Nannies- Questions you wish you asked in the interview

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I have an interview this evening and wanted to really think about what questions to ask the family. The children are ages 5-11yrs, and the job is full time. What are some things, looking back that you wish you discussed in the interview? What are some questions that you always ask?

[Anonymous]

Questions I always ask:

How they discipline their children.
What expectations they have from nanny in regard to household tasks (laundry, dishes, cooking, etc).
If they offer paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick time).
What happens if their kids are sick- are you expected to take care of them.
If they go away on vacation if you will still be paid for your time.
If they have back-up care if nanny is sick or has a doctors appointment.
If children have any allergies with food or medications.
What kind of activities they want their children to do doing with their nanny.
If you are going to be driving their children around if they reimburse you for gas and/or provide a car for you to use.
How long of a commitment they are looking for (1-2 years is ideal).
If they are paying on or off the books.


That's all I have for now- good luck with your interview.

[Anonymous]

I always ask about pets, including if they have any desire for them in the future. Sometimes things change, of course, but if they're planning on getting a cat next month, I'd turn down the job because I don't like cats.

I always ask about any allergies, food or otherwise, and if the children take any medication daily that I would need to administer.

what the family's views are in terms of schedule. When the kids come home from school, how do they unwind? TV? Computer? Books? Outside play? Do they do homework immediately? After an hour? After dinner?

I'm curious -- how is the job full time when all of the kids are in school? Will you be helping out around the house during school hours?

[Anonymous]

Aside from the general questions about their needs and the children, I ask about their parenting style, and discipline strategies if appropriate. I also ask how many hours they will be guaranteeing, not if they will guarantee hours (to not do so is not an option if they'd like to work with me). I ask about how long of a commitment they would like, and if they are comfortable using a work agreement.

[Anonymous]

What was their favorite thing about a past nanny? Least favorite? What are their biggest concerns as employers, where have they had issues in the past? What kind of person is the best fit for their family?

[Anonymous]

Two questions I wish I had asked in my last position, and made sure to ask for my current position:

* Do things need to be done/ folded, tidied in a certain way? My last position the MB wanted things done her way - which is fine and her right as a boss but I prefer families who just want stuff to be done at the end of the day

*Does your family have any special food things - I did ask if the kids had allergies but the family didn't have pork or shellfish in the house (bit of a whoops)