How to Interview A Nanny or Babysitter

Conducting a thorough interview is one of the keys to selecting the right nanny or babysitter for your family. By using a good list of questions you can be sure to cover the important areas to ensure you find the right carer for your family.

INTERVIEW TIPS

? Take time at the beginning of your meeting to establish rapport. Chat about common topics informally, before starting the interview questions.

? Before asking questions, provide a brief summary of the job. Include details about the number and ages of your children, your needs and expectations.

? Take notes during or immediately after the interview to ensure you recall the facts accurately.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is your current position (course, university, workplace)?
2. Tell me about your past experience of childcare (where, when, who)?
3. Do you have any special qualifications? (e.g., First Aid)
4. Why you want to be a babysitter or nanny?
5. What are your interests and hobbies?
6. How would you manage a specific issue (eg separation anxiety when we leave, bedtime refusal, resettling the baby to sleep)?
7. Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?
8. What hours are you available?
9. What is your hourly rate?
10. Do you have a driver's license and a car?
11. Do you have a Police Check? Can I see it?
12. Do you have references available? Can I call the referees?
13. Do you have any health issues that would affect your ability to work?
14. What are the types of games would you play with the child (specific to his/her age and interests)?
15. Give an example of how you have managed a particular childcare issue in the past.
16. Why have you left previous jobs?
17. Have you kept in touch with other families you have worked for?


QUESTIONS BABYSITTERS & NANNIES MAY ASK YOU:
1. What is the age of the child?
2. Tell me about his/her personality.
3. What are his/her likes and dislikes?
4. Does he/she have a comfort toy &/or dummy?
5. Would I be required to feed her/him? What types of food?
6. If he/she is an infant - is the child bottle or breastfed? Will he/she take a bottle from me?
7. Does he/she have any allergies?
8. Does he/she have any special needs?
9. Do you have a routine I should follow? (eg bedtime routine)
10. If I need to resettle the child, what settling strategies do you use?
11. Are there any other duties required, apart from childcare?
12. What other childcare have you used? (for nannies)
13. How has your child adjusted to this care? (for nannies)
14. How would you like to transition your child into my care? (for nannies)
15. What hours would you like me to work? Daytime / evening / frequency and duration?
16. My minimum hourly rate is $x.


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