That's My Nanny! Guide to Interviewing

These tips are provided by one of our partners, That's My Nanny of Pittsford, NY, owned by Carin Conlon. Please see their web site for more details about becoming a nanny, and contact them directly if you have any questions.

• Do be on time! Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the family's home, and that you understand the directions provided.
  
  
• Do dress nicely. Casual attire is fine, but first impressions are important, so make sure your outfit is clean and neat.
  
  
• Do be prepared to give specific examples about your skills and qualifications as a child care provider.
  
  
• Do ask questions of the family about job responsibilities or any specific questions you may have. Write them down. This will make certain that you won't forget and will give the family a positive impression of your preparation.
  
  
• Do be prepared to discuss salary and benefits if the family asks.
  
  
• Do interact with the children, if possible. Get to know them and demonstrate your comfort with caring for children.
  
  
• Do NOT complain about previous employers/positions. If there were specific issues, share them, but also state how you would have remedied the situation, if possible.
  
  

• Before you interview for a new position, think about your philosophy of child rearing, and be able to discuss this in detail with the parents. This includes your ideas on what a child is, what your goals are with children, how discipline should be handled, etc. If it turns out your ideas clash with those of the family's, it's much better to have this on the table up front rather than after you get hired.
  
  
• Bring along a portfolio of your accomplishments in previous nanny jobs and/or ideas for activities to do with the kids, if possible. Click here for information on how to compile a portfolio.