Nanny Interview Tips

Hiring a person to care for your small child is a decision that must be taken seriously. Having a nanny can be a wonderful thing, but considering this person is responsible for the complete care and safety of your child in your absence, there are many factors to consider before entrusting them to the job. Just like other job applicants, nannies interview with prospective clients. Parents should be ready to conduct their interviews thoroughly and carefully to make the best possible decision.

  1. Identity

    • Making sure that you know whom you are dealing with is extremely important. All applicants for a nanny position should provide a government-issued identification. These documents should be copied for your files.

      Identity checking verifies a would-be nanny's legal right to work in this country and makes a background check more accessible. Any potential nanny that you have not known your entire life should undergo a thorough background check before you leave them alone with your child.

    References

    • A nanny should provide previous work experience during the interview, including references for previous employers. If this is her first assignment, gather personal references and check them thoroughly. Do this in person, if possible.

    Public Place

    • Have the first interview with a potential nanny in a public place. Choose somewhere comfortable, like a fast-food restaurant with a kid's playground. Since you do not yet know this person, this keeps strangers out of your house and protects your family. The nanny will also appreciate this because she is protected as well.

    Working Interview

    • Once a preliminary interview has happened and the family feels comfortable with the person, ask her to come to your home for a working interview. Schedule it when you will be home with the children. You should offer to pay the nanny for her time during this interview.

      Allow the applicant to spend the day caring for the child as she would during a normal day of work. Stay out of sight for the most part, but observe her actions. Meet afterward to talk about what you approved or disapproved of throughout the day.

    Emergencies

    • Be sure that the nanny is familiar with emergency procedures. Ask about 911 calls, choking hazards related to small food, or what to do in other emergency situations. Ask if she is CPR certified. If she says yes, ask to see documentation.

    Philosophy

    • Once the specifics are out of the way, ask her about her philosophy on raising children. See how she really feels about children. Find out how her view on discipline. Ask her what her childhood was like, how she feels about the way she was raised. These stories will provide insight into how the nanny thinks; they will also help you decide whether to offer her the job.

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