When you opt for a nanny agency, you may choose to follow their recommendations, or interview some of the candidates suggested by them yourself before making a choice. If you do choose to interview the nanny, it is important you ask lots of questions in order to find out whether or not the nanny is right for you. Don’t be afraid of asking lots of questions and really getting to know the nanny, after all, they will be looking after your child or children so you have a right to ask as many questions as you need to in order to get to know them properly.
Here are 7 important questions to ask a nanny before hiring them:
1. Why would you like this job?
This is quite a vague, but important opening question as it enables you to weed out any potential applications looking for good pay, good connections or just a good place to live or work. Try to pay attention to everything they say and note down words that stand out.
2. What led you to being a nanny?
With this question you are looking for signs the person is passionate about the job. You will also get an idea of their level of experience, what they think about the profession and also any issues you need to know about. Try to add in additional questions after asking this (if they do not give you the information automatically) like:
- What made you choose this profession?
- Can you explain the difference between a nanny and a babysitter to me?
- Name the five most important qualities in a nanny
- Do you have first aid training or any other medical training?
- Do you have a clean driving license?
- What do you consider your responsibilities to be while the children are at school?
3. What do you want or expect from me as your employer?
This is an extremely important question and will help you understand whether or not you and the nanny will be able to work well together. Try to follow on with questions like:
- If any issues arise, how and when would you raise them with me?
- When former employers have raised issues with you, how have you responded?
- Can you explain an occasion in the past where an employer has raised an issue with you, and you have been able to resolve it and work it out with them?
- How would you feel if I had a specific way I wanted a certain issue dealt with in relation to the children, and I didn’t want to compromise on it?
- Are you available for overnight stays and holiday stays?
- Do you expect to have friends or family over during work hours or overnight?
- What does confidentiality mean to you?
4. Can you tell me more about your previous experience?
This will give you tremendous insight into the nanny’s suitability and whether or not they have had previous experience which matches your situation. Follow this up with questions like:
- Can you explain your previous childcare positions, how many children you cared for at a time and why your position there came to an end?
- What do you think your references would say about you?
- What did you love about your previous jobs?
- What are the most challenging things about being a nanny in your opinion?
- Can you tell me about a time you had a difficult experience when caring for a child, and how you resolved/ learnt from that experience?
- Can you tell me the same, but instead about a difficult experience with an employer?
- Have you ever lost motivation in a job?
- Have personal issues ever affected your ability to do your job?
- Have you ever been accused of abusing a child? If so, can you tell me more about that?
- Have you ever had to deal with an emergency situation? If so, can you tell me more about that?
5. What can I expect from you as my child’s nanny?
Here you will be finding out about the nanny’s opinion of her job roles and how flexible she is in her approach to the job. Follow on with questions like:
- How many hours would you expect to work before getting a break?
- What is your preferred method of communicating with a parent about the child’s day? Are you open to using a log and communicating during the day?
- Are you open to taking on additional responsibilities as a nanny? (Then list additional responsibilities you might like them to take like pet care and cooking etc)
- How would you keep my child safe in the home and in public
6. What is your understanding of your relationship with your nanny agency?
It is important your nanny clearly understands who she needs to approach in regards to different issues. As she has been recommended by www.rockmybabynannyagency.co.uk/ she will have already been fully verified and checked. Clarifying her understanding of the difference between her relationship with you and with the nanny agency is important and will help both of you have a clear understanding of who to speak to in regards to different issues.
7. What are your thoughts on child development and child rearing?
An excellent nanny should have a good understanding of child development, and should have formed their own opinions based on experience and education. The point in the question is trying to find out if their opinions or approach match yours. Follow on with questions like:
- What are your views on child nutrition?
- What are your views on child discipline?
- What are your views on children and manners?
From here it is also a great idea to consider asking age appropriate questions which relate to the specific ages of your children. You might then also like to get to know the nanny a little better asking them questions about their life, their interests and their hobbies. This should encourage them to open up a bit and relax so you can get to know them a bit better. Remember, there are no right or wrong questions to ask your nanny. This person will be caring for your child, so don’t be afraid to get to know them properly. If they are the right person, they will be more than happy to put you at ease and want to get to know you as well.