Trying To Employ A Nanny?

Pick and choose from the list of questions below to best suit your own unique situation. Remember to let the applicant do most of the talking. Many times interviewers tend to monopolize the conversation and the applicant merely nods his/her head. You'll never get to know her that way.

The first 6 questions are designed to help you interview over the phone to narrow down your selection and waste less time. For questions to ask at the actual face to face interview see the article: The Face-to-Face Interview

1) Start with confirming the requirements of the job. You'll be surprised how many applicants call who do not fit the job specifications you advertised. Make sure they are available for the hours you need. If you need someone who drives, make sure they can. Are you CPR certified? If no, would you be willing to get certified? Make sure they are looking for the same living arrangement you are and the same salary.

2) Make a point of listening to how they speak. Can you hear them or are they so soft spoken you have to struggle to make out what they are saying? Does he/she speak English well enough that you can understand them? How is his/her grammar, his/her manners? Remember, this person is going to have a huge impact on your child's development. If you don't want your child using poor grammar then you don't want a Nanny who does.

3) What experience do you have in caring for children? If you are looking for someone with childcare experience, make sure they have some.

4) What was your last childcare experience? Why did it end? What were the ages of the children you cared for? Write down their answer and ask this question again during the face to face interview.

5) How long do you think you would be willing to stay in this position? When can you start? What do you plan to do when this contract is completed? If a long term commitment is what you're after, make sure they're not leaving for college in 6 months.

6) Tell them that you plan to do a background check on anyone you are considering hiring. Ask them if they will have a problem with this.

If you are satisfied with the answers you received, set up an appointment for a face to face interview. Remind the applicant to bring a list of at lest three references that you can call.