Looking for Nanny Interview Advice

Hi J.,

I am a nanny myself and on my last job interview, my employers brought with them a long questionary that they found online and they asked me very specific question about my childhood, how I would react to some situations, personal information, they requested references, they also did a background check (this is very important!).

When you find the right person, please make sure that you tell them what you expect from them.

Your baby is very precious, and you want someone that you can trust 100%.

Good luck.

If you need more hints, you can email me at ____@____.com

I have been a Professional Nanny for over 17 years and I strongly agree with the advice from Amy regarding checking references! I have always found my positions through Agencies and I have been registered with a lot of them and NONE of them have ever checked my references. I also encourage you to make surprise visits home or various phone calls when you have hired someone. It is very important for you to find the right person to work with your family. That means that not only do they need to have good references and experience but their personality needs to mesh with yours. Think about the things that are important to you in raising your daughter and ask questions revolved around those things.
You should ask what their discipline beliefs are and what types of activities they deem appropriate for your daughter at this age and going further. You should ask them what they think their strong points are as well as their weak points. Ask them why they chose being a Nanny and where they see themselves in 5 or 10 years. You should also ask them for a salary history, so you can see where they are at and whether they are asking for an appropriate salary based on where they were currently at. Ask them about what types of activities they would be interested in getting involved in with your daughter as she gets old enough to sign up for classes.
When you do find someone, give them 2-3 months to get adjusted and ease into the job and then let them know that you will all sit down after that time and talk about how everyone is doing (technically, a review). If you are really happy with them at that point, it is great if you can afford to give them some sort of bonus or raise as a token of your appreciation. If you can�t afford to do that, at least make sure you tell them often what a good job they are doing or how grateful you are to have them as a part of your family.
Feel free to use the information on my own website: www.pronanny.net
to help you in your interviews and e-mail me if you have any more questions.
Best Wishes,
D.

J.,
To find a nanny, I recommend Mid-west Nannies in St. Charles. We love our nanny who we found through this agency. Also, I have seen the hand-written references, so I know they checked them. If you don't want to pay a finder's fee, you can purchase a comprehensive packet from them on how to find a good nanny. This costs less than $30.
I would call the agency. You don't pay anything unless you hire on of their candidates. I think they are www.midwestnanniesinc.com.
Good luck.
Amy

My biggest piece of advice is to ask for references and actually call them. If you find one you like have a trial day before you officially hire them and have them care for your baby for a couple of hours while you are there. You want someone who is going to treat your baby with the care they would for their own. Look for CPR certification and ask them to see the card showing that it is valid. Anyone can call themselves a nanny but not everyone can really be a good one and one that you will trust especially with your 3 month old sweetheart. My husband and I have been very lucky and have had 2 great experiences with nanny's...if we could clone ours for you I would!!! Our first nanny had a job change that took her too far away from this area and now she is closer to yours. She was great and had fabulous references...she loved our little girl and still keeps in touch. If she hasn't found a new family yet I could see if she is interested for you to at least talk to her. Call me if you want to...###-###-####.