The Nanny Interview - Getting it Right

I have seen many a nanny, who is highly experienced with  much to offer a family, lose an opportunity to someone with less experience just because of the way they performed during the face to face interview with the family. Generally the objections are mild, such as the nanny being shy or not asking any questions but occasionally I hear some real bloopers like the time the nanny candidate chewed gum all the way through the interview!

Of course, when you work with a nanny agency  there are a lot more hurdles to cross because you need to make a good impression on both the agency and the family. If you really want to land the perfect nanny position you can drastically improve your chances if you follow a few simple rules:

Rule One - Communicate

Whether you are using an agency or applying directly to the family your first line of communication with either be a phone call, email or application form. This is your first opportunity to capture the attention of the person making the hiring decision. It is also the most important. First impressions really do count.

Out of every ten emails I receive from candidates approximately 7-8 of them have spelling and grammatical errors. Many emails are written like a text message i.e. "hello, my name is jo and i was wondering if u r still looking for a nanny." Its no surprise that these emails are deleted without further consideration. Part of a nanny's responsibility, if she is caring for pre-schoolers might be to teach basic writing and reading skills!

Be sure to follow up your application with a phone call if possible or a second email. Nanny agencies can receive upwards of 200 applications a week and you need to make sure yours stands out. Don't take it personally if the agency or family doesn't return your call but whatever you do don't give up. 

Rule Two - Look like you want the job
You are not applying for a position working in an office and therefore you don't need to necessarily wear a suit but you do need to look smart and understated. Remember, as a nanny you may be required to step in for the parents at school events and the parents will want to see that you are able to represent the family in a strong light.

Rule Three - Make an impression
The first 30 seconds are the most important? Yes definitely! When you arrive for your interview be sure to get there on time, smile, make eye contact and give a firm handshake. Be sure to acknowledge everyone in the room, especially the children.

Rule Four - Nail the interview!
The family will have lots of questions to ask you. Liston carefully and only answer the questions they ask avoiding going off track onto other subjects. Have a list of questions of  your own, ideally with regards to the children and the responsibilities of the job. If the children are present, its okay to play and interact with them - the parents will want to see this.

Rule Five - Finish on a good note
Before leaving, let the family know if you think the job is an ideal fit for you and ask if they would like to set up a time for you to visit again and have more interaction time with the children. Always, always, always follow up with a thank you email reiterating your interest.

Good luck out there. If you follow these simple steps you will dramatically increase your chances of nailing the perfect nanny job.

7 Steps To Nailing The Perfect Nanny Job

Finding the perfect nanny job can seem to be a difficult task. However, having a perfect interview can help alleviate many of the hardships to landing the nanny job you most desire.  If you follow the tips we have listed below, nailing the interview will be no problem.

1. Preparation
Before you begin your nanny search spend some time preparing a professional nanny resume. Include all your experience with children and any relevant training. There are lots of examples of good nanny resumes online. Also, prepare a strong nanny specific cover letter and include a summary of why you want to be a nanny, the skills and qualities that make you a great nanny, what you are looking for in a job and why you are a good match for the job you are applying for.


2. Research

Before going to the interview, it is important to do your research.  Make sure you are aware of what the family expects from you. Find out what your duties and responsibilities will be and how much the position pays.  Doing your research is a great way to get a feel of whether this position is a good fit for you.  If after your research you decide this position will not work, it will save both you and the family time from meeting to have an interview.

3. References

Your references will always be checked when applying for a nanny job.  Therefore, it is very important that you have your references up to date prior to the interview.  You may want to contact your references and ask for the best way to reach them so you will have the most recent number.  Also, it is helpful to make sure they are aware they are being used as a reference so when they are called they will not be caught off guard.

4. Etiquette

"First impressions are lasting impressions".  From your initial contact up to your actual interview, it is important to always be professional.  When emailing a potential family, be sure you are using correct grammar and punctuation.  No one will take an email seriously that does not use capital letters, has poor spelling and grammar, and little punctuation.

Dress appropriately for the interview.  It shows you are taking the job seriously.  You do not want to arrive to an interview with jeans, t-shirts, flip flops, or any outfit that is inappropriate or suggesting.  It is also a great way to show your respect.

Always be punctual.  This is another way to show your respect.  It is important to show up to an interview on time or at least 15 minutes early.  One way to avoid arriving late to an interview or getting lost, is to go on a dry run before the date of your interview.  This will ensure you are certain where the location is and you will get a sense of how traffic is in that area. If you think you are going to be late, give the family a call to explain you are on your way.

5. Prepare a Folder of Your Past Work Experience
It is helpful to bring with you a portfolio of your work experience.  This can include pictures of you with kids you have worked with in the past.  Also include any certificates you have earned or any other child care related training.  This is a great way to show off your work and impress the families.

6. Questions to Ask
It is important for not only the families to ask you questions during the interview, but for you to ask questions to the family.  They will expect you to have questions.  Listed below are some sample questions you should ask during your interview.

• What are my duties as a nanny?
• What is your discipline philosophy?
• How long do you anticipate this nanny position lasting?
• What is your family's favorite ways to spend downtime?
• Do any of the children have allergies?

7. Post Interview

After the interview, it is always nice to send a follow up email to thank the family for the opportunity to interview with them.  It is polite and it shows your interest in working for them.  In this email you could also restate your interest in the position and that you look forward to hearing from them.

If you follow those tips, landing your perfect nanny job should be a breeze.  Good luck!