Childcare interview questions – Get ready for your job interview in the childcare industry

1. Preparing for the interview

Be prepared to arrive at the interview with a good understanding of the role and the company itself. Go through the company website, local job sites and grab as much information as you can. Find out about company’s values, vision and childcare philosophy. This will help you answer the general childcare interview questions like “what do you know about this childcare centre?”.

Go through the job description carefully. Answer how your experiences match with the requirements of the job.

2. General childcare interview questions

These questions help the interviewer assess whether you are the right fit for the role. You can expect a range of questions relating your experience working with children. Also be well prepared to answer questions on the National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

Here we have compiled a list of few questions that will help you with your childcare job interview:

• Tell us about yourself and your experience working with children
• Why do you want to work in the childcare industry?
• What do you know about us?
• Which age group do you enjoy working with most, and why?
• Tell us about a challenge you might face in the workplace and how you would resolve it.
• What do you find the most challenging thing about working with children?
• How would you organize your day to ensure a classroom runs smoothly.
• How would you go about building and maintaining positive relationships with children?
• How do you develop a safe environment? (Hint: include physical, emotional, and digital safety)
• You suspect a child in your group is bullying another child. What steps would you take to approach this issue?
• How would you resolve a complaint from a parent?
• How do you keep parents up to date on classroom activities and skill development?
• Explain how you will build a team which helps inspire each other.
• Why is the EYLF so important?
• Why is childhood development so important to you, and how do you think caregivers can provide it more effectively?
• What are the most valuable qualities and key attributes a childcare staff member should have

3. Expand and modernise your preparation

Use the STAR method for behavioural questions
Many interviewers now ask behavioural questions to understand how you handle real-life scenarios. Structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR).
Example:

• • Question: “Tell us about a challenge you faced with a child or parent.”

  • Answer tip: Describe the Situation, the Task you had to complete, the Action you took, and the Result of your actions.

Prepare for online or virtual interviews
Post-COVID, many childcare interviews may be conducted via Zoom, Teams, or other online platforms. Test your technology in advance, choose a quiet space, and maintain professional attire and eye contact on camera.

Emphasise diversity, inclusion, and child safety
Interviewers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate inclusive practice and trauma-informed care. Be ready to explain how you create a safe and supportive environment for all children, respecting their unique needs and backgrounds.

4. Questions you should ask

As a common courtesy, interviewers usually give candidates time to ask any questions they might have. In your childcare interview, ask the right questions to show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role. It also helps you give an insight on what it might be like working for the childcare company and this particular role.

• What would a typical day look like for this role?
• What attributes are the company looking for in employees?
• Can you tell me a little more about work culture here?
• How does the centre support professional development for staff?
• Can you share how the centre implements the EYLF in daily practice?

5. Plan the day

First impressions are important. Taking time to plan helps you stay organised and reduce unnecessary stress. It can help you answer your interview questions with more confidence.

• Make sure you arrive for your interview on time. Plan your transport and find the travel time and distance. It is best to arrive at the interview early to avoid rush.
• Have an appropriate outfit sorted that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
• Greet the interviewer in a polite and friendly manner.
• Be open in your communications.
• Be a good listener.
• Be positive to any constructive feedback.
• Ask questions when required.
• Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for the opportunity.

6. Other requirements

As a part of recruitment process you may be asked to undergo a working with children check (WWCC). This is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child related works. It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of reportable workplace misconduct. Your future employer will provide the relevant forms for these checks.

You are now ready for your childcare job interview. Believe in yourself and this interview could be the beginning of something amazing. All the best!

Want to study Early Childhood Education? Find out more here.