I'm getting them in the door now at least; haven't had any no-call-no-shows this time around, and have actually had several contact me to cancel ahead of time, which was nice. Furthermore I'm actually having them call me/email me back to say that they haven't chosen me and that they are choosing somewhere closer to where they work, so at least that's still progress for me.

But I still think I suck at interviewing. I'm not managing to "hook" them...and I have a feeling that they're really going for cheaper care. I REFUSE to charge less. I will NOT work for less than what I charge right now...it would be stupid. And what I charge is not unreasonable either, so yeah.

SO anyway. I want to know what I can do to improve my interviewing skillz. Yes, I spelled it with a z on purpose. How do you guys interview...what do you talk about when you're just trying to hook them? I've been going over my handbook but think that's overkill when they aren't sold on me yet. So what do I talk about? we tour my house and then sit in the playroom or the kitchen to talk. I always give them a chance to ask questions after I've presented my stuff. Am I supposed to offer them a drink (Water or something)? Hellllp...I have four weeks to get at least two new full-time clients or I will have to quit and get a job outside the hours (and in fact, I am applying for one today that's I'm sure to get hired for (call center) so that we have a safety net). I've had tons of interest but no one wants me

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I don't know. Sometimes I think the minute they pull up they already know that they are not going to sign up. I find that either they are serious and looking for care or they are wasting my time before they even come in.

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Don't charge less. You're getting them in for interviews so the price didn't turn them away from coming so that's a good sign. You are telling them your price BEFORE the interview right? If you aren't, I would start doing that. It IS a waste of time for you and them otherwise, IMO.

Here are some things to think through, of course I'm not accusing you of anything since I don't know! :P

Does your house appear very clean?
Does your play space and nap space appear organized, clean, calming, engaging?
Does your house smell fresh (I am ALWAYS afraid of this... I think sometimes my house doesn't always smell wonderful and have to battle this alot. Diapers, dog, shoes, mildew, burnt pan, etc...)

Do you act confident but agreeable, friendly?
Do you have good interactions with the kids?
Do you give the kids an interesting toy or activity to do while you're talking to parents? (If they're not too shy of course).

I have an aquarium that kids always like. I keep bloodworm cubes in the freezer and it's always a hit. I ask the kid if they would like to feed the fish and I say do you want to feed them WORMMMMSSS? This always intrigues the parents too! And I tell the kid, okay, follow me let's go get them from the freezer, that's right, worms in the freezer! Then I ask them if I can pick them up and then I hold the kid up so they can see my plop the worms in. The worms melt and break apart and it's really neat to watch. The parents are always right there watching too! Then I talk to the kid aobut the fish, how many fish are there? Can you count them? See the red worms? Mmm, the fish love them, they're like candy! Do you want to eat worms? No way, yucky!

I point out all our wooden toys, I show them where the kids eat at their low tables since I do not use high chairs (Montessori influence). I talk about how I serve organic when possible, a few key items like milk, eggs, meat. I show them a sample menu brochure.

I find that interviews are MUCH harder if the parent does NOT bring their child with them. It's harder to show them why you're great. But when the child DOES come with, these interviews I feel like were a slam dunk.

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Thanks, glenechogirl. The first question people ask around here is rate so yes I tell them before hand. Otherwise you're absolutely right that it's just not worth it.

I wish I had an aquarium; that sounds like a great tactic! (Actually I really want a nice big one...someday...someday...)

I have lately been interviewing mostly tiny babies so they are usually here and it's easy to be good with them ("Oh, can I hold him? Oh, my goodness, he's so squishy; I love newborns! Hi sweetie!" etc). If the child is old enough (2+) I usually pull out playdough to entertain them and my own. I do the interviews in my playroom so we're surrounded by all the cool toys. Older infants I pull out some of the neat baby toys and arrange them on the floor.

My space can use some work, and I've been making progress...it's hard with 1)no money and 2) very little time and 3) dcks who won't leave artwork here :P.

The house is usually super clean before an interview, though since I have kids of my own there are always toys out by the time the interview starts.

I SO wish I had the time/space/money to implement more Montessori influences...I love Montessori.

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Sorry Silver. It's tough for sure and unfortunately our area dictates much of the business and income we get.

