Hiring Guide: Interview Tips & Suggestions

Make Sure the Basics Are Covered Before You Interview Nannies

• Authorized to work in the United States
• Fluent English (speak, read & write)
• Drug-free
• No criminal record
• Excellent driving record
• Able to swim
• Have a reliable car
• CPR & First Aid Certified (prior to beginning work in the home)
• Have a stable, verifiable work history
• Minimum of three (3) years of private duty childcare experience.
• Knowledge of Child Development specific to the age of your children

How to Interview Nannies

Here Are the Most Important Topics to Discuss during Your Nanny Interviews.

Finding the right nanny for your family is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration and thoughtful planning. The nanny interview is a key step in your process, allowing you to assess candidates and ensure they align with your family’s values and needs. In this blog, we’ll discuss what families should look for in a nanny interview to make an informed and confident choice.

Communication Skills

• Look for a nanny who communicates effectively. This includes not only verbal communication but also the ability to actively listen.
• Assess their clarity in expressing thoughts and ideas, as this is vital for understanding and responding to your child’s needs.

Compatibility with Your Family Values

• Discuss your family’s values and parenting philosophy to ensure alignment with the prospective nanny’s approach.
• Clarify expectations regarding discipline, screen time, and any other specific practices important to your family.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Childcare often involves unexpected situations. Assess the nanny’s ability to adapt to changes and handle unforeseen circumstances with composure.
• Inquire about their flexibility in terms of working hours and any willingness to accommodate additional responsibilities.

Initiative and Creativity

• Ask about their approach to planning activities that promote learning and creativity.
• Assess their ability to come up with ideas for age-appropriate games, educational activities, and outings.

Safety Awareness

• Ensure the nanny has a strong awareness of safety protocols. This includes knowledge of childproofing measures, first aid, and emergency procedures.
• Discuss their approach to supervising outdoor play, handling kitchen safety, and any experience with child safety seats for transportation.

Sample Nanny Interview Questions

Your job is to select the right nanny for your family, of course. The below interview questions can help you do just that by giving you insight into their experience. These questions are not all inclusive of the topics to discuss but should give you an idea of what to ask during the interview.

• Can you share your previous nanny experience?
• What age children have you cared for?
• What was your typical daily routine at your last childcare position?
• What would you do if a toddler refused to nap and kept getting out of bed?
• Can you share a time you handled a difficult situation like a baby crying uncontrollably or a child having a temper tantrum?
• How do you communicate with parents about the child’s daily activities, milestones, and any concerns?
• What type of activities have you done with child(ren)? What activities would you do on a rainy day?
• How do you incorporate educational activities? Do you have experience helping with homework?
• Tell me about a time you taught a child a new behavior, skills, or provided an age-appropriate learning experience.
• Who was the most memorable child you cared for and why?

A note about what NOT to ask during the Nanny Interview.

Summary

Finding the right nanny involves a thorough interview process that goes beyond just checking qualifications. By considering communication skills, experience, references, compatibility with family values, flexibility, initiative, and safety awareness, you can make an informed decision that ensures the well-being and happiness of your children. Taking the time to find the perfect fit will provide peace of mind and create a positive and nurturing environment for your family. Feel free to refer back to this article for nanny interview questions and how to interview nannies when the time comes.