Interviewing potential candidates
Tigerlily Childcare recommend that upwards of 45 minutes is allowed for each interview. The interview should be relaxed but structured and planned in advance. It is advisable to arrange the interviews when children are in bed or otherwise occupied. A nanny will want to give the children her attention but will also want to focus on the interview. Ask some initial open questions to put the nanny at ease and give the nanny your full attention.
Give the nanny an overview of your family, children's names and ages
Tell the nanny about the position – let them know your future plans, will the children go to nursery or school in the next year
Ask the nanny to tell you about themselves, what made them decide on a career in childcare
Go through the nanny's CV in detail, asking her to describe each childcare position (use structured questions as suggested below)
Ask the nanny about her interests and hobbies – many nannies have a range of talents such as music or languages. Ask the nanny if she has any specific questions.
Topics to discuss with your candidates
Background and motivations
Why did you choose a childcare career, what appealed to them about working as a nanny?
What do you think are the qualities needed to be a good nanny?
What do you enjoy most about being a nanny? What are the challenges you face?
Tell me about your most recent nanny positions. What did you enjoy, how old where the children?
Why did you leave?
Planning a day - child focused activities
Could you describe an average day as a nanny?
In view of our childrens’ ages what areas of development would you be concentrating on and what sort of activities would be suitable?
How would you plan a typical day? What are your favourite activities with children?
How would you occupy our children during the day?
What local groups have you attended in the past?
Have you had experience of potty training, supervising homework etc?
How would you occupy the children whilst you were cooking?
What are your views on children watching TV or using electronic devices?
When I come home from work I like a tidy house – how would that fit with your expectations
