Interview red flags

Sometimes you may just click and it seems like the right fit from the get go.

Although sometimes during the interview phase there are cringe moments where there is a signal that makes you question if it will work in the long term.

It is key that it is a fit between yourself and the family. Being a nanny requires you spend time within the family home and work closely with the parents for the care and education of the children.

Therefore, during the interview phase being alert to the red flag moments are important to make note of as it may be the difference between a successful pairing or not.

You know yourself what is off-putting in an interview or meeting with someone and that ‘feeling’ you get when you have gone to an interview with a family.

Sometimes there is no reason for this, it may just be the nervousness and awkwardness of the interview.

Trust your instinct and only take a position, or even an interview for a position that you are completely satisfied and feel happy with.

It may save you all time and effort in the long run.

Remember that sometimes things may be just as they seem with no hidden meaning at all.

A messy house and reason given may in fact be just that a messy house with a valid reason and nothing more.

• A ‘perfect’ house. A house that seems too clean. Those who appear overly uptight about cleanliness and tidiness may be critical and difficult to work for. It may be difficult to do child friendly activities such as painting, etc. However, you do also have to consider they may have just cleaned it to make a good impression on you!
• If the wage is the first thing parents discuss. This is of course important, but it may leave a question in the back of your mind as to the reasons why it was the first question. It may be innocent such as they want to make sure you are aware of the wage and accept it but the flip side may be that they can only just afford a nanny and therefore raises or bonuses may be scarce; paid outings may be not encouraged etc. Don’t let this alone make the decision for you.
• If they have gone through several nannies in a short period of time and/or if you are unable to speak with any of their previous nannies. They may have a very good and legitimate reason so ask before jumping to the conclusion it is all bad.
• They don’t want to pay correctly – covering enough to provide superannuation or tax. Discuss who is responsible and make sure it is included in the wage.
• Not a happy home – if the children are constantly fighting or if there is tension. Are you sure you want to enter that environment?
• The parents have strong discipline opinions – i.e. they never say no! Or if their parenting varies greatly from your own views or is not something you can honour, then it is not the right family for you.
• These can all add up to what we believe could trigger a ‘red flag’ moment. However, having said that it is also possible to all be easily explained. It is always important to have an open mind and not make judgement on what you see. But it is also just as vital to go with your gut feeling on a family.