How to interview a nanny — a first time guide for parents

You have posted your job, received some applicants and now have narrowed down the candidates and it is time to start interviewing? We have put together some top tips for nailing that nanny interview and finding the right person.

• Arrange the interview for a time when you are not distracted by work or kids so you can fully concentrate
• Having the interview at home is nice for the candidate to see their potential place of work but holding the first interview in a cafe or public place is also fine
• Depending on how many interviews you are holding or how big the job is you may want to do the first one without your children present if possible and then hold a second interview/chat with the kids and your chosen candidate
• Interview questions are best with open ended questions rather than yes or no answers
• Always good to ask why a nanny decided to leave her last position (or did it naturally come to an end as the children got older)
• Try to find out how much the person fits the profile of the job you are advertising rather than if you just ‘like’ them as a person
• Its important to know as much about your nanny as possible — what do they like doing in their spare time — do they like to keep fit? What keeps them motivated etc…
• Try to not be biased in interview and try to be as relaxed as possible
• Not being able to decide between two nannies is a good problem to have!

Some ideas for random questions you can ask to get talking:

1. Why did you choose to be a nanny?
2. Whats the best part of the job?
3. What is the hardest part of being a nanny?
4. Are you still in touch in your previous families?
5. What is your best meal to cook for a five year old ?
6. What do you like to do outside of work?

Questions you cannot ask!

1. How old are you (Instead you could say ‘are you over 25?’ )
2. Are you married (you could instead say — ‘what other commitments outside of work do you have?’)
3. What religion are you (again you could ask about other commitments outside of work on weekends etc)

Be careful and gentle in interview, use the time wisely and try to find out as much about your potential nanny as possible! Some candidates could be quite shy in interview but are fantastic nannies. Their references would be able to confirm this — so it is important to follow up references when making your decision. Good luck!

Originally published at nanny.network on February 12, 2018.