The interview

Congratulations on progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

You have landed an interview.

The interview may take place in the home setting or a more common place such as a coffee shop or their place of work. It may, and most likely includes both parents.

When you go for an interview with a potential family it is almost a chance for you to interview them too.

During the interview, if the children are present at some point remember to make a point of acknowledging them. Be mindful to check if it’s OK to spend some time playing or chatting to them

Don’t feel nervous or self-conscious. It’s the best way parents can see how you interact with their child.

Always take along your CV, references, certificates and qualifications, even if you have gone through an agency.

Don’t assume that they have seen it or had time to read through it all either. Fully explain yourself in terms of experience and knowledge.

Be clear about your skills, knowledge and experience. Be honest if there are any gaps in your CV.

When you go for an interview it is best to go informed.

Do your research about the role and be aware of the family’s needs and requirements. You should know the fundamentals – live in or live out position? How many children, and what ages? The hours?

Once the interview has commenced ensure you respond the the questions clearly, confidently and honestly.

Just as importantly is the moment where you have the opportunity to ask questions of the family.

Asking questions is important. It shows you are interested in the role, helps a family to learn more about your professionalism and work ethic and further clarify any remaining questions you may have.

• What is your description of the “ideal nanny”?
• Define your idea of the nanny’s role in the family.
• What are the duties?
• Who plans the meals?
• Who purchases the major items for the children such as the children’s clothes, toys, and supplies?
• Do you work outside the home or out of your home?
• Will I be expected to use my own car? If so do I use my own petrol?
• Holidays? Who decides when and are they paid?
• Pay. How is it paid and how regularly. And clarify the amount. Salary or hourly? Do I get overtime if I work over the initial agreed hours?
• What if I am sick? Do I get sick pay? Or what happens if they are sick.
• Do you see this as a long-term position?
• What are your household rules?
• Do the children have allergies I should be aware of or any special dietary needs?
• What is your discipline philosophy? What values do you want taught and re-enforced in your children?
• I would like to you have an opportunity to spend some time with the children before I make my final decision, is that ok?
• Communication is very important for nannies and employers. Would you like to meet on a regular basis so that we can discuss how things are going and/ or I will do a daily diary if that enough?
• What childcare qualifications do you have?
• What childcare experience do you have?
• What interests you about this particular job?
• How long do you see yourself working for this family?
• What are your views on play, food and mealtimes, social and educational activities, discipline and control, rest, sleep, etc?
• How would you plan a daily routine for the children?
• How would you cope with difficult behaviour, for example if one of the children said they hated you?
• Do you drive?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have any special dietary needs?
• Does this job conflict with other responsibilities in your life?

If it’s a live in position it may include additional questions:

• Can my friends, male or female come and visit me/stay overnight?
• Accommodation provided? And what it consists of?
• How often will I be expected to babysit? Will I be paid extra for it?
• What are the house rules?

• Don’t be put off or offended if asked.
• They may ask you about your social life and yes generally, it is none of their business, however, they will probably be asking for the sole purpose of establishing if you will arrive to work on time, not be too tired, if you are a party animal and if that will affect your work, etc. They may feel those that party hard regularly are not the nanny they want.
• They may ask about your personal habits – your hygiene, diet, sleep, exercise, etc. This would be to establish if you are a good role model- i.e. do you wash your hands regularly, do you eat healthily, etc.
• They will be interested in knowing if you will respect them- not necessarily follow or even agree with the family’s values, religion, etc.
• Before a family invites you to their home and family life, they will often want to be assured and confident they are making the right choice. This is done by asking thorough questions and even asking you to spend time with them or just the kids to be sure you all ‘click’ and it will be a ‘good’ decision. They may ask you to do a trial. Don’t be offended by this as it is also a good way for you to establish if this is the family for you.