hiring a nanny - which first, interview or speak to referees?

[minipie]

I'm nervously embarking on finding a nanny for the first time. I have had a few send me their CVs and I'd like to find out more.

Now for most jobs I would interview them first and then check references as a final check. But for a nanny it seems to me like the references are almost the most important thing.

Is it ok to contact referees before interviewing the nanny candidate? and if so, what's the etiquette -should I tell them I'm going to call their referees?

thanks

Yep, a weekend trial day is absolutely fine! I almost always work my trial days on Saturdays as I'm usually looking for a new position while still employed FT during the week. And yes, now is a fine time to call references.

In terms of the language, if both are adequately fluent I don't think that matters too terribly, provided she's eager to be very talkative with your DC (early exposure to language matters a great deal). Only you know whether or not driving is important for you/the job; I tend to think that it is but then, I've never driven my current charges anywhere, so my flawless driving record was meaningless when I applied with this family It just depends on the circumstances.

I do think it's important to have a nanny that you as the mom can connect with and feel comfortable with. If you can talk about your DC in the same way, if she likes to stay and chat for a few minutes when you get home to fill you in on the day, if you don't feel anxious when she arrives or feel like you have to be "on" in front of her, those are all important for long-term contentment. However, many nanny-employer relationships start off friendly and awkward and move quickly into friendly and comfortable, so I'd still think give them both a full day to demonstrate their on-the-job performance and then you'll almost certainly know which way you're leaning.

Thanks everyone! Personality wise I don't feel like things would be awkward with either, at least so far as I can tell from one interview...

"eager to be talkative" yes i guess this is my main concern, she seemed quite a quiet person and when i add in that English is not her first language, I wonder if she would be less proactive about talking/singing etc to DD who will be learning to talk...I guess a trial day would show this better? also she asked about doing playdates with her local nanny friends and I suspect (though don't actually know) that they are the same nationality so wonder if they would not speak English at these play dates... I did like her though and she has a great word of mouth recommendation which counts for a lot.

driving isn't such an issue I think, I don't drive and not found it a problem...

just thinking aloud really! thanks for all advice.

Is it worth seeing whether the nanny would speak her own language to DD? Bilingualism is a huge advantage and the nanny might be more comfortable in her own tongue.