Going for a nanny interview? Be prepared!

Everyone should prepare for an interview but getting ready for a nanny interview is somewhat different. Here are some points to consider before going to your interview.

For a start, you don't really want to be in a suit because you more often than not, children will be present and parents are interested in seeing how you interact. This might mean getting on the floor and playing with them so make sure you wear something smart but comfortable. The most common compliant is that nanny candidates don't do this and in many cases its lost them the job.

Unlike other interviews, you most likely won't be in a business environment but the family home. Some parents may opt to meet you in a public location for the first interview but at some point they will need to show you where they live and more importantly, where you will be working. This will give you an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable in their environment. If you are a neat and tidy person who likes everything in its place, you probably won't be comfortable in a home with lots of clutter for example.

You must ask questions! Parents are not necessarily used to interviewing people and they may not give you all the information you need. There is nothing more disappointing for an interviewer than hearing that a candidate doesn't have any questions. It sends out a message that the job isn't important to them. Putting some time and preparation into your list of questions is essential.

One way to help with this is to imagine yourself already in the job. Left on your own with however many children the job requires, what sort of questions are you going to need answers to? Some examples are:

- What do you expect from a nanny?

- What are the job responsibilities? If the job description mentions 'light housework' ask them to be more specific.

- What is a typical day's schedule for the children?

- How do you sooth them when they are upset?

- What is your discipline philosophy?

- What activities do the children like?

- What do they like to eat?

- How do you prepare them for nap time?

- Do you want the nanny to take the children out of the house on excursion or stay around the home/neighborhood. If so, does the nanny use her own car? Who pays for the gas?

- How long do you think the job will last? Will the children be attending pre-school?

- Will the family be deducting taxes and paying legally?

Make sure the family are willing to provide a work agreement. This agreement will outline all aspects of the job, list responsibilities, pay, house rules etc. If everyone is on the same page from the start a strong working relationship will build and develop.

Finally, as with any job, be sure to write and thank you letter to the family following the interview and make sure you spell the children's names correctly.

Good luck!