Yep, I've had two positions that the first interview was done by an employee. ! was the nanny who was moving to the other side of the country, the other was the household manager. In both cases, they were doing the weeding out for the parents, and because they knew what to ask and how to phrase things, it only took about 20 minutes, was completely professional, yet they were the most efficient interviews I've ever done. Both people also gave me insight into the family and kids that I wouldn't have been able to get from the parents or other relatives. I second the PP that said that these are the kind of parents that want someone competent and decisive, not someone that needs or wants to be micromanaged.