Preparing for a Job Interview: What Educators and Directors Need to Know
- Cheyanne Carter
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Job interviews in early childhood education can feel like a high-stakes moment—but with the right preparation, they’re an opportunity to demonstrate your values, your professional insight, and your commitment to quality practice. Whether you're applying as an assistant educator, lead educator, or taking the next step into a director role, thoughtful preparation and self-reflection can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to reflect on before the interview, how to prepare in a way that aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF), and how to present yourself with confidence and clarity
Know the Framework You Work Within
A strong understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS) is essential. You don’t need to recite every standard—but you should be able to talk about how your everyday practice supports high-quality education and care.
Take time to:
Familiarise yourself with the seven Quality Areas, especially those most relevant to your role.
Reflect on how your work contributes to outcomes in areas like educational program and practice (QA1), relationships with children (QA5), and health and safety (QA2).
Understand how critical reflection, continuous improvement, and family partnerships are embedded in high-performing services.
Directors and leadership applicants should also be familiar with their responsibilities under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, including documentation, staff ratios, supervision, and compliance requirements.
Reflect on Your Practice (Not Just Your Resume)
A polished resume gets you in the door, but what helps you stand out is your ability to reflect deeply on your experiences and communicate what you’ve learned. Instead of listing what you’ve done, think about why it mattered and how it made a difference.
Ask yourself:
What was a moment in your work that made you proud? What did it reveal about your values?
Have you supported a child through a challenging moment or transition? What strategies did you use?
How do you ensure your planning is responsive to children’s interests, strengths, and culture?
Have you ever changed your approach after reflecting on feedback or an outcome? What was the result?
Use these reflections to develop clear, specific examples you can draw on during the interview. The most powerful answers are those that show not only what you do, but why you do it.
Prepare to Talk About Relationships
In early childhood education, relationships are everything—and interviewers will want to hear how you build them. Think about how you develop rapport with children, work collaboratively with families, and contribute to a positive team culture.
This isn’t just about being “friendly”—it’s about being responsive, professional, and reflective.
Consider:
How do you support children to feel safe, confident, and included?
What role does cultural competence play in your practice?
How do you approach conflict or communication challenges with colleagues or families?
If you’re applying for a leadership role, reflect on how you coach and mentor others, lead by example, and create a culture of respect and accountability.
Learn the Language of the Sector
Using professional, sector-specific language helps you communicate clearly and confidently. Before your interview, spend time revisiting terms like:
“Intentional teaching”
“Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships”
“Scaffolded learning”
“Cultural competence”
“Critical reflection”
“Holistic development”
“Child agency”
“Play-based learning”
You don’t need to overuse jargon, but weaving in this language when relevant shows that you are aligned with current best practice and sector expectations.
Practical Prep: Beyond the Talking
It’s also important to prepare the basics:
Dress professionally, in a way that aligns with the service’s culture.
Bring any required documents, including Working With Children Check, qualifications, First Aid, and references.
If you're an experienced educator, consider bringing examples of your documentation or programming (just ensure they're de-identified and confidential).
For director roles, bring a copy of a QIP or leadership initiative you’ve worked on.
Finally, prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview, this shows that you're invested and curious about the service’s goals, values, and team culture.
In Summary
The best interview prep is more than memorising answers, it’s about knowing yourself, your purpose, and the professional standards that guide your work. When you can clearly articulate your practice, your growth, and your commitment to children’s wellbeing, you stand out—not just as a candidate, but as a confident, capable professional.
If you’re getting ready for an interview or exploring career growth, edubuddy offers tools and templates to help you document your practice, reflect on your work, and build confidence in key areas of the NQF.
For personalised mentoring or support stepping into leadership, explore Divergent Education’s professional development services—because great educators deserve great support.
