A few weeks back, I read the Regarding Nannies Blog (a staple on my resource list) post “Nitty Gritty Interview Questions” by Glenda Propst. After a year of counseling Nannies and Families in Cincinnati about their frustrations, confusion, and mis-communication… I am realizing just how important it is to take ample time and consideration before accepting a position with “the perfect family”.
As Nannies we go through the process of interviewing alone. We must put on our armor to protect and fight for the position that we know we deserve. I use this image that is not quite the normal look of a Nanny. After all, we are for the most part a kind-hearted, loving, giving group of people. We live a job that often gives too much of ourselves. I love that about us, however, it’s that same quality that can hurt our job, career, and personal future. As we interview, we must stand up for who we are and what we know that we are worth. There are many things that will be set in stone, day 1. We may not get a chance to renegotiate.
A former colleague of mine once said “The more information I have the better I can do my job.” That rang so true with me at the time and has stayed with me over the years. I challenge you to take that idea with you as you meet with families. Get information – not just from their words, but the surroundings, the cues, the way they communicate with you and each other. Ask questions, be bold. See yourself as the one interviewing, not just the other way around. If you accept the position, you join a team. Do you fit?
As I write below, I will quote questions given by the Regarding Nannies post (bullet pointed). I strongly encourage you to jump over to read it in it’s entirety. Even if you are not currently interviewing, print their post and keep it with your resume. Think of it as your shield as you go out to claim what you need. Know who you are and what you will and will not settle for ahead of time. Then, stand your ground.
High5: Questions Deserving Answers
5. Are We a Match?
I have often told Nannies that finding a good family match, is like finding a spouse. There will be hard times, there will be great times. What we are looking for is a bond that is built on trust, communication, and common goals. In the case of a Nanny position – the well-being, growth, love and care of the children. A seasoned Nanny will know how they have handled difficulties in the past. A newer Nanny may due herself service to think about how she may answer some of the questions before asking another party. Nannies should star some situations they are not willing to take on.
- How would you describe the “ideal nanny”?
- Define the Nanny’s role in your family.
- Children’s names and ages? Interests and hobbies?
- What is your discipline plan or child rearing philosophy?
- What values do you want taught and reinforced in your children?
- Please describe your home and the are where you live.
- What did your family like most about your previous nanny? What did you like least?
- Without naming your former nanny, what were your best and worst nanny experiences − i.e., good or bad trip, uncomfortable situation, great way she handled something?
- May I speak to your previous nannies about their experiences with your family and children?
- What’s your position on videotaping?
- Do you have pets? Plan on getting pets?
- What religion are you, and how do you expect your nanny to participate in child’s religious teaching?
- Do you see this as a long or short term position?
- Do you travel? Will your nanny be expected to travel with you?
5. Just How Much Housekeeping?
The term “light housekeeping” is often used in the Nanny world. Sometimes, it is also worded “only duties that have to do with the children”. This is a normal expectation of families, however, each household has it’s own personality. It is our responsibility to get down to it… to figure out what is meant. If a vague statement is given to you, gently request a clearer answer. To save a lot of hassle, you could request a detailed list written out as part of the contract. As the children grow and the job changes, updates can be made with both parties. This may seem petty, but I have seen it be a area of dissension.
- What are Nanny’s responsibilities as they relate to children?
- Are non-child-related tasks and responsibilities a part of the job you want performed?
- Laundry? For children? For parents?
- Who makes and changes the children’s bedding?
- Who plans the meals, cooks, and shops for groceries?
- Will the nanny cook for the children, parents, or family?
- Who purchases the children’s clothes, toys, and supplies?
- What financial arrangements will be made to facilitate the shopping?
- Is there other household help?
- Will I be expected to take the children to doctor appointments, music lessons, classes
- Is a car provided? Is the car available for the nanny’s personal use, or only for use while she is on duty? Will the vehicle be shared with the parents?
3. Easy-going and Flexible vs. Consistent?
Many times parents and Nannies use these words that sound very positive. Who doesn’t want to work with someone who isn’t flexible, right? The problem may come when a family asks you to be too flexible with your time, last minute, or without pay. You may find that employers describe themselves as “easy-going”. I hate to say it but we all want to see ourselves “easy-going”… and we are, until…. well, you will know it when it comes. That button you may have pushed, you didn’t know was there. That seemingly unimportant task that is now reason your position may end. Don’t presume…. instead, ask questions!
- What hours and days do you want a Nanny to work? Are these flexible, or does 8-6 mean precisely 8-6?
- Will your nanny be expected to work evenings and weekends?
- What is the daily schedule of a typical day?
- How might your schedule change?
- Who makes the children’s schedule? (Nanny, family, combined?)
- Can your nanny have guests? Such as age appropriate children for play dates?
- Are there amy rooms that are off limits to children or nanny?
- Do the children have allergies or special dietary needs?
- What’s your procedure for spontaneous activities? Do you want Nanny to check in with you, leave a note, phone message, or is this not an issue?
2. How Will We Communicate?
Parents and Nannies that see this as a priority will be headed to success in the relationship. We are all busy, but taking the time to do daily, quarterly, yearly methods of communication will insure stability for the children. Daily check-ins will save misunderstandings and frustration. All conflict should be handled face to face without the children and be done in a timely manner.
- Do you want a daily record kept (what happened today)?
- Will there be a nanny workstation − desk, area for files, bulletin board, monthly calendar, computer with high-speed Internet connection
- Communication is extremely important for nannies and their employers. Are you willing to meet with me on a regular basis so we can discuss how things are going?
1. The Money…
Yes, I have saved the best, uh…the worst, for last. Money – paycheck, benefits, times off, taxes, etc – is probably the most difficult thing to talk about between Nannies and their employers. If you are like me, you grow to love the kids in your care and become close with family as well. That is why it’s best to do as much of the ground work before you get emotionally attached. “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Before you interview, do your research on what a Nanny should be paid in your area for this type of position. Know the benefits of being paid legally – write down your must haves and don’t settle just because the parents seem great and the kids are adorable. This is your job, and you want it to last.
- What salary range and benefits are you offering? Weekly pay? Salary or hourly? If hourly, is there a guaranteed minimum salary?
- How often will I be paid, and by what method?
- If I agree to work x number of hours a week for x amount of pay,will I be paid extra for any time over that amount?
- What is the rate for overtime, overnight or weekend work, or 24-hour duty?
- May I choose my vacation times, or do I take my vacation when you take yours?
- What is the pay rate for me traveling with your family?
- Taxes?
- Health insurance?
- IRA?
- Retirement benefits?
- Paid Holidays?
- Work holidays?
- Professional days?
- Childcare related classes and conferences?
- Gym membership?
- Will you provide me with a cell phone or pager, or will you pay my monthly bill if I get one for myself?
- Paid sick days? How many?
- What is your backup childcare plan if I am sick or on vacation?
- I’d like to spend some time with your children before I make a decision; is this ok with you?
- Are you willing to sign a work agreement with me that includes a trial period? (2 weeks, 1 month, 60 days, 90 days)
- Will I receive an evaluation from you, and raises on a yearly or bi-yearly basis?
- Will I receive severance pay if I am terminated early?
- Will your nanny receive a raise when you have another baby, or extra pay for extra children.
- If Nanny uses her car, will you pay costs for insurance, maintenance and gas? How is your nanny covered by insurance?
I hope that I have overloaded you with thought as to scare you into preparation, ha ha. There is so much that can be avoided with pre-thought. And if you know me at all, I cannot leave this post without saying…. GET IT ALL IN WRITING!
