Nannies, Babysitters & Parents - Connecting

Interview tips for parents

Parents usually start with a quick telephone interview where they work out whether or not to go ahead with the next stage : a "face-to-face" interview. Below are a few questions and a checklist that you can use as a guide to help you with the interview. Ask whichever questions you feel are appropriate plus any other ones you may have.


Checklist for the telephone interview :

1. When is the nanny available to start work ?
2. General job responsibilities including both childcare and housekeeping ( if any ).
3. Hourly rate of pay
4. Does the nanny have sufficient training and/or experience for what you require.
5. Will they be a good fit both personality and lifestyle wise for your family.


Questions to ask in the "face-to-face" interview :

1. What hobbies do you have and what do you like to do in your spare time ?
2. What do you enjoy most about working with children ?
3. What do you find the most challenging part of working with children ?
4. How were you disciplined as a child ? What would you do differently with your children ?
5. What was your last childcare experience and how did it end ?
6. How would you describe yourself and your personality ?
7. Do you have any formal childcare training ?
8. Do you have emergency training ? First Aid and/or CPR ?
9. What would you do if our child was sick or injured ?
10. Can I check your references and do you have a Police check ?
11. Why are you a nanny ?
12. Why are you looking for a new position ?
13. What hours and days are you available ?
14. Do you have a car ?
15. Do you smoke ?