How To Interview A Nanny | Tips

Interviewing a Nanny isn’t your normal or formal interview. - Unless she’s Ms. Trunchbull. A Nanny wants to feel welcomed because she will be working in your home and with your children. It could be nerve wrecking to interview a Nanny for some families and can be a piece of cake to others. We understand that you didn’t get a degree in human resources. Every Nanny that has been referred through Top Notch Child Care Concierge has been interviewed and pre-screened. Once we have interviewed and pre-screened our Nannies through our Nanny agency we send over profiles of the candidates for you to schedule an interview with.

How Long Is A Nanny Interview?

A nanny interview can take up to an hour. Always free up an hour of your time prior to scheduling the interview date and time. We highly recommend both parents and possibly the children to be present during the interview. When it really comes down to it you and your children need to have a connection with your babysitter.

The Start To The Interview:

Greet your Nanny with a handshake or hug once she arrives to your home. Let your children introduce themselves. Try to conduct the interview at the dinner table to make the interview semi-formal, and it will show the Nanny that the job is serious, but fun and rewarding. Offer the nanny a glass of water or a snack. Make her feel comfortable and welcomed.

Once you have settled down with the Nanny try to send your children off, so you can get to have a non-interrupted conversation with the Nanny. Of course, you want the conversation to flow naturally, but you will need to prepare some questions. All the articles online will tell you to ask silly questions such as "Why do you like caring for children?" Trust us, you will receive the same answer. “I like caring for children because I have always had a passion for children.” Try to dig deeper so you can try to understand the Nanny.

Build A Connection:

Psychologist say that discussing someone's childhood can help build a strong relationship and trust. Try asking a question such as “What has been your funniest and favorite childhood memory, and why?” You will get to know the Nanny much more after that question.

Try to flow off that question. Next, ask what her favorite memory or experience was with the last children that she had cared for. Asking this question will make the Nanny think outside the box rather than the normal answer to normal questions. You will love every answer to this question. Like we said before – try to make the encounter a semi-formal interview. You will really understand the purpose and passion for the candidate becoming a Nanny.

Favorite Question:

Our favorite question here at Top Notch Child Care Concierge is “What is your hidden talent?” Be prepared for some funny and unique answers. This is our favorite question because it really helps us understand the Nanny on a personal level.

Unique Question:

What would you do with our children on a rainy day? – This question will allow you to see the Nannies imagination and perspective of how a rainy day with your children will be.

Discuss Long-Term & Short-Term Goals:

Now the famous question is what the Nannies long-term and short-term goals are. This is an important question especially if you are seeking a Nanny to stay with your family long-term. We always tell families that anything can arise in someone’s life and plans can change, but it’s good to set your expectations upfront. Now the famous question is what the Nannies long-term and short-term goals are. This is an important question especially if you are seeking a Nanny to stay with your family long-term. We always tell families that anything can arise in someone’s life and plans can change, but it’s good to set your expectations upfront.

Get Personal:

Try to find out about the Nannies background and how she grew up. Does the Nanny have siblings? Are her parents still around? Where is her family originally from? Once she discusses her background feel free to discuss some information about your family background.

Discuss Your Requirements:

Another question you need to ask is if the Nanny is willing to work with all of your requirements. Many Nannies know that they should conduct light house cleaning when they find the time, but if you are expecting more than lighthouse cleaning you need to inform the Nanny you are expecting other duties. If your requirements consist of pick-up/drop-offs, laundry, and cooking then you need to discuss this with the Nanny during the initial interview, so there aren’t any unforeseen issues that come up after you have hired her. Also, towards the end of the interview discuss how you will be paying the Nanny and what other benefits you can offer her. We always inform our families to discuss the rate towards the end, so the interview doesn't become a negotiation meeting and you can really get to know the Nanny.

End:

Towards the end of the interview take the Nanny to your children and she how she interacts with them for a few minutes. If your children are on the shy side then it may not go as planned, and we suggest that you shouldn't take it too personal on the Nanny.

Located above is some of our tips to interviewing a Nanny. We hope that you now have a better insight on how to interview a Nanny. At the end of the day you will know if hiring the Nanny was the right decision. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us! We are here to help.