What good interview,questions were you asked? What strange questions were you asked?

[Anonymous]

I am going to start interviewing potential candidates for my infant. Curious to know what questions were telling.

[Anonymous]

I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

[Anonymous]

Adding onto PP's excellent suggestions. I'd recommend asking candidates about their relationships with former employers, challenges they faced, issues that were handled, comfortable boundaries and so on. It's important that you hire someone who is both a good nanny and a good employee, and this will help you get a better idea of how they conduct themselves professionally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

[Anonymous]

A few weeks ago I was asked, "do you have a boyfriend? tell me about him." Um, no thanks, weirdo. I know she was just trying to be friendly and find something out about my life, but it was just a weird question. When I told her basic things (his age, what he does, etc.) she looked like she wanted to know more. Not sure what she wanted to know! LOL

I've also been asked what my discipline styles were for an infant. I just told them I don't think 3 month olds really need to be disciplined, but that an older child I usually do time outs. I was just taken aback since the baby was sitting with them during the interview, so I'm like how would I ever discipline this little guy!?

I do think asking about discipline styles and other things that are age appropriate for your child is very important. I would want to focus on things that are important for your child right now and in the immediate future. Skip over questions about how a nanny would care for a 5 year old. Honestly it kind of freaks me out when people start talking about that far in the future, not because I'm not looking for something long term, but I think maybe someone who is looking to do infant care may end up leaving the job once the child is a bit older, you know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A few weeks ago I was asked, "do you have a boyfriend? tell me about him." Um, no thanks, weirdo. I know she was just trying to be friendly and find something out about my life, but it was just a weird question. When I told her basic things (his age, what he does, etc.) she looked like she wanted to know more. Not sure what she wanted to know! LOL

I've also been asked what my discipline styles were for an infant. I just told them I don't think 3 month olds really need to be disciplined, but that an older child I usually do time outs. I was just taken aback since the baby was sitting with them during the interview, so I'm like how would I ever discipline this little guy!?

I do think asking about discipline styles and other things that are age appropriate for your child is very important. I would want to focus on things that are important for your child right now and in the immediate future. Skip over questions about how a nanny would care for a 5 year old. Honestly it kind of freaks me out when people start talking about that far in the future, not because I'm not looking for something long term, but I think maybe someone who is looking to do infant care may end up leaving the job once the child is a bit older, you know?

Well that was important to me because I wanted to hire ONE nanny for 0-7. I didn't want to hire a nanny for infant care ,then another for toddler care, then a third for preschool age care, then one for early elementary school care, etc. Asking about your boyfriend was weird and unprofessional of her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

Are you assuming I meant you lost control of yourself? Because I meant lost control of the kids, behavior wise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

Are you assuming I meant you lost control of yourself? Because I meant lost control of the kids, behavior wise.

You should have said that. I took it as losing control of myself too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

Are you assuming I meant you lost control of yourself? Because I meant lost control of the kids, behavior wise.

You should have said that. I took it as losing control of myself too.

NP here.

She DID say that! "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids." What is ambiguous about that??

Either way it isn't offensive, you can simply say you haven't experienced that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

I am a nanny and think it's a reasonable question. If you don't feel you have ever lost control of the kids or of your temper, you can say that. You can also use it as an opportunity to discuss how you deal with a stressful situations and how you are consistently able to keep from losing control of the kids or your temper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

I'd tell you to take a hike, because I have never "lost control" on a job. Better to avoid making wild assumptions, you know?

Are you assuming I meant you lost control of yourself? Because I meant lost control of the kids, behavior wise.

You should have said that. I took it as losing control of myself too.

NP here.

She DID say that! "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids." What is ambiguous about that??

Either way it isn't offensive, you can simply say you haven't experienced that.

+1. It was very clear what she meant. Were you just looking to start an argument or do you having trouble with reading comprehension?

[Anonymous]

I think the best question you could ask for someone who could potentially be caring for your infant would be for them to describe a typical day for them.

See what she says. Her response is very telling because based on her answers you can see how much infant experience she has under her belt.

Does she mention age-appropriate infant activities? Or does she seem too broad in her responses?

If she seems to know what is typical for an infant at this stage, then that is a good indication she has some knowledge and experience with young babies and could be a good match for you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

Why would you assume I have lost my temper?
Big mistake on your part.

[Anonymous]

I hate it when families ask me "What household cleaning chores are you willing to do?" When phrased like that, it is almost always a sign that they are trying to squeeze as much as possible out of the Nanny.

Much better to phrase it as "We're looking for someone willing to do DC's laundry, and maybe swiffer the floor for crumbs after lunch, is that something you'd be comfortable with?" The first will send me running, the second I'm much more likely to work with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an employer rather than a nanny. I asked each candidate how they would handle discipline when a one yr old wasn't listening, a 2 yr old was trying to run into the street, a 3 yr old was throwing a temper tantrum in a store, a 4 yr old being defiant, etc. Basically, I wanted to know how they handle stress.

I also asked what would make THEM uncomfortable. I wanted to hear what their deal-breakers were. I asked how comfortable they were with being assertive, how they would handle if they and DH & I had different discipline ideas to implement, what they envisioned themselves doing during nap time, etc.

I asked a lot of open-ended questions rather than "We believe in one warning, then a spank, is that something you'll follow?" So I asked each one "Tell me about a time you lost control of the kids you were watching." "Tell me about a time when you lost your temper and wish you had handled things differently."

They no asking that.