"I'm very impressed with the professional behavior of the staff."
- A.C., Nanny |
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In your attempt to gather information from a prospective employer, below are some
sample questions you can ask. You will want to collect as much information as you can
to make a sound decision on which job is right for you. We ask that the nanny make a minimum
of a one-year commitment, so it is important that you get a feel for the parents'
personalities, their child rearing philosophies and the way they run their lives.
- Prepare a resume including the following items about yourself
- Objective - for example: To find an in-home child care position where I can support the parents in raising their children.
- Education
- Work History in Child Care
- Volunteer Work
- Hobbies and Interests
- Take a copy of your resume to leave at the interview
- Bring along pictures from your previous child care jobs
- Have your questions prepared
- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself (see Questions for
Families)
- Jot down notes while interviewing
- Ask parents to review your notes confirming you have a clear understanding
of the job
- Write and send a follow-up “thank you” note after the
interview
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- What activities do they enjoy?
- Do they have any particular interests or hobbies?
- Are they involved in any structured activities?
- Can you describe their personalities?
- What are their temperaments and moods like?
- How will they react to a new nanny?
- What are their schedules?
- Is there anything they do not enjoy doing?
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- What are your theories on discipline and limit setting?
- What are your child-rearing philosophies?
- How do you see a nanny fitting into your family structure?
- Where are you from originally? Where do your parents and
extended family live?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
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- What are my duties and responsibilities?
- What would my typical day be like?
- Do you plan the children's day or do I use my discretion?
- Do you see the nanny as the one to schedule the doctor
appointments, haircuts, and clothes shopping; do we do
it as team or is that your domain?
- May I take the children to out of the home activities or
are you more comfortable for us to stay at home and in the
neighborhood?
- What is my schedule? Hours? Days on and days off?
- How often do you need me to be flexible for over time?
- If I go out in the evening during my time off, do you want
me in at a certain hour? Or may I use my own discretion?
- How do you feel about my friends coming to visit me in
my private quarters?
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- I am hoping to make $______ take home (or gross). Is that
within your range?
- What are the possible benefits? (It is fine to tell them
what you would like.)
- What would my room be like? Do I share a full bathroom or
do I have a private one?
- Would a car be available for me to use on my time off?
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For Nannies: Interview Questions