How would you answer/respond to these nanny questions?

[Anonymous]

- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

1. Because they think I would be a better fit. My credentials, experience, questions and brainstorming speak for themselves. I offer references and a background check if the interview goes well.

2. I don't like working with singletons, nor will I be micromanaged. I prefer to have a free hand with how things are accomplished, and all adults on the same page as to the long-term goals. So, 2-7 kids, lots of hours, authority to do things my way as long as I discuss with parents when I want to change something.

3. 2-7 kids, live-in position, single parent, appreciative of a professional experienced nanny without parent being completely clueless, parent comprehends child's shortcomings and gifts without over or underexaggerating

Hmmmm, that's all I can think of for now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

1. Because they think I would be a better fit. My credentials, experience, questions and brainstorming speak for themselves. I offer references and a background check if the interview goes well.

How do you know you are a better fit than the other candidates for our family? You know nothing of the other candidates.

2. I don't like working with singletons, nor will I be micromanaged. I prefer to have a free hand with how things are accomplished, and all adults on the same page as to the long-term goals. So, 2-7 kids, lots of hours, authority to do things my way as long as I discuss with parents when I want to change something.

You sound like a very difficult person to work with.

3. 2-7 kids, live-in position, single parent, appreciative of a professional experienced nanny without parent being completely clueless, parent comprehends child's shortcomings and gifts without over or under exaggerating

Confirmed my previous thought. What a pain.

Hmmmm, that's all I can think of for now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

1. Because they think I would be a better fit. My credentials, experience, questions and brainstorming speak for themselves. I offer references and a background check if the interview goes well.

2. I don't like working with singletons, nor will I be micromanaged. I prefer to have a free hand with how things are accomplished, and all adults on the same page as to the long-term goals. So, 2-7 kids, lots of hours, authority to do things my way as long as I discuss with parents when I want to change something.

3. 2-7 kids, live-in position, single parent, appreciative of a professional experienced nanny without parent being completely clueless, parent comprehends child's shortcomings and gifts without over or underexaggerating

Hmmmm, that's all I can think of for now.

Op I would not answer the questions like this

[Anonymous]

2-7 kids? Wow, that's a lot for one nanny to handle.

[Anonymous]

Then how would you? Also, would you ask a family " why do you think your family would be a good fit for me or a nanny"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

1. Because they think I would be a better fit. My credentials, experience, questions and brainstorming speak for themselves. I offer references and a background check if the interview goes well.

2. I don't like working with singletons, nor will I be micromanaged. I prefer to have a free hand with how things are accomplished, and all adults on the same page as to the long-term goals. So, 2-7 kids, lots of hours, authority to do things my way as long as I discuss with parents when I want to change something.

3. 2-7 kids, live-in position, single parent, appreciative of a professional experienced nanny without parent being completely clueless, parent comprehends child's shortcomings and gifts without over or under exaggerating

Hmmmm, that's all I can think of for now.

Wow, I would not hire you based on your answer to #2. I am the parent, and *I* make the decisions about my kids. The nanny carries them out and can come to me if they think there's a better way, but ultimately it's my (and DH's) decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Then how would you? Also, would you ask a family " why do you think your family would be a good fit for me or a nanny"?

No don't ask that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

For the bolded question you should always answer it somewhat like this: "You should choose the candidate that is the absolute best fit for your family. From everything I have seen I feel like you all are a wonderful fit for me and my style, but I don't know who else you have met.



For the other two answers just be honest. If their kids are 2 and 3 and you usually look for babies you could say "I normally find position with babies but having met you all and your two kids I think I would be very happy here. I'm excited at the prospect of having new experiences with slightly older children."

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't answer and I wouldn't want to work for you because you are a micromanager. I would be so happy to have dodged a bullet.

[Anonymous]

What exactly was the point of this thread? A nanny looking for advice when interviewing? Or a parent seeking input from nannies on what kind of response to expect or look for??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

These are very typical job interview questions in a variety of jobs and careers. Just answer truthfully.
Q1 is asking about your experience, strengths and differentiators.
Q2 is asking what you value.
Q3 is asking about your values and job goals.

[Anonymous]

Geez people, I'm 13:29, not OP. OP asked nannies how they would respond, these are my responses. And while I know I'm not a good fit for many people, most people also don't have a situation where they need someone like me. I've worked 24/7 and am not afraid of doing it again, but that's the first thing that makes parents throw up their arms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What exactly was the point of this thread? A nanny looking for advice when interviewing? Or a parent seeking input from nannies on what kind of response to expect or look for??

Does it have to be either? I thought OP was curious, so I answered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
- Why should we choose you over another candidate?

- What type of family or things do you look for in a family?

- What would you describe as your ideal family?

1. You got good advice on this one. Share what makes you special but focus in the family finding the right fit.
2. I always stress that I look for strong communication skills and that they are interested in being involved with their child(ren).
3. I don't have a list of boxes to tick off, I just look for a family that shares my views on how to care for children and that I have a good rapport with.