Things To Consider When Beginning Your Search To Hire A Nanny
The nanny industry includes a diverse group of candidates at various experience levels who specialize in a wide range of care. The process to hire a nanny is very methodical and begins by first identifying your children’s unique needs. There are many categories that a nanny may fall under:
- Full Time Nannies
- Part Time or Afterschool Nannies
- Summer Nannies
- Travel Nannies
- Rotational Nannies
- Live- In Nannies
- Governess
- Newborn Care Specialist/Baby Nurse
Once you have identified your childcare needs, the next step is to begin the search to hire your nanny. One of the best sources for finding a nanny is through referrals. Nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members. When this option is not available, we strongly recommend using a reputable nanny agency that specializes in properly vetting and qualifying childcare candidates.
Working with an agency will save you lots of time because they do the heavy lifting by shortlisting applicants, completing initial interviews, checking references, verifying employment authorization and coordinating the entire process until the nanny is hired.
Getting to know the candidate and asking the right questions about their nanny experience is essential during the interview process. Prepare a list of questions that will allow you to get to know the nanny as well address your own expectations.
Here are some questions you can ask during a nanny interview:
- Tell me about yourself (This is a way to break the ice and get a brief introduction)
- Why did you choose to become a nanny? (Find out what motivates them towards this profession. Pay attention to how enthusiastic they sound when answering this question)
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? (This will give you an idea of their hobbies and how this can be incorporated into planning activities for your children. For example, if they enjoy sports, if they play instruments, if they are nature enthusiasts etc.)
- Tell me about your work experience? (You will be able to hear firsthand from the nanny about previous families they have worked for and it will open the opportunity to dialogue)
- Ask about any education, qualifications & training related to childcare.
- What does a typical day look like for them. (This will give you a more detailed look into their work style & routine.)
- Share your parenting style and expectations. Ask the nanny their thoughts.
- Discuss with the nanny ways in which you would like to communicate information, developmental progress & concerns etc.
- Ask the nanny to share references & testimonials from previous families.
- Allow the nanny the opportunity to ask you questions at the end of the interview.
Using these guidelines will help you get better insight into a candidate, and closer to identifying the best nanny for your family.
If you are looking to hire a nanny, SOFLO Domestics is a well-established agency with years of experience placing nannies with families. If you would like to know more about our service, give us a call at (305) 515 2625 or fill out our REQUEST FORM.