What do you look for when interviewing a nanny

[Butterfly13]

Hi.

Just that really..
What do you look for.
What would you say a 'must'

Nannies.. How do you prepare?
what are your best tips, if any?

Many thanks in advance

I do an interview first, then a trial session as a sitter for an hour or two with me in the house but not supervising.

I have to say, I am generally NOT looking for someone to thank me for overlooking the fact that they had an affair with their previous employer and caused the wife to leave, and to understand the fact that they are now living with the man and his children as a family, but I still hired her.

I also want someone who is not going to be squeamish about being seen out and about with disabled kids, and to treat them like any other kid.

Many thanks.

Anyone else?

Friendly, smiley and intelligent, enthusiastic about children.

Turns up on time.

No visible tattoos or too many piercings.

Good answers to emergency questions. EG: what would you do is there was a fire or how would you handle a child who had just bumped their head.

My nannies were always shared care, so I needed someone who I could get on with too.

Able to explain any gaps in their CV and/or jobs that have only lasted a short time.

Karoleann If a candidate was exceptional and ticked all the other boxes, but had visible tattoos and piercings, would you not deem them suitable?

Many thanks... Would love to hear from others

I'm a nanny so not sure I can help other than to say Trust your Gut Instinct.
You will have that deep down feeling when you find the right person.

What age children do you have?

With babies/toddlers, it can be useful to have nanny physically meet them at interview stage. If you have a lot of candidates, narrow it down first, so your children only meet the best few.
See how the nanny interacts with your children.

One that doesn't have their own child in tow. Sorry, but this was a terrible set up for us, her 5 year old came first all the time and her ds used to snatch my dds own toys away from her, and the nanny wouldn't stop him

wicked - no I wouldn't employ them.
I think tattoos are vile and I wouldn't want my children to see them on someone who would be considered a role model. I don't mind one or two ear piercings.

Karloeann - surely that is discrimination? Could you not ask them to be covered if you are that bothered?

Tattoos and piercings aren't a protected characteristic, you are only not able to discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, religion.

Introduce her or him to your kids, see how they get on and then ask your kids what they think.

Use your intuition - at the end of the day you want the person you trust rather than the one without tattoos or with top qualifications.

Get your mum, or mother in law, sister, etc. to sit in on the interview too.

Hope this helps.

I describe myself (as a nanny) Firm but fair and loving - good time keeping - reliable - trustworthy - calm if an accident /crisis happening - friendly - supportive and fun

Tattoos and piercings do not stop a nanny from Doing their job properly - never judge a book by its cover

Someone who shares your views on parenting. The job I was the happiest in and stayed the longest the parents had the same view as I did they also backed me in front of the children even on the one time they didn't agree with what I had done, I don't remember what it was now except that they backed me and then called me when the kids were in bed and we talked about it. What ever it was I never did it again.

At an interview once the MB made it clear that all her friends advised not getting an older nanny as they are set in their ways and judgemental! She nearly didn't interview me..mid 40s..but we had an amazing working and personnel relationship..we became friends and I stayed 3.5 years till she moved away...I am like an Aunty to the DCs and a big sister to her...we still see each other...But I was also turned down for a job where my talking apparently was a problem..(I except I am a chatter box and especially when I am nervous).she mentioned it to all 3 of my references..they all told me not to accept if offered...It was a bit??!! as we would only see each other for half an hour a day (handover) and all my previous jobs,talking to the DCs was seen as a bonus...One family...again still in touch, have made a point of saying the reason why their DD was so confident and such a good communicator was because of me...so what I am saying is what is right for one family/nanny will not 'fit' another...good luck

Hi
I'm a nanny in my 50s and I get down on the floor to play, sing silly songs etc. Part of the reason I choose to be a nanny is so I get to have fun playing :) I'm just as fit as in my 20s , cycle , swim and walk regularly.
So please don't discount all older nannies.
I agree with other posters a nanny who is similar to you in views, is the best fit.
I would worry re you mentioning smacking ?? physical punishment is never acceptable as a nanny.
Would it help to post the wording of your ad on here so others can help find out why you are getting so few applicants?
What a nuisance having to search again , but I think you are right to trust your instinct.

Florence...got the right post? I have re read it all and nowhere does OP or posters mention smacking...and I mentioned older nanny, not OP

Apologies wrong post !