Is it time to find a nanny for your family? This is arguably one of the biggest and most important decisions that you will make as a parent. It can be difficult narrowing down your candidates once you have reviewed their resumes, but once you have done that, you’ll need to spend some time getting to know each one during an in-depth interview process. This is probably the most important step when you’re going through the process of hiring a new caregiver for your home.
The first thing to remember is that the interview is all about asking the right questions and that it should cover diverse topics.
The main areas that need to be covered are:
-Communication skills
-Motivation
-Problem-solving skills
-Interpersonal skills
-Administrative skills
Craft questions that relate to each of these areas and keep in mind that you are not looking for a friend for your kids, you’re looking for someone that will care for them as you would. Never forget that this is about finding a “match” for your family – not just any applicant will suffice – it needs to be the right fit, both for your family as well as the nanny. So, keep this as well as the position requirements in your mind at all times while asking questions.
Do your homework:
In addition, be sure you do some research and preparation before the interview, as this will help you notice weak spots quicker and you’ll be able to focus more on the applicant’s personality and overall abilities. If you can recognize these things right away, you’ll be able to get an accurate valuation of who they are and what makes them unique.
The interview process:
An interview shouldn’t last more than an hour or two. The first five or ten minutes should be used as an ice breaker time to make sure that the candidate is made to feel at ease and comfortable enough to answer your questions. Stay in control of the conversation and be sure that you ask questions that are to the point and not long and drawn out. If it’s helpful for you, keep a written list of questions handy to work your way through. This will also give you the opportunity to jot down important details that you won’t want to forget about later. Equally important, a written list of questions will insure that you obtained the same information from all candidates.
What should you expect after the interview?
Listen to your gut! Often this is a good way to recognize if someone is a good fit for your family or not. If you have several qualified candidates that aced the interview process, sit back and consider the candidates as a whole. Identify any gaps or concerns that you have and consider if they are deal breakers. Immediately after the interview, write a summary comparing the candidates, while the information is still fresh. If you feel another brief interview is necessary, it is okay to contact the applicant for another interview to further discuss any questions or issues you might have. This is common practice and can help you determine who is right for the position.
