutes. By then I can usually tell if they're approachable and easy to get along with or if I'm wasting my time; either way helps me relax. Most of my dcfs come from family referrals so that's usually encouraging and a good starting point. I always give them a folder with handbook, policies, contracts, other print-outs and tell them to go home, read, discuss, email or call with questions and then we can talk some more. I also encourage them to visit other providers to make sure what I offer is what they want for their child.

Good luck!! I'm a terribly shy introvert so I can understand the stress each interview brings on.

I used to be like this too! I have a lot of anxiety and am super awkward (in my mind probably not really) so what I did was practice without them there. I would walk through my home and pretend to have a conversation with the family and answer pretend questions that I posed to myself. I tried to cover everything so that I was not caught off guard.

Whatever works :)

Such excellent suggestions and compassion! I greatly appreciate it! I’m going to do some practice interviewing! Great idea!!

I spent 10 years being very very anxious about every interview. Eventually I made a website that showed lots of pictures, and gave a pretty good picture of what our typical day looks like.

When contact is made I have them supply basic information such as hours of care needed, ages & number of children etc. This rules out interviewing anyone I would not be a good fit for. If all looks well, I then email my handbook. Sometimes I never hear from them again and that's okay. Saves an interview or contracting with someone who would not be a good fit. In the handbook I also have a commonly asked questions section. I went online and looked up questions parents are to ask providers in an interview. This way I was able to think out my responses, and already have them answered prior to an interview. I also encourage them to email me with any questions they may have after I send out the handbook.

Interviews are now much shorter, and the ones who do come are pretty confident it will be a good fit before they walk in the door. Somewhere after year 10, I think I also just relaxed a smidge. I no longer worried if the place was pristine. I no longer worried if they decided not to sign on. I no longer felt there was something wrong with me or my set up if they declined. I don't have to be the right fit for everyone.

I keep a nice stash of chocolate available for afterwards.

Originally Posted by Ariana:
I used to be like this too! I have a lot of anxiety and am super awkward (in my mind probably not really) so what I did was practice without them there. I would walk through my home and pretend to have a conversation with the family and answer pretend questions that I posed to myself. I tried to cover everything so that I was not caught off guard.

Whatever works :)

Wonder if neighbors were watching through your windows and thinking 'uh oh, that crazy Arianna lady's at it again!':ouch:

Originally Posted by Ariana:
I used to be like this too! I have a lot of anxiety and am super awkward (in my mind probably not really) so what I did was practice without them there. I would walk through my home and pretend to have a conversation with the family and answer pretend questions that I posed to myself. I tried to cover everything so that I was not caught off guard.

Whatever works :)

This is exactly what I did.