When you speak with a camp – maybe by email, phone or Skype – that’s after you’ve been accepted of course, you may wonder what it is they will ask, and what they are wanting to hear.
Here’s few tips.
I have witnessed many different Camp Directors interview styles, in person…. and the one thing I can tell you for SURE – is that they are all different. They all look for different things in a person – and sometimes that can change between directors of the same camp.
Have you heard of the Halo Effect? In recruitment – we tend to hire, or like others, that are most like ourselves. We think we did a good job and so someone ‘just like us’ would be perfect. It’s a classic ‘no no’ in the world of HR – but it happens all the time. We can’t help it – we automatically get along with others with similar values as ourselves.
So – take a Camp Director – he or she will be most likely to hire someone they like. Full Stop. They obviously have been drawn to your application because you have skills they are looking for – so your job is to be ‘liked’ during your interview with the camp.
Sidenote – some camps will just hire you based on your video and what you have written, phew!
Ok – so back to being ‘liked’.
- Talk about your skills and talents with enthusiasm – smile – they can’t see it but they will ‘feel’ it – it makes a big difference to your voice.
- Be passionate about your skills and what you could offer their camp.
- Be interested in their camp – ask questions. You know what it’s like when you meet a new person and they really seem interested in you. You get along with them better, more quickly.
- Be honest – no point telling them you are a trained Lifeguard – if you are not.
- Be flexible – don’t tell them what you can’t do but be open to holding up your hand to learn what it is you need to know before you get to camp.
- Listen – DO NOT speak over the person interviewing you – wait till they have finished speaking before you start your reply.
- Don’t ask what ‘you’ll get’ from the camp (time off, internet access etc)
They will be looking for someone who is knowledgable and proficient in the skill listed on the application form. If you get a call – or a Skype request – that’s your chance to get the interviewer to ‘like’ you.
Some Camps will talk mostly about your skills.
Others will ask you about your childcare experience.
Others will ask about why you want to go to camp – do you have enough money.
And then there will those camps that are mostly concerned with your personality and how you’ll integrate with the returning staff they have already hired to come back.
So – good luck – hope these tips helped.
Check your email – and your junk folder – daily. Make sure you voicemail is ‘appropriate’, and your Facebook page too.
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