Nanny job. What to ask the family? And expect them to ask?

[kate2289]

Going for a job interview on sat morning to be a full time nanny to 2 children aged 1 month and a 2 and half year old.

What sort of questions should I ask?

And expect to be asked?

We've had a general discussion on the phone and they seem to be a lovely laid back family, that just wat whats best for their children.

I've also emailed my CV.

Also what should I wear?

ThankYou

Clothes - wear something which you are willing to get down on the floor and play with the children in but can still pass as reasonably smart - black trousers or something with a tidy jumper.

Questions you might get - why do you want to be a nanny; talking about your previous experience; why do you want this job; what would you do with the children; what would you feed them; how would you deal with arguments / setting boundaries; how do you interact with parents on boundaries - e.g. if parents have a particular approach (eg attachment parenting) which you're not sure about, how would you deal with it - all that sort of thing.

For you to ask - I guess make sure you know about and are happy with the terms and conditions and try and spend a bit of time with the children - especially the older one.

I would be impressed by a nanny who asked where various safety kit was in the house e.g. first aid, bath mat! Also ask about what the children like to do, what their usual routine is, what activities the parents would like the children to do and not to do, discipline e.g. naughty step or not, if there are other carers who are important to the children e.g. nursery nurses, grandparents, pre-school teachers, what the children like to eat, what the children are allergic to / discouraged from eating, where the local park is, local library etc.

1 month old - ask about baby related things, such as are they following GF/BW or just going with the flow, ask about if baby is breast or bottle fed (if it isn't obvious when you meet them) and if breast, which is quite likely given babies age, then how they envisage adapting so that you can give some feeds.

Do some research into the area so you can come up with places to visit which will keep 2.5 yr old happy whilst also being ok for baby.
Do they babywear, or are they a pram/buggy lover? Consider the practical arrangements for getting out and about?

Find out if you are their first nanny, if so offer advice on things like payroll, contract - check they are aware of Gross v Net pay (make sure when pay is discussed that you are both talking about the same thing), holiday entitlement, that sort of thing.
Just be yourself - parents are hiring you, not someone you pretend to be.

Thanks very much! Posted the same on another site... and got no replies!

I have been a nanny for a year and a half, but it was more mutual agreements as I already knew the family.

This family live in the next village to me so it's dead easy to get to, ad I know the area.

I will be their first nanny (if i get the job), she did contact me though so surely thats a good thing??!

I've got my certificates NVQ 3, first aid, CRB, and driving certificate.

Should I take anything else?

Leaflets about places you may visit perhaps.
Anything that backsup a CV, such as exam certificates - if you are say younger than 25, maybe take exam certificates from things done at school.
Written references from parents you have worked / babysat for in the past. Also any from previous employers, childcare related or not.

Thank you all for your help.

I went this morning and I think it went really well. We both asked lots of

questions, I asked all the one's you said. Was a bit stumped when they asked

how much I wanted paid! I asked for £8 ish?! wasn't sure what to say. Lol.

Discussed what I would do from day to day etc And what would be expected

from me. And also How and when I'l be paid/Holidays/ and sick pay.

Fingers crossed, I'll find out on Monday!

Good Luck!! It sounds like it went well. When will you start if they want you? Did you mean the baby was one month or was it a typo?

Hi,

I hate waiting around to hear things. totally stressing out! I haven't had much

luck lately so, not getting my hopes up.

I would start 4 weeks ish. And yep I did mean that age lol :)

So the baby will be 2 months when you start if you get the job??

Lovely :)

Fingers firmly crossed!!

Roughly that age, new born lol just over a month I think,

i'll be sat by the phone for the next two days, It's my birthday on tuesday as well so it would be great news!

Are you a nanny then?

Nothing like tiny cuddles :) I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!! Extra special birthday present!

thankyou :) Still waiting to hear .... lol