How to Interview Nannies
After you have decided what you need your nanny or nannies to do, you can have a list of questions and materials that you would ask for when you interview.
One bit of advice, try to quiet down and bring forth your parental instinct before you call or interview someone. It’s all too often that we are bogged down with daily chores or tangled in work other life stuff up until the interview time. Take a moment to clear your mind and take a deep breath. Be prepared to focus and sense for your beloved child (children) and yourself for a perfect fit of a nanny. Trust me, you don’t want to keep spending time to train nannies that are not going to work out. It is personal, tedious, slow and therefore painful when it doesn’t work out. Have a pen and paper ready, write down the first impressions quickly, as they might come in handy.
Ask the basic questions over the phone first, this will help screen out people who are not a good fit. If you have a special needs child, be sure to ask if they feel comfortable and confident that they can attend to that special requirement. Oh, and if you have pets in the workplace (especially if they are large or unique), you should state that upfront too.
Besides finding out their experience with the specific age group children you are looking for (infants, babies, toddlers, grade-schoolers…), the following are some of the things you want to consider:
First, find out what the interviewee is looking for financially. If your hours and pay meets the needs of your nanny, it is more likely to work out. Let’s face it, very few people are out there looking for a nanny job as a hobby. If you want to keep someone, you need to consider their needs too. Find out how many hours a week they want to work, how much they want to get paid and how long will the commute be if they work for you. If they are looking for a full time nanny job, do they expect paid vacation days, sick days. If yes, how many days. Are they flexible in the times that they come. Many full time nannies, especially with good qualifications, are not willing to be flexible in their schedule. What does this mean? It means their hours are 9-5 everyday, period. If you want them to come later in the day so you can go out to dinner that night within the 8 hours you are paying, you have to pay 3 hours extra. Also, how soon do they need a job? If they are in dire need of a job, you might want to find out why? Keep in mind, good nannies also interview their employer as they are interviewed.
Second, ask for qualifications. The must-haves are driver’s license (full name and number, in case if you want to check their criminal and driving records), address, phone numbers, references (past clients or associates), first aid and CPR certificates (any other certificates that meed your needs), working permit and SSN, DMV driving record (if they are required to drive your children around).
Lastly and most importantly, ask them to bring pictures of children they care(d) for and their own families (with or without children). Better yet, if they have children, ask them to bring them along. You can tell a lot by looking at the pictures and asking them a few simple questions. It’s a good idea to find out a little personal background info, such as how many jobs they have, who they live with and if they are dating. Yes, if you are hiring someone to watch your children, especially if they are coming into your home regularly, you have the right to ask them some personal questions. If you don’t wish any family member or significant other to show up when at nanny work hours, make that clear in the beginning.
For face to face interviews, it might help to have someone else with you for a second set of opinions. Of course, don’t ask someone you don’t trust to attend, it’ll only complicate things. It’s usually better to interview them when your child(ren) are around. It’s good to see the interaction between the potential nanny and your child(ren).
Give yourself ample time to talk to references, think things over and process info with partners or advisers. If you decide on a nanny, always make the first 2-3 weeks a try out period, for both parties.
Boy, I can’t believe I went through this so many times. It’s hard work. Good luck!
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