To help you find your perfect nanny or babysitter, here is an interview guide with popular interview questions you can ask the applicants.
Before you begin:
- Take time at the start of your interview to establish rapport. Chat about common topics informally, before starting the interview questions.
- Provide a brief summary of the job. Include details about the number and ages of your children, past childcare use, your needs and expectations.
- Take notes during or immediately after the interview to ensure you recall the facts accurately.
- Ask for a copy of the babysitter or nanny's resume.
- See their Working with Children Check (WWCC) and driver's licence (if needed for the role) upfront.
20 Ideal Questions to ask a Babysitter or Nanny in an Interview
Here are the questions parents should ask during an interview:
1. What is your current position (course, university, workplace)?
2. How would your friends/family describe your personality?
3. Tell me about your past experience with babysitting or nannying.
4. Do you have any formal qualifications that relate to childcare?
5. Do you have First Aid and CPR Training?
6. Why do you want to be a babysitter or a nanny?
7. What are the best aspects of childcare?
8. What are the difficult aspects of caring for children?
9. Are you able to complete other child-related tasks? e.g., simple meal prep
10. What are your interests and hobbies?
11. Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?
12. Have you ever disagreed with a parent and how did you resolve this?
13. What is your approach to managing a challenging situation with a toddler?
14. If you're providing care during a full day - what does a typical day look like?
15. What days/hours are you available to work?
16. What is your hourly rate? Is this different for daytime vs night time care? Here's our guide to babysitter rates.
17. Do you have a driver's license and a car? What is your driving record?
18. Do you have a Police Check/Working With Children Check?
19. Do you have any health issues that would affect your job?
20. Are you available for a paid trial period of ( X ) weeks?
If the interview went well remember to ask permission to call their referees. Request 2 names and numbers. Use this handy guide to conduct your reference checks
By interviewing and reference checking you'll know that you've found the ideal babysitter or nanny for your family!
