WE RECOMMEND INTERVIEWING AS MANY NANNIES AS YOU FEEL NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAKE THE RIGHT, FULLY INFORMED DECISION. THE PARENT & CHILD NANNY AGENCY WILL PROVIDE FULL SUPPORT AND INFORMATION ON ALL CANDIDATES AND RECOMMEND MEETING AT LEAST TWO NANNIES BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ABOUT WHO YOU WISH TO HIRE.
Once you have selected which nannies you wish to interview it is time to consider the way in which you plan to conduct interviews.
The Initial Interview
The initial 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 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 30 – 45 minutes.
Top tip! Have a pen and paper at the ready, make plenty of notes as you may forget things after meeting several nannies.
Before interviewing have access to/print off the Nanny Profile and prepare a brief written job description detailing the daily requirements. This should include:
- Start date
- Days and hours of work
- Salary offered
- The children’s routines
- Childcare related duties and expectations such as playgroups, school runs, clubs, social activities as well as nursery duties such as laundry, ironing and cooking
- Domestic and non-childcare related duties and pet care
- Medical, dietary and special/additional needs information
- Car use
- Accommodation (if live in or overnight stays are required)
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:
- 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.
Second Interview
Following a successful initial interview we will arrange a second, less formal interview where the nanny will return to meet the children interact with the children and you can talk less formally about the position, the children and whether this position is right for both parties.
You may decide to offer the nanny in question the position directly and at the time of the second interview (or sometimes even the initial interview!) 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.
