Interviewing for a nanny position can be a daunting prospect. However, if you are well-prepared, the meeting should generally run smoothly. The following advice should help you in feeling more comfortable with the interview process and increase your chances of being successful.


PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW

Review carefully the information provided by Pearl Childcare about the position.

Questions to ask

  • Have you previously had a nanny?
  • What did you like or dislike about the previous arrangements?
  • What is the daily schedule? What hours are required? Will the schedule change?
  • What are the expected duties?
  • How will I communicate with you?
  • What are the children’s routines?
  • What are the children’s interest and hobbies?
  • Do the children have any specific medical needs?
  • What is your philosophy on raising children and discipline?
  • Do you expect me to do housework? If so, how much and how often?
  • Will you provide me with a vehicle to use?
  • What is the accommodation on offer?
  • Do you plan to have a written work agreement?
  • Who will pay tax and national insurance?

Questions to prepare for

You may wish to prepare some answers to typical questions you might be asked. For some examples of questions, employers may ask you, please click here.


Presentation

First impressions are very important, so make sure that you are presentable for the interview. Even if later on you find out that your employer does not mind you wearing jeans, deciding on a smart casual outfit/look for the first interview is a good idea.


Directions

Consider how you will get to the families’ home on time and estimate how much time it will take. Your employer will expect good time keeping from you and therefore, being late at the first interview would give a bad impression from the start. Be sure to take along directions and the interviewer’s telephone numbers and give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. 


Mobile phone

Turn your mobile phone off before you enter the family’s home.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

  • Greet the interviewer by name with a handshake and smile
  • Never speak badly of a former employer. Refer to your former employer(s) professionally and politely.
  • Even if the interview atmosphere is relaxed, show good manners and do not use slang. Remember that you will help the family raise its children, so, they will expect you to have good manners.
  • Highlight your accomplishments through examples.
  • Ask questions about the children and the position. Questions about the salary should come last.
  • Ask the family for references such as previous nannies or family friends. You will supply references to a family and the family should do the same for you.
  • Make sure you have covered all the points you wish to discuss.
  • Relax and be yourself.
  • Thank the interviewer for her/his time at the end of the interview

 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Contact Pearl Childcare shortly afterwards and let us know how the interview went.

Send a thank you email reiterating your interest in the position to the interviewer and copy in your Pearl Childcare consultant. Sending a thank you note will definitely help you in getting you the job.