How To Interview A Nanny

Interviewing a nanny can seem like a daunting task.  It is important that you ask the right questions in order to gain as much relevant information as possible.  Here are a few things to consider:

Try to ask open question that start with What, When, Why, How, Where or Tell me about so that the nanny doesn’t answer yes/no.

Be organised and have a structure for the interview.  Start with:

  • Working hours – extra hours, babysitting, holidays with the family.
  • Holiday entitlement – All employees in the UK are entitled to 5.6 weeks holiday per annum.
  • Salary
  • start date – is there going to be a hand over week, probation period.
  • Duties and routines

Then move onto specifics about the nanny:

  • Why did she go into child care and go through her CV.
  • How active is she and how much time does she spend in the outdoors.
  • How creative and playful is she. What are her favourite games/arts activities.
  • How sociable is she and is she happy to set up play dates
  • what are her views on watching TV.
  • what are her cooking skills
  • does she have any special dietary or medical requirements
  • Is she a confident driver
  • what are her hobbies and how does she spend her free time

Then run through her approaches to certain situations:

  •  How does she deal with tantrums
  • What are her views on discipline
  • What age specific activities would she plan for your children
  • How would she structure the day
  • How would she introduce a routine

 

After the formal questions have been asked it is a good idea to either invite her back again (if you like her) to meet the children or introduce the children after the interview (it is good to have a child free zone while the interview takes place).

The clearest sense you are going to get of her experience with children is to see her interact with them.  We suggest that you allow at least half an hour for the nanny-child introduction.  This will allow enough time to see how playful the nanny is, how at ease she is with children and how responsive and sensitive she is to the child’s needs.

 

Ideally you your nanny needs to be:

  • Playful
  • happy, smiley
  • outgoing
  • affectionate
  • sensitive and intuitive