Nanny Interview Guide: Top Questions You Must Ask!

Before hiring a nanny or childcare assistant, an interview is essential. It allows you to get to know the professional, discuss their caregiving habits, references, schedule, and pay. Here are the key questions to ask, with advice from Mina Zanat, former president of Family Sphere Group.

Questions to Ask During the First Contact

To hire a nanny or childcare assistant, you must first make an initial contact, generally by phone. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the future meeting. For this phone interview, have a notebook ready to jot down all the information. The first questions you ask will allow the professional to introduce themselves, and for you to get to know them a bit more. You might ask:

• Who are you? In a few words.
• How long have you been in this profession?
• How many children have you cared for?
• Are you certified (if they are a childcare assistant)?
• Why do you pursue this profession?
• What are your available days and hours?
• Where do you live? To know the distance between your homes.

After this introduction, outline the job details and what you are specifically looking for (profile, duties, salary, hours) to avoid any surprises during the interview. This initial contact will also help you feel if there’s a good fit with the person, and if so, arrange a face-to-face interview. On the day of the meeting, it’s preferable that both parents are present with the child. Also, discuss this with your child beforehand to avoid catching them off guard during the meeting.

Questions to Ask During the Hiring Interview

During the interview with the potential nanny or childcare assistant, which takes place at home with your child or children, various criteria should be considered.

Their Training and Certifications

Ask about their educational background: Have you undergone specific training? What certifications do you hold? “If your child is under three years old, for instance, the nanny must be qualified and possess an Early Childhood certificate. They should also have at least two years of experience with young children,” explains Mina Zanat. “For children older than three, a certificate isn’t required, but one to two years of experience is crucial before entrusting your child to them.” Another essential qualification is the SST (Workplace First Aid) certificate, which is important for ensuring your child’s safety.

Their Behavior with Children and Their Organization

During this initial meeting, make sure the nanny or childcare assistant interacts appropriately with your children and doesn’t ignore them! Observe how they connect with your little one.

Also, ask about their daily routine when caring for children. What activities do you organize? Do you take the children outside? How are lunch and snack times handled? How do you manage nap times?

Their Skills

To assess their abilities regarding the safety and hygiene of a baby, pose situational questions. If you need to bathe my baby, what should the ideal water temperature be? How would you react if my child has a fever? How do you handle conflicts between children? Their reactions and answers will help you form an opinion and reassure you about the aspects that are important to you.

Home Safety

If you visit a childcare assistant’s home, focus on the safety and cleanliness of the environment. What is the condition and number of beds available? Do you have pets (important in case of allergies)? Are you a smoker? Have they installed outlet covers, stair gates, etc.?

Their Professional References

To prevent the questioning from feeling like an interrogation, ask them to talk about their previous experiences and ask for references from families they have worked with before. This will help confirm your impressions and also provide important insights into their personality. Of course, take this information with a grain of salt: experiences are subjective, and it’s up to you to form your own opinion.

For another perspective, consider reaching out to their past employers. Don’t hesitate to ask for a criminal background check without feeling like you’re playing detective.

Their Care Arrangements

Before making a decision, be sure to confirm the care arrangements (their hours, outing times, days off, etc.). To avoid any legal or administrative issues, a proper contract must be drafted. In the case of shared care, each family should write their own employment contract. Therefore, check all the rights and responsibilities of the “private employer” well in advance.

Advice: before hiring a childcare assistant, trust your instincts. Do you feel comfortable with them? Is the environment welcoming and warm? Are they natural? Lastly, it goes without saying that punctuality is crucial. It’s a necessary sign of trust between both parties…

How to Determine if They’re the Right Nanny or Childcare Assistant?

Every child is unique. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a nanny who can adapt to the needs of the child and the parents. “Most parents primarily look for someone they can trust, but also someone who is flexible and has adaptable hours. Parents who sometimes come home late from work need to feel assured about this,” advises the expert.

To do this, specify as much as possible the criteria you are looking for in the initial job posting to better filter the applications. Remember, the perfect nanny is a rare find, and while you should be uncompromising on key issues like safety and affection, you might overlook other less critical aspects.