As a nanny, finding the right family will make or break your experience. With the right fit, you can find yourself in one of the happiest, most rewarding roles of a lifetime. But with the wrong fit, you can find yourself feeling like a second-class citizen every single day.
Give yourself plenty of options to choose from by acing every interview you go on! Read on for Lighthouse Nanny’s guidelines on how to interview for nanny jobs with families.
1. Wash your hands
This is a post-COVID world. Washing your hands every time you’ve been in the outside world is now just common sense. Show that you respect the health and hygiene of the family’s home by asking where you can wash your hands as soon you walk through the door. Whether you do this before or after shaking hands with any adults is up to you in that moment, but definitely make sure to scrub up before playing with any small children.
2. Smile
This sounds like stating the obvious, but it’s absolutely crucial to making a positive impression. Flash a beaming smile when you first shake hands, and keep finding reasons to smile. Nanny interviews can be incredibly awkward—young parents or those who haven’t worked with a nanny before might not even be sure what to ask. Show them that you’re confidant in stepping into the role, and are here to help them throughout the process.
Having a stranger working in your home can feel strange for families that aren’t used to it. It’s important to show what a positive, unintrusive, reassuring presence you could add to their home. The best way to do that? Just relax and smile.
3. Brush up on the terms
You don’t need to be an expert in every single facet of childcare—in fact, that would be impossible. But still, if you’re asked a direct question, it’s better to at least have an idea what the topic is about. Here are some examples of terms you should know to feel confident and secure in any interview scenario.
For baby nannies:
- Tummy time
- Baby-led weaning
- Elimination communication
- Sleep training
For toddler & young child nannies:
- Gentle parenting
- Montessori
- Waldorf
- Risky play
4. Ask questions
Showcase how familiar you are with looking after little ones by asking all the right questions. For babies and young children, this means inquiring about their sleep schedule, potty training, and what to expect at meal times. For older children, this means asking about their schooling and extra curricular activities, and determining how you can best support them in their day-to-day.
5. Be honest
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. It’s crucial that you are completely honest about your experience and comfort level during the interview process. Even if you might be tempted to bluff about having certain trainings or hands on experience, it’s crucial never to cross this line. The trust between parents and nannies is one of the most important parts of the job—you don’t want to jeopardize that.
If you find yourself wishing you had experience with something like baby-led weaning or elimination communication, try saying something like this: “I don’t have any experience in (XYZ) yet, but I am eager to learn. I’d be so grateful if you’d be willing to teach me as part of this role.”
Join Lighthouse Nanny’s pool
Are you looking for a nanny role with an awesome family? Lighthouse Nanny is looking for new nannies to add to our pool. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to apply@lighthousenanny.
