In your search to hire the best nanny, it’s vital to map out your questions before the interview. This hire is different from any other, in that she’ll be like part of the family, so the key things you’re looking for are attitudes, world-view, and personality. Experience and education are important, however your children will be emulating and adopting this person’s character and values, so her most important contribution is to be a role model to your growing children. The Nanny position is unlike any other child-care position, in that she is largely unsupervised. When we source nannies, we are looking for the person who will make the right decision when nobody’s looking. But trust that when Moms give birth, they get a PhD in their guts, so be confident that you’ll be able to find a nanny you click with and feel comfortable with. This process is more like dating than hiring someone, because it’s so personal–she’ll have full access to your children’s hearts and your home.
When we interview a nanny, we’re watching for the person who’s passionate about this career. My Grandpa, an Iowa Farmer, was known for his pithy pronouncements. If we got upset about something, he’d say, “Don’t worry, 100 years from now, it won’t make a difference.” The nannies we’re looking for, know that what they’re doing will make a difference 100 years from now. I love the comment by Andy Stanley: “What you do in life may not be as important as someone you raise.” Our nannies get this. It impels them.
After 30 years of interviewing, we have lots of favorite interview questions, but here are some of our gold standard questions. Notice that they are mostly behavioral-based, which gives you the information you are seeking and the best results.
- What brought you to nannying? What keeps you here?
- What are some of your strengths as a nanny?
- What would you do to keep a ___ year old busy?
- How would you structure the day with an infant? or _____ year old?
- What would you do with “down time,” while children are napping or at school?
- What does “light housekeeping” mean to you?
- What does your relationship look like with the past parents you worked for?
- Can you share a fond memory you have from past experiences as a nanny?
- How would you handle a ___ year old who refused to take a nap even though he was tired?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to get feedback?
- Do you feel that you’re able to speak up when needed?
- Tell me about your last job? What did you like/not like about it?
- Tell me about the most stressful thing that has happened to you on the job and how you handled it.
- What would be a typical lunch you’d prepare for a ____year old?
- Would you feel comfortable taking the children swimming? How well do you swim?
- Have you ever cooked for a family? If so, what might a typical dinner be?
Caring Nannies has a select pool of exceptional and trusted nannies available for you to interview. We pride ourselves in finding out your exact needs and only sending you a handful of close matches because we value your time. We’re ready to guide you through the process of selecting just the right one for your family. To get started, fill out our Family Application or call our office for more information.
