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Tips for Families:

Interviewing Prospective Employees

An in-depth interview with a prospective employee can provide a family with the knowledge of exactly what to expect from him or her in the position. The family should find out what the nanny's philosophies are regarding child rearing and have an understanding with the nanny of the best ways to handle the children.

Interviews can be in person or by telephone, depending on the policy of the agency involved. In either case, the family should prepare a list of questions to ask, and, if possible, take brief notes of answers (write down details after the interview, as you review your notes).

A. THE CHILDREN

1. Ages of children cared for?

2. Developmental stages & personalities of children cared for?

3. Has nanny had experience with Special needs children?

     a.   physical

     b.   emotional

4. Favorite activities, hobbies, interests with children

B. THE FAMILY

1. What type of work you do?

2. What are your work schedules?

3. Has the nanny ever worked as a nanny before?

     a. How old was he or she?

     b. Where was the family from?

     c. Was the nanny happy with the family?

          1. Why or why not?

     d. Do you still keep in touch?

4. What disciplinary procedures does the nanny use?

C. THE JOB

1. Hours/days of employment

2. Daily schedule

     a. meals, naps, bedtimes, school...

3. Responsibilities of nanny

      a. Housekeeping

     b. Laundry - children's or family's

     c. Cooking - for children or family

          1. Any special dietary considerations

     d. Any other duties in addition to childcare

4. How often do you go out in the evenings?

5. Do you pay extra for babysitting and overtime?

6. Do you employ any other household help?

     a. housekeeper, cook, etc.

7. Will family travels include the nanny?

     a. Is travel time paid by the hour or part of the salary?

8. Is driving required for the position?

     a. Will you provide a vehicle?

     b. Will you pay for insurance/gas/oil and general wear and tear if personal vehicle

is used?

D. THE NEIGHBORHOOD

1. Describe what the neighborhood is like?

2. Are there children nearby of the same age as your children?

3. Are there any other nannies nearby?

4. How far away are shopping areas, etcetera?

     a. What types of facilities are available?

     b. What are they like?

E. PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR LIVE-INS

1. What are the living arrangements like?

     a. Will the nanny have a private bath?

2. Where are the nanny's quarters located in the house?

3. Are visitors allowed during time off?

4. When off duty, may nanny come and go at will?

5. What will be the nanny's two consecutive days off?

     a. When do they begin and end?

F. LAST (if the nanny interests you)

1. What is the exact salary?

2. Is there a benefit package?

     a. Is health insurance included in the benefit package?

3. Who will pay what taxes?

     a. social security, state and local, disability, etc.

4. How many paid/unpaid days/weeks of vacation are provided per year?

5. Are holidays given off with pay?