Preparing to Interview a Nanny or Au Pair: Everything You Need to Know
Hiring a nanny or au pair is about finding the right fit for your family, both in terms of care and compatibility. Conducting a thorough interview is crucial for ensuring that you make the best choice for your household.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for and conduct an effective interview.
Before the Interview
1. Research Your Family’s Needs:
Start by identifying the specific needs of your children and household. Are you looking for after-school care, a full-time caregiver, or someone with special skills like tutoring or handling allergies? Being clear about your expectations will help guide the interview.
2. Review the Candidate’s CV:
Look for experience with children of similar ages, relevant skills like first aid, and their length of stay in previous roles. Highlight any questions you have about their experience for the interview.
3. Prepare Your Questions:
Prepare a comprehensive list of questions that cover the candidate’s background, skills, and philosophy on childcare.
These questions ensure you cover all essential areas:
1) What motivated you to become a nanny/au pair?
Understand their passion and long-term commitment to childcare.
2) How do you handle emergencies? Can you give an example from your past experiences?
Assess how they stay calm and efficient under pressure.
3) What age groups do you have experience with?
Ensure they have the right experience for your children’s age.
4) How do you prioritise tasks when managing multiple things at once?
Learn how they balance their responsibilities, such as meal prep and childcare.
5) What do you think is the most important aspect of childcare?
Get insight into their values and approach to working with children.
6) Can you describe a typical day with a previous family?
Visualise how they might fit into your routine and day-to-day schedule.
7) How do you handle conflicts between children?
Discover how they manage sibling disputes and resolve conflicts.
8) What are your views on screen time for children?
Learn whether their perspective aligns with your family’s screen time rules.
9) Have you had experience with remote learning or homework assistance?
Especially important if they will help with schoolwork or learning at home.
10) What are your long-term career plans?
Determine whether this role fits into their long-term goals or if they view it as temporary.
11) How do you stay organised and keep parents informed of daily activities?
Understand how they communicate and maintain transparency about the day’s events.
12) What do you do if a child refuses to eat, sleep, or follow routines?
Gauge their patience and problem-solving skills.
13) Can you provide examples of educational or developmental activities you’ve initiated?
See how they contribute to a child’s cognitive and emotional development.
14) What is your approach to nutrition and meals for children?
Ensure they’re able to prepare healthy meals that meet your family’s dietary preferences.
15) How do you handle a child’s bad behaviour or tantrums?
Learn about their methods for discipline and maintaining order.
During the Interview
1. Set the Tone:
Create a professional yet welcoming environment. Even if you’re interviewing at home, ensure the candidate feels respected and comfortable.
2. Clear Communication:
Explain your family’s needs, schedule, and expectations upfront. Be open to discussing their preferences and ensuring there’s a good match between both parties.
3. Be Punctual:
Start the interview on time as a sign of respect for the candidate’s time. This also sets the tone for how you value professionalism.
4. Compensation and Benefits:
Discuss compensation after gauging their experience and expectations. Be transparent about salary, benefits, and any perks.
5. Watch for Nonverbal Cues:
Pay attention to the candidate’s body language and confidence when answering questions. This can give you insight into how comfortable they are and how they’ll interact with your children.
After the Interview
1. Evaluate Their Responses:
Review their answers to see how well their experience, skills, and personality match your family’s needs.
2. Check Their Compatibility:
Think about whether their values and approach to childcare align with your parenting style. Did their responses feel genuine and thoughtful?
3. Reference Checks:
Always follow up with references. Ask specific questions about how the candidate handled their responsibilities, communication skills, and interaction with children.
4. Schedule a Trial Day:
If you’re happy with the interview, arrange a trial day to see how they interact with your children in a real-life setting.
How to Handle Conflict Scenarios
1. What if an au pair inflates the distance traveled or work hours?
To avoid misunderstandings, establish a logbook system for tasks and mileage. Make sure both parties agree on how to record and verify this information regularly.
2. What if a family underpays on reimbursement?
Discuss the reimbursement terms upfront and ensure they’re clearly stated in the contract. In the event of underpayment, refer to the agreed-upon terms to resolve any issues.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a nanny or au pair can be a rewarding experience if done right. By asking the right questions, staying organised, and setting clear expectations from the start, you can ensure you hire someone who is not only qualified but also a great fit for your family.
Ready to take the next step?
Create a Family Profile with us and start connecting with top-rated nannies and au pairs today!
