| Picking the Right Sitter: The Interview Process |
By: Nicolette Zanzibar, Babysitting/Childcare Columnist
On 10/23/05
Interviewing for a nanny isn’t easy, especially when there’s a 4 and a 6 year-old screaming in the background. It’s even more daunting with the knowledge that every sitter that you don’t hire means another two weeks of searching.
| "If possible, schedule an hour for your child and nanny to interact, preferably in a second interview." |
To avoid the weeks of nanny search, there are details that should be thought out ahead of the interview that will save you time and aggravation. Most importantly? Finding someone who will not only be great with your kids, but with whom you can form a trusting relationship, be able to communicate openly, and work with closely with over months or years.
So how do you find out what the person you’re interviewing is really like? Nanny referral agencies can ease the burden, as they can help with the initial screening and background checks, though they are costly. Many parents already have some idea of what you’re looking for in terms of payment, hours and days, and skills. It’s being able to find the right fit fast that can be troublesome.
Here are some tips that might help with the process:
Start by writing up a job description. It’s important to define expectations. Are you looking for a driver? Someone bilingual? Do you expect the babysitter to cook? Travel with the family? Will you provide benefits?
Though not always possible, try to get resumes in writing, as they will detail not only past history, but make for an easier comparison between candidates. Not all babysitters have access to a computer but may be outstanding babysitters nonetheless.
When hiring a babysitter for a younger child, see if they have CPR and infant-resuscitation training. If not, and you like the sitter anyway, encourage them to get the training at a local facility.
Always have a background check and driving record legally reviewed before you hire. You will need potential hires to give their social security number, their birth date, and a driver's license number to get this information.
When screening potential candidates be sure to check references. Ask the reference how long they've known the babysitter, and what they think are the babysitter’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask how the babysitter responded in a crisis situation at their home. A call to the reference can give you an excellent sense of who the person is.
When it comes time for the interview, listen to your instincts. Is the person warm, open and genuine? A little bit of nervousness is okay, especially in the first few minutes of an interview, but get a sense if the babysitter seems to be levelheaded and calm? Ask both about positive and negative experiences they've had with childcare in the past, what they've learned from a bad experience and how they might act differently now. Have they worked with children of similar ages? How would they handle a tantrum? An emergency situation?
Explain what a typical day with your child looks like. Go over your list of expectations carefully, especially concerning time expectations, pay, and length of commitment needed, and give him/her time to ask questions in return.
If possible, schedule an hour for your child and nanny to interact, preferably in a second interview. Remember, though -- children are often wary of new people, and may play this up in your presence for attention.
With a bit of preparation, the search for a nanny can go much faster, and a wonderful addition to the family can be made. Clear expectations and a foundation for communication are the essential tools in a relationship that will grow over time.
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