What kind of questions do you ask previous nannies?

[Anonymous]

I interviewed with a family that sounds like a wonderful fit for me! This is a nanny/household manager position for three older children.

Anyway, we exchanged references on both ends. I'm pleased to have them offer references from their previous nannies amd au pairs, but I am unsure of what to ask exactly.

Obviously, I will ask how their experience has been working with this particular family. I would love to hear other people's
input or thoughts.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You always ask what did they especially like, and what not so much.

[Anonymous]

I would start off by what you stated in your post OP, then perhaps inquire about the reason the position ended.

I wouldn't ask anything too personal about the prospective family as you don't know whether or not the ex-nanny will report how the conversation went.

Offering references is a huge plus in my opinion, this usually means that the family is in good standing w/previous employees which definitely bodes well for them.

Hope you get the job!
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

1. Do the rules stay consistent, or are they inconsistent?

2. Are they prompt about paying, and have they ever expected you to pay for something out of pocket, with or without reimbursement?

3. Do they pay on the books? Are they prompt about providing a W-2?

4. What does each child like to do? What do the kids like to do together? Do the kids have camps when school is out, or is the nanny working all day?

5. Do they see the position as house manager (organizing, scheduling, etc) or housekeeper (cleaning, cooking, laundry)?

6. How are the parents about communication? Do they tend to micromanage, give a decent amount of authority or keep completely separate?

7. How much driving is required? Do they reimburse correctly for mileage or ever ask that the nanny use her car?

8. How do the kids interact with the nanny? Are they open to new nannies, or are they burnout after too many caregivers?

9. Do they try to push additional duties not outlined in the contract without appropriate remuneration?

10. Do they respect the nanny or make her feel like an unwanted, but necessary, warm body?