There are three parts to interviewing nannies; the phone interview, the in-person interview and the trial. Before scheduling a nanny interview, request a copy of the nanny’s resume. All professional nannies have a portfolio with a resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation. Carefully review their resume to ensure they have the qualifications and experience you are looking for. The resume will contain detailed information about the candidate’s educational background, employment history, certifications and professional skills. It’s a huge red flag if a nanny doesn’t have a detailed resume.
Phone Interview
Begin the call by introducing yourself and telling them a little about your family. You should share the ages of your children, if you have any pets, and what types of activities your children enjoy. Next, review the details of the position; hours, location, job responsibilities, start date and salary. Be very specific and detailed with the job responsibilities. Covering these key areas upfront will help you quickly identify which candidates meet the basic requirements of your position. It is very important to discuss salary before getting too deep into other interview questions. You don’t want to find out 20 minutes into the interview that the candidate is looking for a salary that’s out of your price range.
If the nanny is on board with everything discussed, proceed with the interview. If not, thank them for their time and be honest that they may not be the right fit for your position. If proceeding, provide a brief summary of the children’s routines and scheduled activities. Be sure to share any allergies, medical conditions or special needs your children may have. Discuss the nanny’s experience and level of comfort in navigating these challenges. Other important questions to ask:
- Why are you a nanny?
- How long have you been a nanny?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- Why did you leave your last position?
In-Person Interview
The next step is scheduling an in-person interview; there are two ways of doing this:
Option A: Meet the nanny at a local coffee shop without the children.
Option B: Invite the nanny to your home. If going this route, it’s best to begin the interview without the children present, if possible. This allows you to be focused and fully present during this time. This interview should be focused on behavior-based questions to really get a feel for the nanny and her personality to see if they will be the right fit for your family.
You may introduce the nanny to the children towards the end of the interview, allowing them an opportunity to interact for a few minutes. If all goes well, you would schedule a trial for a later time.
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Nanny Trial
Click here for more information on nanny trials.