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How to Inverview a Nanny

Asking the right questions to find the right candidate

by Heather Dubuque  |  2050 views  |  5 comments  |        Rate this now! 

What is one of your favorite aspects of caring for children?

What is your least favorite part of caring for children?
  • The answer to this question could give you insight on the candidate's potential limitations.)
Please describe a situation in which you had to discipline a child and why?

In addition to conducting an in-depth interview, contact at least three professional references as well as three personal references. If you have chosen to use a nanny agency to help you find potential candidates, they should conduct a complete background check that includes the references checks, but you should also speak to them yourself. If you are not using a nanny agency, strongly consider running a background check on your own. Companies are available online and can run anything from a driving record to a credit check, but do your research and feel free to contact them for any additional questions you may have.

Once you've 'interviewed all of your candidates and completed all reference and background checks, take the time to go back over your notes and decide on the best match for your family.

About the Author

Heather Dubuque is a CEO and President of the Lillian Nanny Agency, a firm she founded in Nashville, Tenn.

Read more by Heather Dubuque

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5 comments so far...

  • I am a caregiver (not a babysitter, nor a nanny), and I was once asked "Is there something about young children that you don't enjoy?"

    I'd never been asked anything like that before - the assumption tends to be that I love every little thing about children or I wouldn't be in the business! I answered honestly: whining. I really loathe whining, and work diligently to eliminate it from a child's behavioural repertoire. The parent was very pleased with my answer. "If you'd said there was nothing you disliked, I wouldn't have believed you. I'm his mother, and I don't love everythig about that job, either!" she said.

    Turns out that mom, before retooling as a lawyer, had worked for several years in a daycare centre! So, please be aware - just because there's some aspect of the job a caregiver doesn't like, doesn't necessarily make it a *weakness*.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by MaryP on 27th August 2007

  • Finding the right person to be with my kids is the most important choice in the world - not just for me but for them, too! Thank you for sharing these tips!! I'll be looking for more tips from you :)
    ~Annemarie

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 24th August 2007

  • Excellent article -- real, clear and accessible tips! Would love to read more from this author.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Marie on 17th April 2007

  • Thank you for this! I have already shared this article with a few friends.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Jumpin on 15th April 2007

  • Very helpful article. Great tips on questions to ask!

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Victoria on 11th April 2007

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