Interview Confidential: Family Edition

Parents, we talked about candidate interviews in our last blog post, but now we’re back with more tips and tricks. Here are some red flags to watch out for when you’re hiring a nanny.

Hiring a new caregiver is an important decision that may come with a lot of anxiety and apprehension. Hiring a nanny is also a commitment because you’re signing up to have someone new in your home and around your family for a potentially significant period of time. It doesn’t really matter if this is your first time or your hundredth, this can be a stressful process. 

As you begin the process of hiring a nanny, we encourage you to be unapologetically picky. Like we said, this is someone who is going to be a part of your family’s life, so you want to make sure that you trust this person to care for your children!

A one-size-fits-all nanny doesn’t exist.

Maybe the idea of a perfect nanny is someone who makes your children laugh and smile. Maybe you’re imagining them jumping on the trampoline in the backyard, giggling over crafts, or snuggling up together for bedtime stories.

Or maybe your idea of perfection is walking into your home after a long day at work and being able to smell the food your nanny is preparing for dinner in the kitchen. The laundry basket is empty, everyone’s homework is finished, and you can focus on enjoying the rest of the evening with your family?

Perhaps your ideal nanny is teaching your children a second language in the car as they drive between school, ballet, pottery, and piano. 

Or your dream nanny has made it so you can walk through the door smelling lemony disinfectant from your sparkling clean bathroom. Everything is well-organized, and is that a new color-coded calendar on the fridge?

Our point is, every family is different and wants different things in a nanny! A candidate might be amazing, but they could still be the wrong fit for you. 

Get specific in your job ad.

Your search should be customized because you deserve to have the nanny who is right for you.  

Avoid generic, templated job descriptions filled with soulless industry jargon. While some parents may be looking for someone more laid back who can have fun with the children, others may be looking for a nanny who can help out with homework and provide structure. Parents want different characteristics and skills in their nanny, which is why your advertisement is important. It is essential that your ad best portrays what you want in a nanny. 

Once you’ve got some strong candidates, you’re ready for the interview phase! Now, regardless of the skills and qualities you seek in your future nanny, here are a few potential dealbreakers that *are* one-size-fits-all.

RED FLAG: Misguided motivation.

Some people mistakenly think they can do this job because they have some babysitting experience. Other people may be dissatisfied with their current employment situation, leading them to turn to the care industry.

In addition to overestimating their “qualifications,” some may apply for a nanny role because they like children, underestimate the role as “easy,” or just need a job until they land something “better.” Regardless of the reason, don’t let their gain be your loss.  

The clarifying question you should ask: “Excluding any financial incentive, what motivates you to work with children?”

RED FLAG: Being opinionless.

It’s no surprise that interviewees will tell you what they think you want to hear. This ties into what we said at the beginning about how a quality or skill could be a win for one family and not for another.

If you’re guiding the conversation, beware if your interviewee just agreeably echoes your methods and wishes. You want someone who’ll genuinely uphold your rules and values in your absence, not just act the part.

The clarifying question you should ask: “How would you describe your discipline style and when have your strategies let you down?”

RED FLAG: Dubious history.

Your nanny’s primary responsibility is keeping your children safe, and there’s no gray area when it comes to being honest during an interview. So, if you’re discussing their past experience and they provide information that conflicts with that provided on their resume, this could be a red flag.

The variation could be a misunderstanding. However, it could be that the nanny wasn’t completely honest about their experience or qualifications. You don’t want someone who is willing to be dishonest and who is unprepared for the position. Therefore, you shouldn’t just write off any discrepancies. 

The clarifying question you should ask: “I noticed that you said _____, but your resume said _____. Could you clarify the discrepancy?”

RED FLAG: Currently working yet available immediately.

Maybe your nanny is currently working for another family, but they also say they can start as soon as possible… Their current family may or may not know their nanny is looking for something new. It’s possible the family is moving, the children have grown up, or a parent’s employment situation has changed. 

Unfortunately, it’s also possible that your potential nanny is indifferent about leaving their existing employer if a better opportunity presents itself. And, if that is the case, it speaks volumes about their character.

The clarifying questions you can ask: “Are you currently employed as a nanny for another family? (If the answer is yes, ask the follow-up question.) What is your reason for leaving your current employer? You could also ask, “How would your current employer react to you leaving?”

RED FLAG: Lacking professionalism.

This one covers a kaleidoscope of possibilities, but you’ll know it when you see it. If their communication in texts and emails is sloppy, short, or snippy. If they arrive late or unprepared. If their clothes aren’t tidy or appropriate, and their appearance is unkempt. If they use vulgar language, interrupt you, don’t make eye contact, tune you out, check their phone… We could provide countless examples.

Nannies are often role models because they are people who your children spend a lot of time around and look up to. Therefore, your nanny’s traits matter because children are like sponges. They can soak up bad habits and manners just as easily as they can soak up and adopt good ones. 

The clarifying question you should ask: Most people act as their best possible selves during an interview, so it is highly unlikely that this will get better. If you’re already noticing a lot of unprofessional behavior during the interview, our best advice is to look for a different nanny. As Dr. Maya Angelou says, “When people show you who they are, believe them.”

The good news. 

Finding safe, nurturing, and passionate caregivers is our thing! And pairing full-time nannies with the families who need them is—and always will be—our signature service.

Will you let us do what we do best for your family, too? Whether you want something full-time, part-time, lifelong, or ultra-temporary, we want our team to guide and support you through the process of finding the perfect person for your family. Set up a no-obligation meeting with our team today.

“I can’t say enough good things about this company! I was nervous to have anyone but family watch my newly born baby but the situation arose that I would need backup care. The office greeted me with a friendly and empathetic ear and painlessly set me up an account. The first sitter they sent totally exceeded my expectations! She had my daughter peacefully sleeping in her crib (which is not an easy feat) and tidied up the house. They put all my worries to ease and I love every person they send! Don’t hesitate and definitely sign up with this company, you’ll be amazed!” -Christie Burns Novak