Source : http://www.thebestnannyservices.com/christines-blog/2013/2/12/tips-for-parents-interviewing-nannies.html
Interviewing nannies can be difficult and stressful process because you are trying to pick the best candidate to care for your child and you want to make sure you make the correct decision.
The first thing to remember is be easy on yourself. Acknowledge and let go of the stress, remember you are in control of the situation and in charge of choosing the nanny. Trust your maternal and gut instincts. However, do not confuse instincts with being judgmental. Never judge a nanny based on what you think they are before you sit down and chat with them. Each nanny is different in her experiences, beliefs, discipline techniques, and overall personality and there is one that is a fantastic fit for your family! So remember, you are in charge and you have the maternal and instinctual skills to choose the best candidate for your family.
Important questions to ask:
Other important questions to ask if they apply to your family
Next ask the nanny if she has any questions for you about you, the children, the job, requirements, etc. Engage the nanny in a conversation. Ask where she was raised, what her parents do, etc. It is important for you to feel comfortable and as though you can work with and trust her. The nanny could look fantastic on paper and interview like a pro but if her personality and yours do not mix then she is not the right nanny for your family.
Remember while you want to know as much as possible about a nanny and her experience, why she left previous jobs, etc you need to remember that she is a person with feelings. She has loved and cared about each of her previous charges so you may ask about her jobs, tasks included, and skills that she believes she would bring to your family but do not ask which child or family was her favorite or least favorite. I say this because like you love each of your children in different ways for their differences nannies love their previous charges a similar way. Asking that question could make the nanny uncomfortable or awkward and honestly that information does not have anything to do with the nanny that she could be with your family.
Lastly, remember we are always here for you to help you with all of your childcare needs. Give us a call if you need help or have questions about how to properly interview a nanny! Your domestic bliss is our main priority! Give us a call at 904-471-1500 or 561-371-1067.
Interviewing nannies can be difficult and stressful process because you are trying to pick the best candidate to care for your child and you want to make sure you make the correct decision.
The first thing to remember is be easy on yourself. Acknowledge and let go of the stress, remember you are in control of the situation and in charge of choosing the nanny. Trust your maternal and gut instincts. However, do not confuse instincts with being judgmental. Never judge a nanny based on what you think they are before you sit down and chat with them. Each nanny is different in her experiences, beliefs, discipline techniques, and overall personality and there is one that is a fantastic fit for your family! So remember, you are in charge and you have the maternal and instinctual skills to choose the best candidate for your family.
Important questions to ask:
- Why have you chosen to be a nanny?
- What are some things that you love about being a nanny?
- What are your strengths? How do you think those help you in caring for children?
- What are your weaknesses? Do they effect you ability to be an excellent nanny?
- Are you comfortable driving the children to sports, school, activities, etc?
- Are you able to swim?
- Do you have any life threatening allergies that we should be aware of?
- Would you be ok with staying home with my children if they are sick or unable to attend school?
- What is your availability?
- Do you have any days that you must have off or upcoming plans that you would need days off for (i.e. vacations, a wedding, funeral, etc?)
- Do you have children? What are their ages? What would your plan be if your child falls ill and is unable to go to their summer camp or school?
- How would you handle my child if they stated to have a temper tantrum while you are out? Would you handle the situation differently if you were at home? How so?
- What are your discipline methods?
- Would you feel comfortable adhering to our house rules and discipline methods?
- What do you typically wear to work?
- Are you able to make and within reason adhere to a daily schedule for the child?
- Do you consider yourself an organized person? Can you give me an example?
- Do you plan things out or wait until the last minute to complete tasks and assignments?
Other important questions to ask if they apply to your family
- Are you comfortable with pets?
- Would you be willing to travel with us?
- Are you comfortable travelling domestically and internationally?
- Are you comfortable taking a child around a city you are unfamiliar with to go to museums, sports, activities, etc?
- Do you get motion sick?
- Are you comfortable going to church with us?
- Are you comfortable signing a confidentiality agreement?
- Would you be able to use an epi pen if my child is going into anaphylactic shock?
- Are you comfortable teaching our child about our religion and beliefs?
- What is your college degree in?
- Are you able to teach our child.... (list out things you would like the nanny to teach your child i.e. abc's, numbers, how to add and subtract, reading, etc.)
- Are you able to adhere to our house rules, dress code/ uniform requirements?
Next ask the nanny if she has any questions for you about you, the children, the job, requirements, etc. Engage the nanny in a conversation. Ask where she was raised, what her parents do, etc. It is important for you to feel comfortable and as though you can work with and trust her. The nanny could look fantastic on paper and interview like a pro but if her personality and yours do not mix then she is not the right nanny for your family.
Remember while you want to know as much as possible about a nanny and her experience, why she left previous jobs, etc you need to remember that she is a person with feelings. She has loved and cared about each of her previous charges so you may ask about her jobs, tasks included, and skills that she believes she would bring to your family but do not ask which child or family was her favorite or least favorite. I say this because like you love each of your children in different ways for their differences nannies love their previous charges a similar way. Asking that question could make the nanny uncomfortable or awkward and honestly that information does not have anything to do with the nanny that she could be with your family.
Lastly, remember we are always here for you to help you with all of your childcare needs. Give us a call if you need help or have questions about how to properly interview a nanny! Your domestic bliss is our main priority! Give us a call at 904-471-1500 or 561-371-1067.
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