Congratulations! The first hurdle has been overcome! The invitation to an interview shows that your application was interesting and that the employer liked it. Now you have the opportunity to emphasize your strengths and better assess whether you will fit in with the new work team and place.
With the questions, answers and tips from this blog, you will come a big step closer to your dream job as a teacher or child care worker. It will give you security and clarity and help you to master the job interview in a relaxed and confident manner.
As an educator, you are responsible for looking after and supporting children. Your job is to observe the behavior of your charges and accompany them in their natural development. In doing so, you always take pedagogical principles into account and see these as the basis for all your actions. You then adjust your educational measures accordingly.
Application for educator
You are keen to help children with both their physical and mental development. You play with them yourself and give them lots of affection, attention and love. You do sports, sing, do crafts and dance with them. You regularly document your work and from time to time you hold consultations with parents or other relatives.
In addition, you will assist with meal preparation and monitor compliance with hygiene rules. You will also develop community rules and ensure that they are adhered to. You will plan and organize joint activities and events, attend team meetings and communicate with your colleagues to discuss current challenges and problems.
In a daycare center, you will work with children every day, work closely with your colleagues and interact with parents. Interpersonal relationships are very important. Therefore, your potential employer wants to know not only your professional skills, but also your social and personal competencies.
How does a job interview work?
Every conversation is different, but the process is similar.
greeting
Introduction of the daycare center and the positions to be filled, presentation of your own CV
Intensive questions to the applicant to determine motivation and suitability
Opportunity for the applicant to ask questions
if necessary, salary negotiations, further action and farewell
Tip No.1 - Being well informed about the daycare center and the educational concept is very good for your application
In the days before the interview, you should visit the daycare center's website. Find out as much as you can about the potential employer and browse the website thoroughly. Read more about the organizational structure, principles and educational concept. Make notes of any questions or comments you may have. A well-prepared interview, in which you demonstrate your knowledge of the facility and the educational method, leaves a very positive impression.
You will already know a lot of information about the size, location and sponsor of the facility. But do you also have insight into the facility's long-term goals, how it works and certain procedures? Would you like to visit your potential future workplace? Don't be afraid to ask for a tour of the facility.
Tip No. 2 - Prepare answers and questions or what you can ask as an educator when applying
Even if you don't yet know exactly what to expect as an applicant, you can still assume that certain questions will most likely be asked. Therefore, it is important to go through your application documents carefully.
The daycare center manager is already familiar with your CV and will probably ask you to tell us something about yourself. It is advisable to practice your self-presentation in advance, ideally in front of a trusted person who can give you feedback. So that you do not just repeat your CV, you should already be able to answer the following questions in your self-presentation: What are your strengths? What motivates you to take this job? What experience and qualifications do you have? Use the statements “I am…”, “I can…” and “I would like to…” as a guide and make appropriate notes before practicing.
Do you have gaps in your CV? Then you should have a plausible explanation for them. Be honest and give an answer that fits your personal situation. Stand by your career!
The potential employer may ask you challenging questions to examine you more closely. Be authentic here too. Practice in advance; some examples of questions could be: Why did you apply to us? What are your educational priorities? What do you think a good settling-in period should be like? Are you familiar with the education and upbringing plan? How important is parental work for you? How do you define teamwork? What strengths and weaknesses do you see in yourself? We would be happy to discuss your answers and prepare them together. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Think about your first experiences in practical work in the daycare center. How did you solve different situations? You should remember this before the interview. When answering questions , include practical examples that underline your skills, even if your professional experience comes from a different field.
Tip No.3 - Feel free to ask questions as soon as you are given the opportunity
Of course, the question of your salary is also of interest to you. It is important to know that day care centers in Germany are run by different providers. The public service collective agreement applies to many public, church, social and some private day care centers. In this collective agreement, salaries are set according to pay group. You should ask for a contract offer and also state your salary expectations.
Tip No.4 - Don't forget to ask for feedback and show interest in another appointment
Ask for feedback if you haven't received any yet. Share your opinion and show interest in how the selection process continues. If no internship is planned yet, ask about a possible date for it. However, some daycare centers prefer to discuss the interview internally within the team before making a decision. Be transparent if you have other interviews and by when you need or have to make a decision.
Make a good and well-groomed impression!
Be honest and think of answers that are authentic and match your personality. This also applies to your clothing! Don't dress up for the interview. Show your true personality.
Thorough interview preparation will boost your confidence and make a positive impression, which can help you land your dream job.
We wish you lots of fun and success!
We are happy to provide you with further tips and tricks free of charge.
Your daycare job agency
Vladislava Ivanova