Please help me out, I'm so nervous... I'm applying for a job as assistant at a pre-school!?

Question

I'm going to a great daycare to apply for a job as an assistant but I'm nervous? help?

I have my resume ready and everything but I'm so nervous. I don't want to just email them the resume because a lot of people want this position. So i want to go there and talk to them. I think I'll do a really good job and I'm enrolling in an early childhood education college soon. I love kids and I'll work hard. But I'm so nervous. I can't force myself to go.....

What do I say to them when I just come in?

Answer 1

say; how are you and run upstairs

Answer 2

if the daycare has a website, go to it and read about what they are all about, that way you have knowledge about the center.  It will also help you  to be prepared with your resume and references.  Ive worked in two daycares, the first daycare i had an interview at was a very layed back interview, the director was friendly and layed back.  She asked me questions about my experiences with children.  Be willing to share some great stories where you have made a difference in a childs life.  Be prepared to answer why you want to work with children-more than the usual statement, i love children.  It takes a special kind of person to work with young children, and you need to make  them see that.  At my 2nd interview, it was more serious, and the owner/director was kinda rude at first.  That should have told me what kind of job it was going to be.  Be prepared for a serious interview or a laid back one.  

   You could also look up the requirements you have to meet to work at a daycare.  Each state has different requirements, that way if hired, you know what to expect before its  told to you.  

   If you dont get this position, see if there are any other positions, or see if you can volunteer a few days a week.  This way, maybe when a position opens up, they will offer it to you.

    The best thing you can do is be prepared and you will do great!

Answer 3

I can't compete with behonest's answer.  But can add a little more to it.

If they have a web site, try to take a look at the web site before you go in.  Read what information they have and see if it lines up with your thinking on working with children.  If it does, don't randomly quote the web site.  But do show that your thinking is the same as theirs by sharing their ideas in your own words.  (Just don't make it look obvious).

People will usually ask the question "what would you do in this situation?" or even "how would you deal with a parent that.....?"  Remember that you are applying for an assistant position.  So give your best answer and feel free to say that if, after that, it looked like the issue could not be resolved by you, you would seek the help of the head teacher or administrator.  Having that knowledge that it's ok to not have all the experience will definitely help you relax during any interview you would have.  And the fact that you would try to handle a situation - then pass it on if it got over your head - might look really good to the interviewer.

I would take behonest's answer to heart about calling and setting up a time to come in.  If you come in and the administrator has parents to meet with in 2 minutes, she just spilled her coffee, and she happens to have a kid screaming in her ear at the moment, you might get a quick "thank you for dropping this off.  I'll call you later this week" and never hear from them again.  Call first and set up a time.

Matt

Matt

Answer 4

If you can try to volunteer there first. While volunteering, ask them what positions would be available to you.  Try to set up an appointment with the director.  Let them know your thoughts about your volunteer work, and in a few days they should know your strengths.

Answer 5

I can tell what I look for when someone comes in to my school.  I want someone that is enthusiastic, but try to stay from the usual "I love kids" statement.  Everybody says that, so be more specific.  I would rather hear something like,"I love the look on a child's face when they finally grasp a concept." or "I love the thought having an positive influence on children and being a part of their growth and development."  

   If I were you, I would call and ask to speak to the director.  Tell the director that you are interested in the assistant position and would like to drop off your resume and tour the facilities and then ask what would be the most convenient time for them.  This shows that you are eager to work there AND want to know more about the facility.  It shows that it will be more than just a job.  Let the director know about your plans and that you would like to gain some actual life experience so that you will be more prepared for your classes and will learn more from a combination of experience and education.  Good luck and don't wait too long or someone else will get  the position.  If you never try the answer will always be no, at least give yourself the opportunity to hear a yes!

Answer 6

You say hi and relax it'l be fine!