Interview Tips for Nannies & Families

Think you’ve found your dream job or nanny? Don’t fall at the final hurdle.

There are lots of reasons many of us dread job interviews. There’s always the fear of rejection, but there’s an unnatural intensity about them as well. Two parties typically weigh each other up in under an hour before reaching a final decision that can be life-changing for them both. 

So, what’s the best way for nannies and families to prepare? Read on to learn how to pull off a winning interview.

Interview Tips for Nannies

Before you accept an invitation for an interview, be very clear in your own mind that you really want the job. If you’re not that interested, it will show and ultimately be a waste of everyone’s time. Remember that rejection is tough, even if you didn’t expect success.

Phone or Online Interviews

You may find that prospective families want to have an initial chat or even hold the entire interview by phone or video call. If there’s to be a video call, ensure you understand how the relevant platform works by doing a test run with a friend.

Families may use phone interviews to trim down the shortlist by checking on your:

• Availability
• Salary Expectations
• Qualifications and references
• Agreement to a background check

Be prepared to run through any dependencies that could mean you’re not a good fit for the family from the word go. Carefully research the family in as much detail as possible so that you get an idea of their expectations.

If the location of their home is unfamiliar, check out the area using Google Maps and Google Earth. Find out where the nearest attractions are, from schools and swimming pools to parks and cinemas.

Get There on Time and Look the Part

Whether you’re having an in-person or online interview, set the tone and create the right impression by arriving a few minutes early. Strike a balance by wearing clothes and shoes that are comfortable but professional-looking.

Bring a portfolio with you even if you don’t intend to use it. It should contain a copy of your CV, references, certificates and a list of questions you may want to ask the family. Having the portfolio with you acts as a mental support. If you get nervous during interviews, ask for a glass of water beforehand and keep it by your side.

Practise Your Answers in Advance

When you arrive, smile, be friendly and introduce yourself. Let the family direct the conversation. They are interviewing you and will be trying to assess whether they believe you’re a good match.

The best way to prepare is to practise your answers beforehand. You can do this by either getting a friend to ask the questions or by using a mirror. It’s important to say your answers out loud to help you feel comfortable about what works and what doesn’t.

Interviews can be an art form that give you the opportunity to weave your experience into a particular answer. For example, a family might ask you for evidence that you have experience using your initiative to navigate a tricky situation.

This is your chance to shine. Your example may not necessarily involve children. What matters is that you are convincing by giving a real-life example of how you managed an emergency or a complex problem. There should always be a positive outcome.

Questions to Practise Answering

Here’s a list of common questions you are likely to get asked as a nanny in an interview:

• What nannying experience do you have, and do you have a preferred age range?
• How would you describe your nannying style?
• How is your training relevant to being a nanny?
• How do you discipline kids, and how would you ensure routines get maintained?
• How have you handled an emergency or difficult situation at work?
• How would you handle a disagreement with a family?

You should also have one or two questions to ask the family at the end of the interview. Keep these to a minimum, as you can always ask more if offered the job.

Interview Tips for Families

Families need to feel comfortable with their prospective nanny. They’ll often rely on instinct as much as qualifications. The process typically happens in three steps:

• Screening the pool of applicants based on experience and salary expectations
• Having an initial phone chat
• Conducting an in-person interview plus a potential play date with the kids

Clarity is critical, so have a list of the qualities you’re looking for and the duties you expect of your nanny. A detailed job description you can keep referring to is essential.

Some families prefer to conduct interviews in their own homes. Others prefer a more public setting like a park or coffee shop where both parties can feel more relaxed. If possible, the kids should be present at least for part of the interview so you can see how the candidate interacts with them.

Ask open questions that allow your nanny to give details of their experience and style.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• What was your most successful achievement in your last position?
• How would you handle a child in your care getting injured in the park?
• Can you take us through your style as a nanny step-by-step?
• Which type of children’s behaviour do you find most challenging and why?
• How flexible are you about the number of hours you work?

Always ensure a nanny is happy for you to carry out background checks. They must also have the correct papers to work for you, and you should follow up on any references they offer you.

Don’t Forget to Sort the Nanny Payroll

Families need to be clear about their expectations and also how and when they pay their nanny.

Outsourcing payroll to a third party like Pay the Nanny means you’ll always be compliant. It also indicates to prospective nannies that you take paying them correctly and on time seriously.

Once you’ve found your dream candidate, talk to Pay the Nanny so that both you and your new employee get all the essential details tied up from day one.