Interviewing a nanny Finding and hiring a person to entrust with your child can be a frightening process. Although a mother's intuition is a powerful and useful tool in making your decision, we recommend an in-home interview with your children present. To gain an even better insight in to the personal standards your candidate upholds at home, ask to visit her in her home. A clean, orderly house goes a long way to earning your confidence in how she will maintain your belongings while in your home. Here are a few ideas for questions you might want to ask during your interview. Name Phone Address Citizenship status: Age: First language: Do you have children of your own? How old? If, yes to #7, and they still live at home, what do you do with your children during the day or when they are not in school? What other babysitting experience do you have? Do you still sit for your prior clients? Why did you stop working for your last client? What are the ages of other children you have watched? What do you like about caring for children? Do you hold any other jobs other than taking care of children? Do you object to (shopping, cleaning, errands) while watching our child? Do you cook? If so, what? What do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies, other jobs? How will you get to work each day? (Key indicator of dependability) Tell me about yourself. Hobbies? Dislikes? Likes? What kind of activities do you enjoy doing with children? Do you know CPR or other emergency procedures? What days and times are you available? Would you be comfortable getting acclimated to our family by babysitting a few times while we are at home? How much do you charge? Do you have any references? Do you have any questions for me? We suggest obtaining a copy of some type of official identification like a driver's license or visa also. Also see: Nanny and babysitter orientation checklist Email this page to a friend