- Dress casual, but neat. Look presentable while giving the impression that you are willing to get down on the floor and play or interact with children.
- Hair + make-up are in good order; don’t wear too much perfume and jewelry.
- Travel time, if you are lost or delayed (run into traffic) ALWAYS call the family to say you are running late
- Do not arrive too early.
- Turn off your cell phone during the interview.
- Make sure to show your interest in the children and interact with the children.
- Ask to wash your hands before holding infants or small children ( parents really appreciate this).
- Be sure to show enthusiasm about childcare.
- Offer information about your children experience and special training. Have references on hand for the prospective employer, in case they would like to contact your past employers.
- No bad-mouthing about previous employers!! Be very polite and personable.
- Try to keep interview focused on your strengths as a caregiver.
- Do not get side tracked with personal questions (too much about your personal life is not relevant to the job you are applying for).
- Ask any questions you may have about the job expectations inquire about a typical days, get a good feel for the job. Remember, you are making a commitment, if you take a job (so make sure it is the right one).
- When you decide to go for the interview on a long term basis be aware that every family will be interested in hiring a nanny who can make at least one-year commitment. They don’t like to change a nanny every few months!
Typical Interview Questions
- Why do you want to be a nanny?
- What qualifies you to do this type of work?
- Be prepared to give dates of when you worked and ages of the children you cared for.
- What types of activities do you like to do with children?
- How do you handle a child that is a picky eater?
- How do you handle an emergency situation?
- What do you do when a child is crying? What if the child cries all day?
- How do you handle a child that is misbehaving?
- What do you think a typical day would be like with the children?
- Have you ever toilet trained child? What was your experience like, and what techniques did you use?
- What is your background? Tell us about your family.
- Describe your personality.
- Why did you leave your prior jobs?
- Are you willing to do lots of outside activities?
- Are you comfortable being both a nanny and a housekeeper?
- Are you flexible to occasionally stay a little bit later during the week?
- Are you in good health? Do you smoke?
- Are you a good driver? Any accidents in your past?
- How often do you take vacations? Are you willing to coordinate some vacation with a family vacation, so that family is on vacation at the same time?
- Describe what your discipline philosophy.
- Describe how you work within parent requirements for child supervision (e.g., children doing chores, limited T.V. time, meal time etc.)
- Are you comfortable with constructive criticism?
- What did you like about your most recent job? What did you not like?
- What is your educational background?
- Have you completed any childcare related courses or do you have any special training?
NOTE: Think carefully and answer their questions as clear as possible.
It is a good idea to prepare few questions in advance so that you are not caught unaware when asked if you have any questions during your interview.
- The family lifestyle.
- What is your work schedule?
- If one or both parents work at home?
- Do you plan to buy a cat? ( if you are allergic)
- Job responsibilities and structure: (topics)
- Arranging play dates
- Baby’s laundry
- Children’s room neat and organized
- Toys clean and organized
- Are there any duties in addition to childcare: family laundry, grocery shopping, errands, starting dinner, light housekeeping. Ask for specifics.
- If Live-In
- What accommodations are available for the nanny?
- If the family is providing car, what are the limitations on its use?
- Can friends visit me?
- What are the family expectations during off duty hours? Must the nanny disappear?
- Does the nanny have her own phone? How is the phone bill handled?
Kate, 30s, from Chicago, IL