Home Clients Nannies About Us Contact Us Links

INTERVIEW GUIDELINES

The Telephone Call

Do not under-estimate the importance of your first conversation. Have a list of questions that you want to ask, and be ready to write down details if you are offered an interview. Make sure you write down the families name, address, date and time of interview, and any travel instructions.

You will have already had an outline of the job being offered, but you can clarify any points you are unsure of:

  • Names and ages of children
  • Hours of work
  • Weekend work / Babysitting
  • Any other duties
  • Start date
  • Parents' names
  • Salary

The most important thing to remember is to sound positive and interested in the position being offered. If it does not sound like the right job for you, do not be afraid to say so.


The Interview

Do not forget to take:

  • Original qualification certificates
  • Copies of all your references
  • Your CV
  • Names and telephone numbers of references to give to the client
  • A list of questions you want to ask

The client will understand that you may be nervous, but answer their questions as fully (not just one word answers), and as honestly as you can.

If you get the opportunity to meet the children, talk to them and play with them. Ask them about their favourite toys and what they like to do.

It is important that you have the opportunity to ask questions too. You need to decide if you could fit in with the family and be happy there.

  • Do the children attend nursery, school, activities, etc.?
  • What is an average day for them?
  • Do they have any special diets, allergies, etc.?
  • Is television allowed?
  • Their ideas on discipline
  • Use of car
  • Any pets
  • Will you have a trial period?
  • Notice period
  • Holidays
  • Contract

You may be offered the position at the end of the interview, but it is usually best for both sides to consider everything before they make a final decision.

The client may have other nannies to interview, and will probably let you know at a later date. You can ask when this is likely to be, and let them know if you feel this is the sort of position you are looking for.

Let us know as soon as possible how you feel about the job. If it is not for you, let us know why so we can take it into consideration when looking for other positions.

GOOD LUCK!