We spoke to Kelly Ong, Team Lead for Junior Perm Role, Mass and Project Recruitment at Adecco Singapore, about current hiring trends and industry-specific interview questions. She shares her wisdom here.
Can you share on the current hiring trends for this industry ? What are employers looking for, what’s the industry outlook, and what are the skills they are prizing?
There is a growing demand for afterschool or high-quality childcare services, driven by the increasing prevalence of dual-income families where both parents work during the day, leaving limited options for the supervision of their children.
Due to this, employers in the childcare sector prioritise candidates with relevant hands-on experience. Individuals with a genuine passion for childcare and the ability to provide attentive and compassionate care are also highly valued, even if they lack prior experience.
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What are some of the industry-specific questions that tend to be asked during interviews in your industry, and how are they best answered?
Here’s two questions that are commonly asked, and my suggestions on how to prepare beforehand that will best impress your interviewer.
“What is your current teaching style and arrangement?”
Before going for your interview, it is good to conduct research on what is the school’s specific education style, and whether it is something you are familiar with or able to quickly adapt to. That way, you can bring it up during the interview.
“Why do you want to leave your previous job?”
Try and shift the focus on the prospects that the next employer can provide you, rather than on your ex-employer.
If you’re already in ECCE and simply shifting from one school to another, it’s likely that the job role and salary range won’t differ much, so it’s better to raise up how important professional and organisation values are for you, and how these factors are linked to your enthusiasm to join a new employer.
Are there any particular jobs in your industry that also have very specific questions? How are they best answered?
Employers may ask specific questions about your experience at your previous company, and if you come from a teaching background of any sort, ask questions such as:
- The number of teaching hours you handled.
- The types of students you taught, including their levels and backgrounds.
- Whether the classes were conducted online or in person.
It’s best to be a bit generic with your responses, of if the prior experience doesn’t really help in this new role, decline to answer, citing confidentiality considerations.
Are there any situational questions that tend to be asked for your industry, and how are they best answered?
Interviewers often present candidates with real-life scenarios or hypothetical educational situations they may encounter if they join the school.
These exercises do not have definitive right or wrong answers; instead, they aim to evaluate a candidate’s ability to think critically and develop effective strategies.
The key focus is on demonstrating a clear thought process and strong problem-solving skills to address the challenges presented.
Are there any technical or skill tests (written, hands-on or project) that could be accompanied with an interview has part of the hiring process for any roles in your industry? What are they usually like, and what is the best way to approach them?
Not particular. Just remember that, ultimately, a genuine commitment to service is what employers in this industry are looking for. They also prioritise candidates who possess a passion for delivering quality care to children.
This article was done in collaboration with Adecco.