I could only suggest before you hold the baby you could say, "Oh, let me go wash my hands first!" lol But that's about it. Sounds like you're a great interviewer and don't suck at all. It's just tough.

How many dcks do you have so far? How many of your own? If I ever hear of anyone moving to your area or working over there needing someone I will for sure refer you!

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I like to always use a vanilla/lavendar kind of smell in my home. Psychologists have studied those scents and found that vanilla is a comfort smell for women, and lavendar (and pumpkin) does the same for men. (It can't hurt, right) If I can, I will bake a loaf of bread in the bread maker as well, so the house has a nice homey smell.

I also clean like crazy before, and set out age appropriate toys for the child who will be attending in our living room so we can interview easier.

Otherwise, I show them the whole house, my kids rooms included (people are curious), the playrooms, and the outdoor play area. I also give examples of the work that we do and emphasize healthy meals.

I agree with the op that you should not lower your rates. Actually, you might want to think about raising them. There is a psychological component that people associate spending more with better quality. I do organic and all natural meals and snacks, and a preschool prep program, so my rates are a little higher ($175/week) because of the cost of business (includes zoo pass, science center pass, rec outlets pass, etc), and when people inquire about my rates I am sure to tell them everything that entails.

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How do you dress? I always make a point to wear slacks (not sweats, leggings or jeans) and a button up shirt. Business casual. I put on a little make up and do my hair. I want clients to think I have pride in my appearance because that translates into pride in the other areas of my life too.

I always have a clean home. I mop and vacuum before an interview and clean the windows that the kids have access to put fingerprints on.

I offer coffee or water but nobody to date has taken me up on it.

I sit on a blanket on the floor with the kids (baby or toddler). I want to seem like I'm easy going and willing to get down and dirty.

I always make a point not to negotiate terms. If they say, "We don't want to pay when we don't attend" I say, "I know that everyone has to work their budget for themselves. I know not every daycare is for every family and I'm sure there is one out there with the policies that would work for you. These are the policies that work for me, and, at the risk of sounding prideful, I don't have trouble filling my spots with these policies." I also make sure I mention others interviewing for the spot. I want them to think I am in high demand and that they WANT their baby here.

I always tell them they get a 1/2 hour. At the 30 minute mark I do say, "We'll have to wrap it up now, as I have another interview in 5 minutes. I really appreciate you coming today and enjoyed our interview. If you feel this is where you'd like to place your child then contact me shortly and we can work out another interview to fill out paperwork and answer any other questions you have." Even if I don't have another interview I say this. Again, I want them to think I am in demand.

HTH!!

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I agree with the perception that you are in high demand. I always let parents know that I am interviewing several families (which is usually the case anyway when a spot is available), and I tell them that I will get back to them in a week or so after I have interviewed all of the families and have made my choice.

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*Maybe you can impend a rule about leaving art work at daycare until the end of the week. At the FCC/preschool I worked at, they would hang art work up all week and the kids would take them home on Friday (usually because there was a theme week).

*You could also tell the current parents that you want to make like a binder/portfolio for each child of their work to help preserve it- just get a binder and some plastic cover sheets from the $1 store. You can also promise that at the end of the year (or for the child's birthday) you will give it back to them and have it organized. For bigger or class projects you can take a picture of the child working on it or the finished project they helped build, it's also a great way to chart a child's development. Plus I am sure after a while parent's get overwhelmed trying to find space on their refrigerator for all their kid's work.

*Or you can take pictures of the different arts and crafts you guys do and make a scrapbook to share with new potential clients, you can take a picture of them working on it or just a picture of the finished project.

All that can also teach them about delayed gratification as well as organizing. The children may even love being able to put their own art into their portfolio.

Another thing you could do (if you have parent's permission) is take random pictures of the kids having fun and make a year book or personalized scrap book for each child. You can also make one for yourself to keep that you use that as a marketing tool for inquiring parents and a gift for current parents. Just let the potential daycare parent's know that you did have permission from all the current DK parents to take these pictures and show them at interviews (so they don't think you just take pictures and show them to strangers without their consent).

And yes when I start I plan on offering a small snack (fruit/veggie plate, cheese and crackers) or drink (water, tea, coffee) during interviews. I think it makes everything seem more relaxed and less intimidating for both the parents and you.

