Nanny agency interview - what to wear?

[Anonymous]

So I've finally broke down and am deciding to go to some agencies for my next nanny job. I will have my current job for another 9 months (so 3 yrs in total). I am trying to make sure I have all the proper paperwork on file for when I am looking.

I have an interview with a nanny agency next week. What should I wear??

I live in Los Angeles and that is where the agency is. The weather here has been super hot (like 100+) but I think next week they are saying upper 80s/lower 90s

[Anonymous]

Business attire, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Business attire, IMO.

Thanks. That's what I figured. Thank goodness its next week, I will need to shop for something I'm sure I have slacks in my closet but if they fit - that's another story

[Anonymous]

Sounds good, OP. You want to be dressed like a professional for an agency meeting. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Business casual should be fine, but depending on who the agency is, you could do business as well. But don't look so stiff that it looks like you've never held a child.

[Anonymous]

I think business casual, especially on the West Coast (I'm in SF). Make sure your white blouse is bright white and ironed, make sure your clothes are super clean, etc. But no need to wear a business suit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think business casual, especially on the West Coast (I'm in SF). Make sure your white blouse is bright white and ironed, make sure your clothes are super clean, etc. But no need to wear a business suit.

+1

[Anonymous]

I agree, business casual for agencies. More casual dress is okay meeting with families directly.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone going shopping next week (oh darn)

I think the agency is more on the west coast than bi coastal, but not sure. I'll only be looking locally.

[Anonymous]

I went to an agency in LA and wire business attire (khaki pencil skirt, black sweater, black low heel shoes), and the agency told me to change before my interview that day. They said I was too 'attractive' and should not wear make up and put my hair in a pony tail. After that I wasn't going to work with them, so to my next agency interview I wore jeans, black cashmere sweater (sorry I know it's summer just giving an example) and ballet flats. Hair in pony tail, minimal make up. Agency told me to wear that to my interviews. I have no idea what to wear in the summer, I guess just put your hair up and try not to be 'attractive'. Westside Nannies is the best agency!

[Anonymous]

Business casual is more than appropriate for an interview with an agency. Some agencies would accept you wearing anything as long as you don't show up in jeans and a tank top.

I would wear a pair of nice pants/slacks along with a blouse. Make sure your hair looks clean and if you wear makeup, try to look as natural as possible. No need to wear high heels, a pair of nice flats is perfectly acceptable.

You could also wear a nice skirt (make sure it's down to your knees) and a casual top. Whatever you do, do not show up in a suit or you will come across as someone who is not willing to get down on the floor and engage with the children you nanny for.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Lane Bryant, Ann Taylor loft, banana republic, or big dep. Store and ask for help. Pick something you can wear to all your interviews, not trendy, not sexy, plain classic. Think librarian, not businesswomen. Don't show a lot of skin even if it is hot. No high heels. You should be able to sit on the floor in this outfit, just in case you meet children during any interviews. If this is a big expense for you right now try some of the nicer resale clothing shops and ask for help. It is very important to get it right, also be yourself, but class it up. Good luck, agencies may video tape your interview and take a photo of you to share with perspective families, so you'll want to look your best.