help getting a nursery job

help getting a nursery job

by: danni - 18-12-07 00:44

Hi,

I have a CACHE level 2 in childcare, and have been to many interviews that i have not been successful in as they always seen to take on level 3 qualified. I find it really hard to impress them so much that they will take me on instead.

I have just been to a play session that went really well and they have invited me back for an interview but because of past interviews i am really scared i might lose it to someone else. Can you give me any ideas that will blow there heads off and choose me???

Thankyou  

by: sally lynham

the best advice i can give you is to know your stuff read as much about the EYFS etc as you can. Let your interviewers know you are keen to learn and further your qualifications and if you are un successful this time do voluntary work until you find a job, nothing impresses interviewers as much as passion for the job, lets face it childcare will never make you rich. Good luck.

by: sparky's bird

Hi Danni,

You need to think of all your strengths and really sell yourself. Read through your course notes to refresh yourself. Make sure they know you are keen to learn and undertake any training they may want. Make sure you know a bit about the company or nursery you are applying to. Look at any information they sent you with the application, was there a person specification or a job description? If so make sure you can say how you meet all the requirements there. If they don't cover it in the interview and they give you the opportunity to ask questions, ask about opportunities for personal development and further training. This lets them know you are eager to learn. Find a book from the library on interview technique to help build your confidence. If this one doesn't work out don't give up. Ask them for feedback, ask what you could do to improve your chances. While you are waiting for a job offer do some voluntary or agency work to get a bit of experience. I would rather employ a level 2 with experience and train them up than have a level 3 with no experience. Good luck and don't give up, not many of us are lucky enough to walk into every job we apply for.

by: Margos

Hi Danni,

I'm sorry you didn't get the jobs you went for. It is true what they say though, there is always a better job around the corner. The jobs I am usually thank ful that I have not got the job I thought I wanted before I went to the interview. Even when that has not been the case it is not long before something else comes up. Sometimes the person appointed does not last long and you do wonder why.

You are obviously a tryer and you believe in yourself; if you didn't you would not even apply. I would say concentrate on what you know you are good at. Take control in the interview. Put yourself forward. Don't wait for them to make all the moves. If you are not sure of an answer you can either bluff your way through or be honest and say that at your stage of experience you have not come across ... and ask for their advice!!!  

All the very best. Let me know how you get on

Margaret

www.proceedc.com

by: kerrance

I seem to be having the same difficulty getting a job, although my problem is im either too qualified or not experienced enough.

I have my DCE level 3 at a high grade, which I gained in June. I have been for numerous interviews with no succes.  I signed up with an agency and have been doin supply work at a local childrens centre for the past 6 months. I recently went for an interview and was told supply work didn't count as experience, I feel its pointless applying for jobs asking for a level 2 or an assistant because then you're turned down because your too qualified. Not even a shop will take you, I was turned down for a Saturday job in my first year of college because they wanted someone who would eventually go into managment and I would be leaving qualified the following year, which I understood at the time.  So, how am I meant to get experience if no one will employ me and supply work doesn't count??? I have considered leaving the agency and signing up at the jobcentre to see if that would be a better way aroud the situation but then I loose decent money (when in work) have to explain why I have left the agency to the jobcentre and future probable employers, so all in all it is just a vicious circle. It makes me wonder why I didnt quit college and take the shop job I would of been in managment by now.

Any advice would be welcom thank you