The Kita-Job Agency presents the 5 most frequently asked questions in job interviews for a job in a daycare center as well as possible answers.
The Kita-Job team finds the right job for educators and child care workers and prepares applicants for interviews and trial days.
The interview at the kindergarten is an important step in the application process for prospective kindergarten teachers. It has several crucial meanings:
Assessment of suitability: The interview allows the employer to assess the suitability of the candidate for the advertised position. During the interview, the interviewers can get to know the qualifications, experience and personality of the candidate in more detail.
Determining motivation: In kindergarten, motivation and passion for working with children is very important. The interview provides an opportunity to find out the candidate's motivation and to make sure that he or she really wants to work with children.
Clarification of expectations: The interview allows the employer to understand the candidate's expectations regarding the working conditions, team culture and the educational philosophy of the kindergarten. This helps to avoid possible misunderstandings.
Communication of values: The applicant can explain the values and principles he or she represents in working with children during the interview. The employer can also communicate the values and educational orientation of the kindergarten.
Mutual decision-making: For both the employer and the applicant, the interview is an opportunity to make the decision for or against employment at the kindergarten. It allows both sides to clarify any open questions and ensure that the collaboration is beneficial for both sides.
Overall, the kindergarten interview is a key step in ensuring that the right person is selected for the important and responsible task of caring for and raising children. It serves to create a positive and successful working environment for both the educators and the children.
In our article "How does a job interview work? How can I prepare for it? Applying to be a teacher " we explained how a job interview works and how you can prepare for it. In this article we would like to delve deeper into the topic and show you examples of questions and possible answers.
Every day we meet and talk to many educators and child care workers from all over the world. Every working day we have applicants going to interviews at kindergartens, educators attending their observation appointments and others who have received employment contracts. We not only attach great importance to finding the right job in a kindergarten, but also to preparing our candidates for the questions during the interview. Therefore, we have compiled the five most frequently asked questions from our practical experience and presented possible answers.
Question No.1 - Can you tell me more about yourself? Have you worked in a kindergarten before? Kindergarten Interview Questions
Prepare a few sentences about your educational background and your professional experience. Share the most important personal information such as your marital status, when you came to Germany (if you come from abroad) and where you have already gained experience as an educator. If you have gaps in your CV, do not hesitate to explain them. Whether it is due to family time or time off for professional orientation or learning new languages - there is no reason to be ashamed of it. If you have health problems that do not affect your work, you do not have to mention them. The experts at Kita-Job are happy to help you and give you individual tips on how best to proceed in your specific situation.
Question No.2 - Where would you rather work, in a kindergarten or in a nursery?
Assuming that the children's home is looking for educational professionals in both the crèche and kindergarten areas, you might be faced with this question. It is normal to have a preference for working with a certain age group. Nevertheless, it is advisable to be open about your preferences from the start. For some people, working with the very young children is just as much fun as working with kindergarten children. However, we recommend avoiding phrases such as "I don't care where I work" or "It doesn't matter to me whether I work in the kindergarten or the crèche". Instead, you can explain that you feel comfortable in both the kindergarten and the crèche and that you enjoy working with children of all ages.
Question No.3 - How would you react to conflicts in the team?
The question "How would you respond to conflict within the team?" is a common interview question and is designed to assess your ability to handle team conflict and your interpersonal skills. Start your answer by emphasizing how important teamwork is in childcare. You could say, "I firmly believe that positive team dynamics are crucial to ensuring the best possible care and education for the children." You could also say, "I would seek immediate dialogue to address the conflict openly and respectfully." or "I would focus on working with my teammates to find solutions that are acceptable to everyone."
Demonstrating that you are able to understand others' perspectives and show empathy for their feelings and viewpoints can help de-escalate conflict.
Question No.4 - What are your salary expectations?
"Thank you for asking. I am flexible regarding my salary expectations and understand that compensation may depend on various factors, including my qualifications and the overall package you can offer. I would first like to learn more about your offer and benefits. If you could give me more information about this, it would help me formulate a reasonable salary expectation that is fair to both you and me."
This answer shows that you are willing to enter into a discussion about salary, but also that you are flexible and open to negotiation. It is always helpful to know the exact details of the position and benefits package before you share specific salary expectations. However, if you are already in a higher salary bracket, do not hesitate to share this. No one wants to be underpaid when changing jobs.
Question No.5 - Do you have any questions?
The question "Do you have any questions?" is often asked at the end of an interview to give the applicant the opportunity to ask for more information or clarify any ambiguities. Emphasize your interest in the position and the daycare provider by asking questions. This shows that you have thoroughly researched the position and the daycare provider.
Ask questions that relate to the specific tasks and expectations of the educator role. For example, "Could you tell me more about the daily tasks and responsibilities of this position?" Ask about team dynamics and collaboration in the kindergarten. For example, "What is the team structure like in the kindergarten, and how is collaboration encouraged?"
If you are interested in professional development, you might ask about continuing education opportunities or support for professional development. For example, "Does the daycare offer opportunities for continuing education or professional development?" Ask about team dynamics and collaboration in the daycare. For example, "What is the team structure like in the daycare, and how is collaboration encouraged?"
You could also ask practical questions about the application process, such as: "What is the timeline for feedback after this interview?" Don't forget to ask for a time to sit in on the interview or when you can expect feedback at the end of the interview. You can also express your interest and desire to be part of the team right away. Uncertainty is often perceived and can later lead to a rejection from the employer.
Short summary and final tips
Remember that interview questions are not just for gathering information, but also for showing your interest and commitment to the position. Avoid asking questions that have already been answered in the job posting and be polite and respectful to interviewers.
You can benefit from our expertise free of charge by contacting us directly by email at info@kita-job.com or contact us via Facebook and Instagram . We will support you every step of the way to your dream job as a teacher in a kindergarten or daycare center.
Together we can achieve more!
Your daycare job agency
Vladislava Ivanova