Three interview questions for finding a perfect nanny

Your future nanny will be an integral member of your household-not only caring for and nurturing your children while you pursue your career, but helping your household to function more smoothly, allowing you the best quality time with your children when you're    with them.

You've decided in-home childcare is best for your family. After careful consideration, you're ready to hire a nanny for your child(ren).

Whether you choose to use an agency or carry out a search yourself to find a perfect nanny, you'll be conducting interviews. The interview is your opportunity to dig deeper than a candidate's resume, cover letter, and background check. But how will you know that your ideal caregiver is sitting opposite you? Every candidate you screen will have met or exceeded your basic requirements. What sets even a great nanny apart from being your perfect nanny?

With these three questions in your interview you can be sure to find a perfect nanny.

Question 1: Can you describe your perfect day with my child(ren)?

Here is your candidate's chance to show you her care-giving style, which you can compare to your own parenting style. It is absolutely crucial that your styles match as closely as possible. This will avoid potential employer/employee conflicts, and also assure you that your children will thrive under this person's care. If you are looking for an educationally minded nanny, listen for keywords like learning, discovering, and exploring. If play is more important to you, you'll want to hear words like games, activities, and play dates. Your nanny's ideal day should sound a little bit like your own ideal day with your child(ren).

Question 2: Are you comfortable with self-direction, or do you prefer a structured schedule?

Again, the answer here should agree with your own expectations for the position. If you are looking for someone who can plan your child(ren)'s days with little or no guidance from you, listen for an enthusiastic response to self-direction. A self-directed nanny will be used to and appreciate a certain degree of autonomy, and will thrive and bond deeply with your children if she is given reasonable freedom.  If, on the other hand, you prefer someone who will adhere to the schedule you set forth, who will work within close parameters you set down for the day/week, you need to know this at the interview stage. If a candidate won't be comfortable with your schedule, no matter how fantastic their credentials, they're not the nanny for you.

Question 3: Will you be comfortable communicating with when conflict arises, either between you and the child(ren) or between you and us?

This seems like an obvious question, but a surprisingly high number of positions fail because of miscommunications. Fostering a sense of trust and open communication between a nanny and parent(s) is essential in creating a successful situation. Ask your nanny for specific examples: a chronic behaviuor problem creates conflict between the nanny and the child(ren). Will she come to you and explain the problem and ask you for input, guidance, and support?

Obviously you'll be asking other questions of your potential nanny. You'll want to know everything you can about this person before you commit to having them in your life and home on a daily basis. Asking these three questions, however, will be sure to bring to light some of the core philosophies and traits that will make a great candidate an ideal choice.

If you truly listen to their answers you will find a perfect nanny.

____________________________________________________

  English Governess | UK Governess | British Governess | Child Care
From United Kingdom 203 402 4400 | From Abroad +44203 402 4400