14 Nanny Interview Tips

Everyone agrees that interviewing nannies is unlike any other ordinary interview. Many parents admit to being more nervous than the nanny, even those that have been hiring and firing in their own professional careers for many years.

The whole process can be quite daunting and time consuming yet the decision will have a huge impact on every part of your family life.

My tips when interviewing nannies

1. Be really clear on what you are looking for, especially when 2 families are involved in a nanny share it's really important that you plan how you want the arrangement to work, what are your priorities, what qualities are you both looking for
2. Telephone screening. it's always a good idea to have spoken to potential candidates on the phone first. Although it's time consuming this could save you time in the long run eliminating nannies that you’re not interested in and those that potentially won’t show up for interview, which can be quite common!
3. Call Referees. If possible and time allows try and speak to one of their previous employers before the interview
4. Ask the nanny to bring all necessary documentation, original certificates, work visas, photo identification/passport, driving licence etc
5. Directions. Ensure your nanny has good directions and your contact details. Punctuality gains marks so help your nanny achieve them
6. Interview together. Do spouses want to be involved and if so at what stage? Some nannies will tell you that they find it quite intimidating being interviewed by more than one person, so tell them what to expect beforehand. Perhaps spouses could be caring for the children in another part of the house so that they can become involved once all the formalities are completed
7. Silence the phone and chose somewhere comfortable for you and the interviewee to sit where you can both see each other clearly. Be prepared, have a list of questions. Grade each answer to ensure you are being fair to each candidate. Nanny interviews can be quite relaxed and informal but it's really important that nothing gets forgotten
8. Don't make instant decisions if the perfect looking candidate arrives for interview. As above be fair and continue with the full interview, it's sometimes easy to find yourself answering questions, making things easier because of first impressions
9. If you feel something is not quite right or something bothers you then ask them the question
10. Do discuss 'the big 4', pay, hours, holidays and benefits
11. Allow enough time for each interview, it can be really embarrassing for all concerned if things over run and the next candidate is left waiting in the kitchen!
12. Don't leave it too long before making a decision. Good nannies aren't normally on the job market for long. If you think you’ve found the right candidate and are keen to go ahead only ever offer a position subject to satisfactory written references
13. Ensure you fully check references and complete a CRB check. Do not accept references which a nanny brings to interview. Previous employers are often more open on the telephone but it's also a good idea to follow up with written references thereby checking addresses, after all you could speaking to the nanny’s sister on the telephone!
14. Finally, trust your intuition.
    There is a Mary Poppins out there for everyone!