If you’re a newly qualified or a trainee nursery nurse looking for your first role it can be exciting and daunting at the same time. You enjoy working with children but how do you go about landing a dream job doing exactly what you love?
We’ve put together a guide to help you not only find the right role for you but to ensure your CV and application stand out from the crowd.
How to find a nursery nurse job.
There are thousands of nurseries across the country to choose from and one of the best ways to search for nursery nurse positions is looking at job websites.
You can also scan the weekly jobs section in your local paper. If you’re familiar with the area and have undertaken training in a nursery, speak to them about any job opportunities they might have or know of.
How to write your nursery nurse CV and application form.
Your CV and application show off your skills and experience and you need to make sure they are up to date and the best they can be.
For more tips on writing a killer CV click here
For both newly qualified nursery nurses and for trainees looking for an employer to reach early years teacher status, you’ll need to include:
What qualifications do you need for a nursery nurse?
Employers expect a good level of literacy and numeracy so good GCSEs (A* - C) in English, Maths and Science. A relevant qualification in childcare such as a BTEC or NVQ in childcare or the main qualification in England, the Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Work experience.
Details of any work experience you have undertaken that is relevant to the job you are applying for, plus any skills and knowledge you may have learned from it.
Volunteering.
Any voluntary work you have done, such as helping with local childcare groups or if you have volunteered at a school.
References.
They should be recent referees, preferably in a related area, and willing to be contacted.
Soft skills.
The ability to work as a team, good communication skills etc.
In your covering letter, you can include reasons why you want to work as a nursery nurse and what you can bring to the job.
How to prepare for a nursery nurse interview.
The interview can seem daunting but provided you have prepared for it, you should sail through. Think about the types of questions you will be asked, rehearse the answers and make sure you know as much as you can about the job in question.
- Research your future employer – find out all you can about them online. Look at their website, check out Ofsted reports, see if there are any news stories about them.
- Think about why you want to work as a nursery nurse and practise answering that question because it will come up.
- Other questions that might arise include: How can you help children develop confidence and independence? Can you work as part of a team? How can you make learning fun? How can you ensure the children are kept safe? What skills/benefits will you bring to the nursery? What volunteering/work experience have you undertaken?
- Dress smartly but appropriately for the position you’re applying for. You’re not going to be working in an office but you are going to be dealing with small children and poster paints so think practically.
- And finally, read up on latest developments in nursery nursing and be aware of what’s happening in the industry on a wider scale.
