It is never easy to go on a nanny search. One thing that can make it easier would be the right interview set up. Often, this goes beyond asking the right questions. How should you interview a potential nanny?

Important Interview Questions

Interview questions differ per parent or family. A potential nanny may be asked numerous or very little questions. The kinds and number of questions that you ask will depend on you. Do remember though that there are just some questions that you shouldn’t miss to ask. These questions are uniformly asked by most, if not all families. These include questions about experience, relevant training, references and child caring practices. These basic questions will initially determine if your interviewee has suitable qualifications.

Supplementary Questions

You should ask more than just the necessary questions. Your interview should also consist of supplementary questions that are related to nanny work and your applicant. You can ask an applicant how she has solved past problems with kids, what she has learned in previous nanny work and why she wants to become a nanny. These questions will reveal a lot about your nanny’s inner traits. Here answers will give you an idea if you are comfortable with her values and beliefs. Be careful though. If you ask too many meticulous questions, you might just drive the good nannies away.

Interview Set-Up

Your nanny search shouldn’t just involve asking questions. You also have to make sure that the interview environment is appropriate. Have your interviewee sit in a comfortable area in your living room. Offer her a drink or some refreshments. This will help break the ice and put your interviewee at ease. This is important. A relaxed and comfortable applicant would be more likely to be conversational and open. You might be able to get hints of past experiences that you might want to know about.

Fee Discussion

One crucial point that deserves separate mention is the fee. This is something that some families tend to put little emphasis on. It is however a very important part of every interview session. After all, people are motivated to work because of compensation. Be sure to ask a potential nanny how much she would be willing to work for. If you do not agree with her rate, let her know how much you can afford. If she agrees to it, make sure she understands that the amount is all she can expect. Arriving at an understanding about fees will help ensure that you have a nanny who will complain and work grudgingly.

Trial Period

Ask an applicant if she would be willing to undergo a trial period with compensation. This would be a good way to see if your nanny and your kids get along well. Mentioning this during the interview is important because it will help your nanny understand that anything can happen after the trial period. She may or may not get the job depending on how things go.

Your nanny search doesn’t have to become a tremendous chore. You just need to organize the right interview session to find good potential nannies.

By: Rashel Dan

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