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I also have a questionnaire that I made up. I have a few clipboards. i show them one on how i keep track of everyones hours and another our lunches for the weeks. It shows them I am organized. I put the handbook in a report cover and the contract is separate. I feel like it separates it better and keeps it less overwhelming.

the questionairre has really helped keep me on track with my interviews and reminds me to cover major things like my sick policy details or ask the minor things like an infants eating schedule or whether they are fussy... Sometimes the questions aren't real relevant because a lot of things will change to my own routine but it helps me know and remember what to expect and helps people know that I care or understand about their child's cues or custody situation, ect.

I write down a few short words of their responses on things. I think it lets them know that im taking it seriously and their answers and situations are important to me. They seem to like the professionalism and organization. My house is usually pretty tidy. I've had people remark about that. Most providers around here do not do this and just "wing it". In the past I would forget the parent or child's name or something and it helps to have the facts written down for me or questions to refer back to. Also helps me remember to GIVE the tour because i have forgotten that part a couple times.

Plus if they sign on I keep it in the binder with their contract and medical info and I can refer back to the fact that we covered something thoroughly in the interview and you can refer to their response to you in the sick policy, ect wen it is an issue 6 months later despite the fact that you clearly covered it. :d

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i was right! I didn't suck at that interview, I ROCKED!

She called back today and wants to enroll the kiddos!!! they start next week!!! I can't wait, everything is going to be okay!!

so relived.

so happy.

so thankful for this forum to help me through this stuff.

so now a side question...i have another interview scheduled fro this evening; would you call and cancel that? My space is now filled (hurray!)

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OMG Silver I am sooooooooo super excited for you and your family!! I had every bit of confidence in you that you could do it..... Awesome job!!

wish me luck tonight!! I have one too

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Most of the time they ask me the rate before the interview, if the rate seems fine to them they set up the interview, I have only had 2 people go through with the interview then ask my rate then sign on.
I don't dress any different than I would on a daily basis.
I take them through my house to show them the back yard and just let them know it's all fenced ect. then we head out to the daycare area and let them look around or tell them they can have a seat, then I just give them the contract and go over some of the high lighted stuff, I usually go in about myself, how long I've been married, kids, how long I've done daycare for. They'll usually ask me some question, I ask (if I don't already know) i their child has been in daycare, we usually talk about naps. I try to talk to the child as well and ask them questions. My interviews sometimes last 45 min - an hour, just because I seem to get chatty people.

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Yah for you!!!

No, I would not cancel the interview but I would tell the family that you don't have space at this time but that you are in the process of doing a trial period with someone and that you would still love to interview them and put them on your wait list should a spot open up (which could be any time, as we all know how this business works)

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Thank you! I had decided to go through with it (though timed the way it is the house won't be as clean, but it does smell like dinner :P Mmm, chicken taco chili), but I hadn't thought of those words to say. that's perfect!

I still am in shock over this :P

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congrats silversabre!!! its such a good feeling when you get a family!!! so happy for you!

good luck to you and me daycare.. i have one tonight too.. MANY blessings

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thats good advice black cat.. I have to try to remember to always be open to new families, never know when you need to go to that waiting list!!

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I am so happy for you! I think, from everything I have read on here, that you are a fabulous provider! Keep that confidence up, and you will have a waiting list! Everything will be great, and this could be your best family yet!!!

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Gah! I read thorugh this whole thread and then realized it's almost 6 months old

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You aren't alone... I did it earlier too! Grrrrrr!

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6 months old--grrr

a tip on the smell thing... I turn my oven down to 170* (lowest it will go) and put some essential oil into a pie tin and leave it cracked. In 15 minutes my entire house smells like heaven. (Lavendar, vanilla, orange oil work best imho) I always do that right before interviews, after dinner and in the morning when I am prepping for the day. Everyone ALWAYS comments on how amazing my house smells.

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I always super clean my house before interviews, dress in khakis and a collared polo shirt, give them a tour, offer then a drink, then sit down and go over my handbook. I look at them in the eye and smile and ask them what questions they have for me. I don't go on a long rant about my services- I do that in the ad, and if they ask me about them.

If I remember you live in the next town over. I charge 40/day full time.

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