- Check in with the family via email or text as soon as you get the confirmation email to say hello and that you’re looking forward to meeting them.
- During this exchange, reiterate the start and end time and location to ensure that all the details you received on the confirmation email are accurate.
- Review the family’s profile for special notes and/or job conditions to have a good understanding of the family’s background and needs. If you have any questions you can ask BFC prior to meeting the family.
- Dress appropriately. Wear attire that is both childcare friendly and professional. Look presentable as this is the first impression you are making on the family.
- Show up on time! On time is 5 minutes early so that the family does not begin to worry if you’ll be late. Use a GPS device to get directions ahead of time and plan ahead if the weather is supposed to be bad, the subways are slow, etc.
- Make sure to greet the family upon meeting them and proceed with asking if you should take your shoes off and wash your hands (if it is a trial and you are working with kids).
- After the interview, send a thank you email or text thanking the family for their time and tell them it was great meeting them.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO CANCEL: There is a ZERO tolerance for no shows. If you need to cancel for any reason, you must give at least 24 hours notice before appointment start time. Families rely on their providers to give them calm. If a nanny cancels her interview or trial, it tells the family that they will cancel on them in the future and may not be a candidate to further consider.
Sample Nanny Interview Questions – Practice these at home prior to the interview!
- On being a nanny
- Why are you a nanny?
- Why are you looking for a new position?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- Describe your ideal family/employer:
- What do you like least about being a nanny? Answer this in a positive light!
- On working with children
- What are your beliefs about childrearing?
- What do children like best about you?
- How do you comfort children? How do you deal with separation anxiety?
- How do you discipline children? Give me an example of a previous discipline problem and how you handled it.
- What are some of the rules you’ve followed in other households that you think worked well?
- Which rules haven’t worked for you?
- Would you be willing to follow my rules and disciplining/comforting strategies even if they’re different from yours?