Nanny 101

Lesson 3: Getting the Job

Questions the Family Might Ask

To prepare for an interview, consider asking yourself some of these questions. You may want to ask someone to perform a mock interview with you so you can practice having an open dialog about your responses.

Your Qualifications

The previous experiences and knowledge of childcare that qualify you for a live-in nanny job are usually brought up in the very beginning of the interview. For the most part lengthy answers are not needed since these initial questions are used to gage qualification and training.

• How long have you been a nanny?
• How old were the other children you cared for?
• Do you have any formal early childhood development or childcare training?
• How is your health? Do you have any medical conditions that might effect your work?
• Do you have any dietary restrictions?
• Do you have CPR and first-aid training?
• Do you smoke/drink/use drugs?
• Do you drive? What is your driving record like?

Your Philosophy of Childcare

Your philosophy is where you share your views, opinions, and behaviors that make up your attitudes about childcare. It is important for you to be clear when speaking about how you will handle certain situations so you are able to convey your strengths as a caregiver.

• Why are you a nanny?
• What would you do if the child is sick or has had an accident?
• What was your upbringing like?
• What are your beliefs about childrearing?
• How do you discipline children?
• How do you comfort children?

Your Personal Preferences

Sharing your needs is important too. Do not be shy to talk about what you are looking for in a prospective family. Your responses to these types of personality questions will help determine how well you will fit in with a family.

• What qualities are you looking for in a family?
• What do you like about being a nanny?
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• What are some of the rules you've followed in other households that you think work well? Which rules don't work for you?
• Describe your ideal family / employer
• Do you have any pet peeves about parents / children?
• What, about being a nanny, could you do without?
• What do you like to do in your free time?

The Logistics of the Job

The family is as curious about what you are willing to do as you are of them. This part of the interview will revolve around duties and compensation, both of which are negotiable if necessary.

• Are you willing to do any light chores? Which ones?
• What is your salary range?
• Will you be available to travel with the family for weekends / vacations?
• Will you ever be available to work evenings or weekends?
• When can you start working?

Personal & Employment References

You will always be asked to share the names of people who can speak to, both, your abilities as a nanny but also about your personality. You should let your intended references know you plan on using them and ask what they might say about you. This will ensure that you are aware of what your recommendations will be.

What do you think your references will say about you?

Make sure you take the time to think about the situation you are looking for. Going into an interview without knowing the kind of family you want to work with will make you ill-prepared for their questions. Thinking about the people you want to live with will help you to keep that in mind when thinking about the way you will respond to questions.

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