What kind of questions do I ask ?

First, make sure this person did actually employ your candidate as a Nanny.  Find out for how long and for how many children and what are there ages. Ask why she left their employ.  Before you call you should do the following: Think of what is important to you in a Nanny.  If reading to your child and taking him on fun outings are important, ask the employer if she did these things for her kids.  If cleaning up after them and following her employer's instructions are important to you, ask if she did this.  It's best to just write down everything you are looking for in a Nanny and then form your questions accordingly.  Be aware that most former employers feel responsible for their Nanny's unemployment and may be reluctant to offer negative information.  You may have to read between the lines and point out any hesitation they are showing. "You sound hesitant, is there something I should know about Mary?"

Back to Top

 

Her references weren't really glowing, but I like her ?

If her references seemed fair but not gushing with enthusiasm, give your applicant the opportunity to explain why.  Sometimes it just happens that personalities didn't gibe.  Sometimes a family would rather have an outgoing, talkative type and your candidate is on the reserved, shy side.  Now if you like that quality, she may be perfect for you.  As long as no red flags went up during the reference interviews and the background check comes back clean, you should feel safe in offering her a position.   Even glowing recommendations do not insure a successful nanny/employer match.

Back to Top

 

I can't locate the references she's given me ?

Warning, warning Will Robinson.  If she's given you several references and none of them are answering their phones or have moved with no forwarding address, say goodbye to this candidate.

Back to Top

---

Sample Questions

Would you hire her again?
What did you see as her strengths / weaknesses?
Why did she leave your employ? amazing the different sides of the story you can get with that one
Double-check dates/ages of kids and when care was provided
Was the nanny punctual?
How were her interactions with the kids? 
Did she complete all aspects of her job? laundry, kids' dishes, etc. What did she do in her spare time?
Were there things about her that you weren't happy with? Can you give me some examples?
Would you hire this person again? Why or why not? A no here is not 
necessarily bad, it could be that both parties are "burned out" from each other.
Would you recommend this person to anyone?
What were the things you liked about her the most?

Back to top