Panic! Have had an answer to my mother's help ad already and have to interview peple - what to ask?

[puddle]

As recommended on here I advertsied for a mother's help (awful term) on gumtree and have a couple of people to see.

I am used to interviewing in my working life but have gone all to pieces thinking about doing it in my home, for someone who will be working for me.

Argh. Can anyone help me out with things to ask. Obviously I need to see refs, experience with children.....what else?

I'm a mothers help and things i've been asked are...

first aid training? scenarios what would you do if my dd ... ie:burned herself? Cooking ability what will they feed my child? Driver? and how long have been driving? What activities will they do to keep dc amused?

with a job like this i think it's as much about the prospective employee meeting you and seeing if the jobs for them so it's best to keep it relaxed, show them around the house, talk about what they'll be expected to do and a typical day with your child and let them meet the dc. If you like them i think the next step is to set up a trial that way there's no commitment.

Thanks Chattyhan, that's useful

Ask her what she would do if she was unhappy with any aspect of the work, just to see if you can come to some sort of mutual understanding of how you'll sort out problems.

Out of interest, what are you looking to pay?

That's the other thing - I have no idea of the going rate. Most people have put their hourly rate in the email reply (anything from £6-£8).

My view is I'll pay what they ask for if I like them.

With pay, make sure you know if the amount they want is NET or GROSS, as that will make a difference to you as the employer. Always agree GROSS pay terms in contract.

Good point nannynick

Any more ideas anyone?