How many nannies to interview?

[Anonymous]

I'm new to hiring a nanny. I've talked to 5 on the phone and met 3 in person. I really clicked with one of the ladies I met in person and I think she'd be a wonderful fit for us and we agree on the rates. I'm just nervous to be done already and not meet any more people. This is for hopefully a long term position and I just don't want to be wrong in my choice. How many did you interview before making a decision?

[Anonymous]

I hired a nanny twice. The first time I interviewed 3 and hired the one whom I immediately knew seemed great. (She was also a referral from a family on our street, so the references couldn't be beat.)

The second time, when I knew a LOT more, I emailed back and forth w/ probably 20 applicants (many through Care.com and a few through DCUM). Did phone interviews with 6 or 7 and interviewed two in person.

Both times I "knew" pretty much right away when meeting the person. That was confirmed by really thorough reference checks of course, but trust your instincts OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm new to hiring a nanny. I've talked to 5 on the phone and met 3 in person. I really clicked with one of the ladies I met in person and I think she'd be a wonderful fit for us and we agree on the rates. I'm just nervous to be done already and not meet any more people. This is for hopefully a long term position and I just don't want to be wrong in my choice. How many did you interview before making a decision?

How did you find your five? How were their references? Can you do a trial day with your favorite person?

[Anonymous]

Interviewed six in person. Did working interviews with 3 or 4. We're now four years in with the one we chose, and still very happy with our choice.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I once ended a job hunt after interviewing with only one family (and it was by phone, since they were in another state)! I moved cross-country without having met them in order to take the job. I worked for them for 5 years and am still on good terms with them a year and a half after it ended. Sometimes, when you know, you know!

[Anonymous]

Our first and most beloved nanny was the first nanny we ever interviewed. We went on to interview two more after her then immediately offered her the job.

The second time was a nightmare. After months of interviews we ended up hiring a nanny from the same agency who'd sent us the first, but who she turned out to have serious medical conditions she hadn't disclosed and had to be fired on the spot. We spent several more months on Craigslist and care.com and finally found someone ourselves.

If your gut is good, go for it. That perfect fit is so rare!