Article
Interview Questions for Nannies
By Mark Hudson · 15 July, 2021
The interview questions you need to ask when hiring a nanny in Australia
If only all nannies could be like Maria von Trapp, the character made famous by Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music.” Sadly, real life isn’t all “raindrops on roses,” nor is trying to find the right nanny as easy as “do-re-mi.”
Before you put your ideal candidate on the nanny payroll, sharpen up your interview technique with our set of probing questions.
Key Characteristics to Look For When Employing a Nanny
When hiring a nanny, make a list of the competencies you want your prospective candidates to have. These could be things like:
- Previous experience and educational qualifications
- Proven resilience, particularly if you are hiring from a distant location
- A friendly, empathetic personality and an ability to communicate well
- A love of children
Your gut will tell you if you believe this is a person you’ll get on with. Once that’s out of the way, it’s time to put on your detective hat and check over the evidence submitted by your candidates.
Top Tips for Your Interviews
Less is more. Limit the number of questions you’ll be asking when hiring a nanny. This will give you time to ask further follow-up questions after each answer. Take notes during the interview.
Starter Questions
A good place to begin is to ask about personal background. A happy family life often creates a happy, loving person. Here are your opening questions:
- Could you tell me a little about your own childhood and family?
- Why do you want to become/continue being a nanny?
Remote Interview Questions
You may be hiring a nanny from afar and conducting your interview online.
Let’s say you live in Sydney but your candidate is in Brisbane. If so, you must make sure that a prospective candidate is mature enough to set up home in a new destination. Check for resilience:
- Have you lived away from your hometown before?
- If not, what makes you believe you will fit into a new location?
- Have you ever run your own home before?
- Can you give an example of a favourite recipe you enjoy preparing?
Education and Experience
Part of your job is to double-check and probe the details given on any application. Here are the questions you need:
- How long have you been a nanny and tell me about your proudest achievement?
- Can you take me through your childcare qualifications?
- Do you have First Aid training?
- In your previous role(s) as a nanny, can you tell me about a problem you solved?
Nannying Style
You need to be sure that a prospective nanny’s style matches your own so that your kids don’t get a load of mixed messages. Here’s what to ask:
- Can you give an example of why and how you have disciplined a child?
- How do you deal with phones, computers and video games?
- Which kind of outdoor activities would you encourage?
- Which kinds of problems would you refer to me to sort out?
The Nanny Role
The answers to these questions are likely to be real game-changers. This is what you need to ask:
- How flexible is your schedule and do you have your own transport?
- If I get stuck at work, how likely will you be able to help out?
- Can you talk me through a weekly plan for meals and snacks?
- Are you willing to carry out some housework and run occasional errands?
Found Your Mary Poppins?
Your new nanny has accepted your offer. You’ll now need to sort out all the admin’ from contracts to taxes when employing a nanny. That’s where we have you covered.
Don’t let your nanny payroll needs become Super-cali-fragi-tragic. Get in touch with us now
and we’ll sort it all for you. (We’d love it too if you could give us a like over on our Facebook page).
By Mark Hudson · 31 May, 2023
The Risks of Paying Your Nanny Cash
Why Paying Your Nanny Under the Table Is Always a Non-Starter
The thought of paying your nanny cash, no questions asked is one of those lightbulb moments best switched off immediately.It might appear a simple, no-hassle, not to mention a cheaper, alternative to manage nanny payroll but it doesn’t take much digging to see how fraught with danger
Read more...
By Mark Hudson · 28 February, 2021
7 Steps to Meet the Legal Requirements for Employing a Nanny
You’ve advertised for the role, interviewed perspective nannies and now you’re ready to make a job offer. But how do you make sure that you are meeting the legal requirements for employing a nanny in Australia?
There’s a lot to think about. Nannies should be treated as employees, not independent contractors, which means that you become a
Read more...
By Mark Hudson · 29 May, 2024
Nanny-Approved Recipes: Healthy and Delicious Meals for Kids
Nanny-Approved Recipes: Healthy and Delicious Meals for Kids
As parents and nannies in Australia, you know the importance of providing nutritious meals that kids will actually enjoy. Finding the balance between healthy and delicious can be a challenge, but we're here to help with some fun meal ideas that will make your little ones look forward t
Read more...
By Mark Hudson · 19 February, 2024
How much should I pay a nanny in Australia in 2024?
How much does a nanny get paid in Australia in 2024?
An overview of hourly rates in Australia for nannies paints a reasonably positive picture this year. That is despite the number of families paying closer attention to the minimum wage and who may be feeling the strain and squeeze due to inflation and a sluggish economy.One of the main headline
Read more...
By Mark Hudson · 17 October, 2023
Top Tips for Nanny Interviews
How to Succeed in Interviews: a Guide for Nannies and Families
Think you’ve found your dream job or nanny? Don’t fall at the final hurdle.
There are lots of reasons many of us dread job interviews. There’s always the fear of rejection, but there’s an unnatural intensity about them as well. Two parties typically weigh each other up in unde
Read more...