Interview Protocol

The much-anticipated interview shouldn't have you going through a roller coaster of emotions. Prep like a pro with these tips.

Congratulations, sitters! You've dazzled a parent with your resume, flawless background check and supercute profile pictures of you surrounded by babies, and now you've made it to the interview. You want to nail it.

Undoubtedly, the time leading up to your interview can leave your nerves feeling a little jittery, but by keeping a few things in mind, you can minimize those anxious feeling (and leave the nail-biting at home!). Use these tips and suggestions to learn how to rock the interview while letting your shining personality and unparalleled responsibility come through.

REHEARSE

The more you prepare for the interview, the more confident you'll feel. You'll want to try to anticipate the interviewer's questions (cheat sheet!), and think about how you would answer them. Whenever possible, cite specific incidents or stories instead of generalizing. Practice your responses over and over until you're comfortable with answering just about anything. But do NOT memorize your responses word-for-word, or else you'll come across more robotic than competent.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Arrive with your personal presentation at its best! Dress in something nicer than your everyday clothes, but not something in which you'll appear uncomfortable. Steer away from short or tight skirts that might make it difficult to bend or kneel, as you will most likely be meeting or playing with the child at some point. Make sure your clothes are pressed and wrinkle-free, free of pet hair and not faded or torn. It's usually a good idea to stay away from extremely bright colors, short skirts or jeans on your first meeting. Treat a babysitting interview like a serious work interview-anything you would not wear to interview at IBM should not be worn to an initial sitting interview!

ARRIVE ON TIME

Punctuality is crucial - parents need you to be on time so that they can arrive on time themselves. Not to mention it makes parents question your ability to arrive on time in the future. To avoid being late, map out your route, consider construction barriers, create alternative routes if necessary, etc. (If you don't want to arrive too early, stake out a coffee shop close by to kill some time.) Do whatever you need to do - conduct a test run, set your clock ahead, etc. - to make sure you're punctual.

COME PREPARED

Illustrate your enthusiasm for the job by offering your important information to the parent before they have to ask. Come prepared with the following items:

• Cell phone, so you can call the interviewer if you're running late
• Resume
• Driver's license, ID
• List of questions to ask the interviewer
• Copies of any certifications you have, including CPR, first aid or the Heimlich maneuver
• Printed copy of the Sittercity feedback you've received from other pet owners/parents
• A list of your references (names, phone numbers, email addresses, their relation to you) for the interviewer to keep
• Proof of bonding/insurance, if applicable
• A blank notepad and pen to take notes about the pet and job
• Your schedule/daily planner in case the interviewer requests a follow-up meeting or trial sitting/mother's helper job before the actual job

BE EAGER, ALERT AND INTERESTED

Once you've arrived to your interview on time, looking great and well prepared, be alert, eager and interested in what the parent has to say. The way you interact with the parent is extremely important; this is an indication of how you will act around the child or children. So, treat this time as not only an interview, but also a "get to know each other" session. Relax and be yourself, but remember those manners your mother taught you!

ASK QUESTIONS

The interviewer isn't the only one who should be asking questions. If you're worried that you might forget some important questions, it never hurts to bring a list with you. You can even download a list of questions from Sittercity.com and then add your own. Parents will appreciate the fact that you've come to the interview prepared and that you've obviously put a lot of forethought into the meeting.

CHARM THE CHILDREN

When it comes time to meet the child or children, make a special effort to make a good impression on them, too! Keep in mind that it's usually best to get on the child's level when talking to them. Bending down or getting on your knees to meet them face-to-face is never a bad idea. Take an interest in what kids have to say and ask them about their favorite toys or movies, if they play any sports, etc. In most cases, the parent will ask the child's opinion about a potential sitter, and if the kids are already crazy about you after the first interview, this will carry a lot of weight!

SMILE!

Finally, while it might seem really simple, never forget to smile! After all, having fun is what kids like to do most. A parent not only looks for a sitter who's responsible and trustworthy, but one who's cheerful and good-natured, too. A little smile goes a long way and with all these interview tips in mind, you're already ahead of the game - you've every reason to smile!