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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

interview clothes

18 replies

JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 15:41

I'm a nanny, going to be interviewing with a family next week. My normal interview wear is : grey relaxed fit skinny Jeans (so not skin tight) and a simple top (thinking pale pink) with a floral Cardie and ballet pumps. Im 21 yrs old, size 6 and well groomed.
My thinking for wearing that outfit is its something I would normally wear at work. Its practical (I know that I can run easily in it, climb trees, generally keep up with children ect)
Employers have always said I look professional, modest and practical, but still keep my identity which is nice. (it seemed to be very important to previous families with young girls that I set a good example).
Im flapping a bit as this family are..... Very very very well off. Is it still ok to wear that outfit? Or will they expect a higher standard?
My friend says wear office trousers but my mum says don't change cos I can't work in office trousers and if I turn up on the first day (if I get it) I'll be in different clothes. I should show them what they'll get at the interview.
What do others think?

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SoFetch · 11/05/2014 15:43

I agree with your friend. Turning up to work is different to turning up for an interview. They'll expect you to be wearing something more practical for work. However at an interview I would go for something smarter.

Artandco · 11/05/2014 15:49

I would wear a casual blazer with dress/ skirt/ tights tbh. Or blazer with different colour smart trousers.

Depending on family, you might need to be smart on certain occasions anyway. Travelling with them, to events, meetings with childrens teachers at private schools etc..

JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 16:10

The children are home schooled so no meetings with private schools to worry about. My role as well as looking after the children I will be teaching them to ride and taking the eldest hunting over the season. The role doesn't include travel.
Could I add a blazer to what I am thinking of wearing instead of the cardie? I have one that would fit with the look well.

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nannynoss · 11/05/2014 16:11

I never wear jeans to an interview but I always try to look homely. I normally wear black leggings (good quality, or 2 pairs so they look thick!) plus a long smart/casual top. Like a long sleeved blouse maybe that covers my bum. Plus smart flat shoes.
That way, you look smart on very first impression, but can also comfortably sit on the floor or jump on a trampoline if required during the interview.
You don't want to be so smart that you're all stiff. Not many other job interviews require being clambered on by kids or rolling around on the grass ;)

JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 16:23

Haha yeah! Im also aware that they have "large and energetic" dogs (5 of them I think) and I'll be introduced to their horses and shown where mine could be stabled.
I'm the only candidate that can ride which is a skill they really want. (im also a qualified instructor). So my working clothes will be Jeans or joddies.
Should I keep the Jeans but put a shirt-type top with it?

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JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 16:24

Just had a thought - I'll call my agency! They'll know (I hope)

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grabaspoon · 11/05/2014 18:01

I am about to start a new job - Interview 1 I wore a summer dress and heels, we met at a coffee shop, and then interview 2 I wore skinny jeans, a long top and boots.

I agree 1st impressions count and would normally go with dark trousers, and a smart top.

JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 18:10

I agree about first impressions but chances are im going to be with 2 children, 5 big dogs and seeing a stable with 7 horses in. and there is a small chance they might want me to demonstrate my riding skills so I'll need to be able to get my boots over my trousers (so skirts are out).
I'll phone my agency tomorrow and see what they say.

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eurycantha · 11/05/2014 18:51

You could always wear the outfit you have chosen and explain to the parents..I wore slightly more casual clothes than I usually would at an interview as We would be going around the stables.

JokersGiggle · 11/05/2014 19:46

That's a good idea! Why didn't I think of that lol. I'll wear the planned outfit and say why Smile

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MuscatBouschet · 11/05/2014 19:56

I've interviewed lots of nannies. Never cared what they wore. They would generally wear casual clothes. I love the idea of smart jeans and a blazer. Remember your prospective employers won't be old people!!!

OutragedFromLeeds · 11/05/2014 21:39

I'd go for casual clothes. I've been for an interview like this. I did the smart jeans/top/boots thing. When I got there they laughed at my 'city ways' and gave me some wellies!!

For a normal interview I go smart/casual.

I'd only do very smart for a job with a very formal family (you'd know from the job ad/agency if that was required).

I think dress for the role you're interviewing for.

OutragedFromLeeds · 11/05/2014 21:39

I'd go for casual clothes. I've been for an interview like this. I did the smart jeans/top/boots thing. When I got there they laughed at my 'city ways' and gave me some wellies!!

For a normal interview I go smart/casual.

I'd only do very smart for a job with a very formal family (you'd know from the job ad/agency if that was required).

I think dress for the role you're interviewing for.

NannyLouise29 · 11/05/2014 22:29

Agree with Outraged

You'll know in advance they "type" of family you're interviewing with, and dressing for the role you're interviewing for will help the family to see you as their new nanny.

I think that this type of family (I've interviewed with one like this too - large country estate, hunters, lots of dogs) want to see you as someone who could happily go for a wander down to the stables without acting in a prissy fashion. Won't freak out if the dogs jump on you. If absolutely necessary, happy to jump on the back of a horse. (I drove a quad bike at my interview!) Likely mum will interview you in boots and a body warmer. Practical and not scruffy :)

Good luck!

sleeplessinderbyshire · 11/05/2014 23:46

both times we've employed someone they've come to interview in skinny jeans boots and a smartish but not office-wear style top. Clearly having made a bit of an effort but dressed to be able to get on the floor and play with the toddler

Good luck, sounds like a fab job

JokersGiggle · 12/05/2014 08:26

Just got off the phone with the agency. Apparently mum is a very well groomed and is covered in designer gear. Dad works in London but adores the country. He'll be interviewing me as will the childrens tutors. Agency said all their staff are casual unless there is an event going on. But not to worry as for the event I'll be given extra pay to fund an outfit, i'm not expected to have any smart clothes ready.
Love big dogs so not worried in that area.
Not worried at all with the horses side, been around them all my life and have 2 of my own.
So I'll stick to grey Jeans and decide the top on the day so I can dress for the weather. Smile

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Buttercup27 · 12/05/2014 08:31

Good luck ! Please tell us how you get on ! Wear clothes you are comfy in and practical. Take your riding boots and wellies just in case!

nannynoss · 12/05/2014 11:11

Yes, let us know how you get on!
How nice that you will be able to have your horses in their stables too. Smile

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