Nanny Interviews Tips and HelpPractical tips for successful nanny interviews. Get the nanny jobs you want. 
Do Your Preparation Get as much information as possible about the nanny job and the family before your nanny interview. You should have a reasonable understanding of the scope of the nanny position and the job requirements. You can even go online and Google the family name. This may give you some helpful information. The parents may have profiles on social networks like Linked In where you can learn useful information about them. Review and prepare for frequently asked nanny interview questions. A good nanny will be well prepared with her questions about the family, the children, schedules, etc. Use this list of questions to ask in your nanny interviews to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the job. Nanny References Prepare a portfolio to take with you to your nanny interview. This should include at least two written references, a list of people who the employer can contact for a verbal reference, copies of any qualifications you have, your driver's license and copies of your updated resume. Tell your references that you are interviewing for a nanny job and they should expect a call. Your references should be from people that you have worked with and who know you well. If you do not have previous employment ask a well-respected person who has good knowledge of you such as a teacher, tutor, doctor or pastor to provide you with a character reference. What to Wear to Nanny Interviews You want to make a positive first impression. Dress smartly - a dress, blouse with a skirt or pants - and make sure your clothes are clean and neatly pressed. Lots of jewelry, high heels and too much make up are inappropriate for a nanny job. Any accessories should be kid friendly. Your hair should be tidy and not hanging in your face - this gives an impression of sloppiness. Go for a fresh, clean and practical look. Be Punctual Reliability and dependability are key qualities for a nanny job. Make sure you arrive on time. Excuses about getting lost or stuck in traffic will immediately create an impression of disorganization and lack of preparation. Make sure you know exactly where to go for your interview and check the map for the best route. If possible make a practice run beforehand to get the timing right. Be Aware of Your Body Language Be as natural as possible. Sit up straight in your chair but not too stiffly. Lean slightly forward, about 10 degrees. This sends the message that you are interested and involved in the interview. Avoid fiddling with your hair or clothes and try to rest your hands loosely clasped in your lap. Establish a connection by making good eye contact. Listen carefully and speak in a clear and controlled voice. Use proper grammar and avoid sloppy language. Breathe and pause before answering a question, this gives you time to respond in a thoughtful way and ensures that you don't interrupt before they have finished the question. Avoid yes or no answers Generally parents are not experienced interviewers. They might ask simple, closed questions such as "Can you cook?" Don't just answer yes or no but use the opportunity to expand on what you can do. Describe what sort of cooking you have experience in, what you enjoy cooking etc. Maintain Respectful Boundaries It is appropriate to be warm and friendly but keep certain boundaries. Long stories about your personal life have no relevance to the nanny job and should be avoided. Rather than creating rapport with the family by sharing your personal sagas with them it could cause concern about your suitability. Close the Interview Properly and Follow UpAt the end of your interview ask if they have all the information they need and what the next step is. This way you will know what happens next. Restate your interest in the position. Send a thank you note after the interview. Use it as an opportunity to reinforce your enthusiasm for the nanny job and why you are the right person for the job. Follow through on any commitments you made at the interview. If you promised to send through any information or documents do this as soon as possible, if you agreed to phone after a few days, make sure you do. You may be asked to come back for a second interview where you meet the children more fully. Be prepared to get down on the floor with the children and be hands on - dress appropriately for this. If there is a baby ask if you can hold him or her and remember to wash your hands first! Interview Questions for Nanny Jobs and Answer GuidelinesNanny Job DescriptionPrepare well for your nanny interviews and get the nanny job you want! Return from Nanny Interviews to Best Job Interview
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