How to interview nannies and babysitters and interview etiquette

Interview tips from London Nanny Agency Director and Findababysitter.com co founder Vanessa Cook.

It’s your first time, we know it’s scary, we are here to help

If this is your first time hiring a nanny or babysitter I imagine you are terrified by the prospect. Maybe you have a 6 month old baby who you could not bear to pass on to your mother let alone a stranger!

Well, relax a little. When you do find your perfect nanny, childminder, au pair or babysitter you will wonder what all the fuss was about. In home childcare is a truly a wonderful thing.

As you watch your child laugh as a friendly nanny tickles his tummy or reads her a book, you will feel secure as you walk out the door for work or play.

But first you need to find your perfect Marry Poppins, or Mrs Doubtfire, whatever your needs may be …

Decisions, decisions… What type of child carer is right for you?

Before beginning your search you need to write yourself a small job description, or at least have one in mind.
Ask yourself a few questions:

I want someone to come to my home or do I prefer to leave my child in another persons home?

This is the difference between a nanny, babysitter, au pair or childminder – childminders care for your children in the childminders home. For more information on the difference between child carers read our article about childcare costs and different kinds of childcare.

Do I need help full time or just afternoons? Do I need someone to live with my family or do I love my privacy too much!

A live in carer will be a nanny or au pair. Au pairs are a lot cheaper but also less qualified. Live in nannies offer more flexibility than live out but there are far fewer live in nannies available. They also tend to be younger… living with a family, no matter how lovely yours may be is not easy.

Maybe three days a week works. Be realistic. If you want a proper qualified Norland nanny with 10 years experience, you can’t expect her to work the odd afternoon and occasionally full time. A nanny like this will seek the top salary with the best conditions. If you are looking for casual childcare a “Grandma” type or student will provide the most flexibility.

Do I want to raise my child bilingual?

A bilingual nanny or babysitter will cost you no more and will give your children an extra edge in life by teaching a second language. Learning two languages at a young age is the perfect time!

What do I want my child carer to do?

Maybe you want someone to focus’ their day just on educating and playing with your child. Maybe you would like a nanny/housekeeper who cleans, cooks, irons, dusts and has time left over for your baby.

Find your local babysitter, nanny or au pair candidates

So now you think you know what you are looking for, you have advertised your babysitting job on Findababysitter.com, applications are flowing to your inbox, you have made a few selections from the list of local child carers, you’re ready to visit some childminders in your area. Now what?

  • First rule, don’t try to meet too many child carers. You will only get confused and end up loosing your chance to hire the one you really really liked because you’ve spent three weeks interviewing 100 candidates and now that perfect one has found another job!
  • Make a selection of between 3 to 6 profiles you really like. Then contact them to arrange interviews quickly. Good candidates find jobs fast. If you can only find 2 candidates you really like the look of, this is fine, one will be great and the other a comparison to let you know you made the right choice.
  • Have a chat to each candidate on the telephone then, if you feel confident, arrange to meet them. You can meet nannies and babysitters in your own home or a café if this makes you feel more comfortable. If you are looking for a local childminder you should visit at their residence and inspect the area where they care for children. Ask them to bring along photo ID. If they will be driving your child make sure you inspect their car and ask to see their drivers licence.

What candidates should bring to interviews and interview etiquette

  • Always ask to see TWO forms of I.D (one must be photo ID)
  • The candidate should have a CRB disclosure or be willing to do one. If the candidate has been in the UK for less than 6 months ask to see a police check from their home country. Always request original copies.
  • Ask to see written references. If this is not possible ask for landline telephone number for a minimum of two verbal references. These do not both need to be childcare references. A character reference from a respected member of the community is fine, i.e. a doctor or University Professor.
  • The candidate should have an up to date CV.
  • ORIGINAL copies of any first aid or other relevant certificates.

Pre-interview

Arrange a time to meet the candidate when you will be able to concentrate fully. It is important for her / him to meet your children, but having them present for the entire interview may be distracting.

Go through the candidates CV carefully. Look for areas you wish to question her / him on:

  • What activities did you plan with the children in your previous position?
  • Why did the contract end?
  • Do you still keep in contact with previous employers?
  • What was the most challenging aspect of the position?
  • What was the most enjoyable aspect?

Question the candidate about her qualifications, remember babysitters and nannies may still be very good candidates even if they do not have qualifications. Experience is always the most important attribute. For childminders only use an OFSTED registered childminder. They may also be a member of the NCMA (National Childminding Association):

  • How did you benefit from the course?
  • What aspects of the course do you think you have applied to your previous positions?

If a chosen candidate is from abroad, check he / she has a valid visa to work in the UK and ask her why she would like to live in the UK and how long he / she intends to stay. This may affect your choice as finding another nanny in 6 months is not ideal for worried parents!

The interview

An interview should last 40 minutes to one hour. Plan the interview so the children can be introduced at the end. If you are interviewing in your home and your child is young he or she may take an afternoon nap - you could plan the interview to coincide with your baby waking up.

Take your time when meeting a prospective candidate this will help you both to feel at ease. Begin by talking about your children and the position:

  • Confirm the start date and hours of work or in the case of a babysitter how often you may likely need a sitter.
  • Run through each child's routine and which aspects the carer will be responsible for, i.e. playgroups, swimming lessons, homework.
  • If the children have any allergies, medical conditions or special dietary requirements discuss these.
  • If the childcare is in your home, discuss the rules of the house. If you are hiring a nanny it is normal for a nanny to arrange playgroups with other nannies and meetings at the park.
  • Let the nanny know your policy on this, i.e. is he / she allowed to invite other nannies and their children to your house?
  • Confirm salary/hourly rate and in the case of a nanny holiday allowance.
  • For childminders read through your childminders polices and make sure you understand all of the details and any additional costs.

Now proceed with your prepared questions. A good candidate will be proud of the career choice and working with children - look for passion in their answers, but remember they may be nervous!

  • What do you enjoy about caring for children?
  • What qualities do you think are important to have as carer of children and why?
  • What do you feel is the most difficult aspect of childcare?
  • In the case of a nanny or childminder: What are you philosophies on discipline? Give the nanny specific examples and ask him / her to comment e.g. What would you do if Peter refused to take a bath?
  • Ask the candidate about herself, what hobbies s/he has.
  • Ask the candidate to describe herself. Does s/he believe s/he is punctual, reliable?
  • What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
  • In the case of a nanny or childminder: How would you plan a typical day?
  • Ask the candidate if s/he has experience in specific skills you require of him/her, i.e. perhaps you have a toddler soon to be going through potty training, ask the candidate if s/he has experience in this field.
  • In the case of a nanny or childminder: What are the important areas of development for each child during the following year.
  • What do you think is important in my child’s / children’s diet? How would you plan their meals and what would you cook?
  • How would you react in an emergency, i.e. what would you do if Peter was choking? Have you ever been in an emergency with a child?

Post interview

If you loved the candidate that you just met, tell them! Don’t loose your opportunity to employ your Mary Poppins. Let the candidate know that you would love them to come back for a trial if they are interested - no pressure of course. The candidate may have other employment offers s/he is considering and you could miss the opportunity to have him/her as your child's carer. Don’t hang about, she may fly off.

Remember, we welcome your feedback so please contact us after the interview and let us know if you find a fantastic candidate through www.findababysitter.com!

Take care and I hope you find someone perfect.

Vanessa


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More essential reading for parents and candidates: Childcare advice | Childcarer FAQ's | Parent FAQ’s | Tips on staying safe

 

 

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