Choosing who to employ as your child’s nanny is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, which is why it is essential you interview, meet and trial any prospective candidate to ensure you are making a fully informed decision about who to employ. 

PARENTS GUIDE TO INTERVIEWING A NANNY.

Following our 3-step selection and interview guide will ensure you only interview candidates that meet your exacting requirements and that align with your family and preferred parenting methods. 

Step 1. Candidate Selection

Read through the nanny profiles provided and select which candidates you would like to interview. There is no limit to the number of candidates you should interview, however, before doing so it is essential you ensure the candidate’s availability to start work, salary expectations and driving ability align with your requirements and family dynamics to eliminate time wasting for both parties.

Step 2. Interview Preparation

Put together a personalised job description and list of your key requirements to discuss at the interview. if you have a few options to discuss, ensure this is readily available to discuss (for example you may be happy with three long days or 5 short days or may offer live-in accommodation but also be happy to have a live-out nanny). The agency would have already provided the nanny with a simplified, factual version of your requirements. 

Step 3. The Initial Interview

The first interview can be in person, however, many parents find an initial video call to be the preferred first choice prior to moving forward to step 3.
If a face-to-face meeting is preferred initially, this would typically be conducted at your home address but could also be at your place of work or a local café if neutral ground is preferred. The initial interview is typically conducted at a time when the children are not present or in bed to allow you to fully focus on asking questions and shortlisting potential candidates. Depending on the number of prospective candidates available, you may wish to block-interview. Typically an initial interview will last 20 – 60 minutes.
Be prepared and download our PARENTS GUIDE TO INTERVIEWING A NANNY. Ensure you have access to read the Nanny Profile for each nanny you are interviewing. 

Top tip! Have a pen and paper ready, and make plenty of notes as you may forget things after meeting several nannies.

We recommend the following initial interview structure:

• Welcome the nanny and ask to see photo identification on arrival
• Briefly tell the nanny about your home and family
• Explain the position, your childcare requirements and what you expect from a nanny.
• Ask the nanny about their own family and background
• Talk through the Nanny Profile and discuss employment history, why employment ended and experience level
• Ask the nanny questions relating to their childcare experience and abilities
• Ask the nanny if they have any questions about the position

We recommend asking the following questions during the initial interview process:
You can also find a printable interview guide if you click here.

• Why did you choose a career as a nanny?
• What are your qualities?
• Ask them to highlight their strong and weak points?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• Do you have good organisational skills and how will you manage the day?
• What are your favourite activities to do with children?
• Do you have any experience with potty training/weaning/making up bottles/sleep-training?
• Can you cook? (ask for examples)
• Would you plan menus in advance?
• How will you encourage a healthy diet?
• What are their views on discipline?
• Do you mind working with parents around? (where applicable)
• Are you confident in sole charge? (where applicable)
• Are you happy to work in a household with pets?
• How will you deal with tantrums and bad behaviour?
• How will you encourage good manners?
• How would you cope in an emergency situation?
• Is your Paediatric First Aid training up to date?
• Are you reliable?
• How is your timekeeping?
• Are you flexible in regards to working late/babysitting on occasions?
• How many sick days have you taken over the past 12 months?

Once you are happy the initial interview is complete, advise the nanny that you will feedback to the agency. If you feel the interview went well, do let the nanny know. The Parent & Child Nanny Agency will provide feedback for both parties.

Step 4. The Second Interview

Following a successful initial interview, we will arrange a second, less formal interview where the nanny will return to meet and interact with the children and you can talk less formally about the position, the children and whether this position is right for both parties.

The best way to structure the second interview is to allow a period of two hours, invite the nanny into your home and introduce them to all children and family members. Your nanny will have their nanny portfolio to hand for you to read through and ask questions. 

Once you are certain you wish to proceed with one of our nannies, please contact The Parent & Child Nanny Agency as soon as possible so we can provide you with the necessary information for making a formal offer of employment.

Alternatively, if you wish to meet new nannies and repeat the interview process, please let us know so we can schedule these. Whatever the outcome of the interviews you conduct, we would love to hear your feedback.

Step 5. The Trial Day

Following a successful interview process, a trial day is the natural next step although it is not essential especially if it doesn’t work logistically.

A trial day is a period of time whereby the nanny will care for the child with or without supervision. A trial day is always a paid period and is an opportunity for the nanny to trial the job and ensure they are happy to proceed and also for the parent to trial the nanny before formally offering employment.