Coming Face-to-Face

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The interview process with a potential nanny or babysitter usually begins with a phone call. If the conversation goes well, then by all means, set up a face-to-face interview. Invite the best candidates to your home, one at a time, where you can observe their overall appearance, demeanor, and interaction with your children.

In meeting a candidate for the first time, ask yourself these questions:

  • Did he or she arrive on time?

  • Did you like his or her appearance and demeanor?

  • Does the person make good eye contact with you or does he or she seem shy and withdrawn?

  • How does this candidate interact with your children?

  • Can you understand this person when he or she speaks?

When you meet a candidate, go over the job requirements, his or her hours, salary, and any other expectations you have for this position. This would also be the right time to find out if he or she smokes. Try to get a sense of how comfortable he or she feels in your home. Sometimes a candidate will be very agreeable over the telephone because they need the job. For example, a candidate might say that pets are not a problem, when in reality they're a big one. A few years ago, Kathy was interviewing a young woman as a housekeeper for a few hours each week. The young woman stated on the telephone that she liked pets, especially dogs. At the time, Kathy and her husband had two tremendous English Mastiffs. The young woman lasted in the house about five minutes before she began to panic and literally ran out the front door. She was so frightened that she never even closed the door behind her.

The following are some important face-to-face interview questions. Meeting a candidate is the best way to know if this is a relationship that can really work. When you ask a question, give the person the time to speak and express him or herself.

The Top 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Nanny, Au Pair, or Babysitter

  1. What do you like most about children and conversely, what would you say children like the most about you?

  2. What kind of experience do you have in working with children?

  3. What is your idea of a difficult child and give me some examples of how you would handle that child.

  4. Give me some examples of your discipline style.

  5. What would be some of the activities you might do with an infant , toddler, or older child?

  6. Have you ever had to call 911, and if so, what were the circumstances?

  7. Do you have CPR and first aid training? Would you agree to take these courses?

  8. What was your last job like and why did you leave?

  9. What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

  10. Ask the person if he or she minds if you conduct a background search. Be suspicious if he or she balks at the idea.

In the end, it may be your intuitive sense that helps make the decision about a nanny, an au pair, babysitter, or housekeeper. Eliminate any candidate from your list that makes you feel uncomfortable or pressured.

Once you have made your choice, invite the person back for an orientation at your home. This is also another good opportunity for them to get to know the children before he or she begins to work for you. Take this time to walk through the house, discuss routines, meet the pets, and go over important emergency contact numbers . If he or she is going to take the kids to school then this is the time for a driving tour of your community.

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The 60-Second Commute. A Guide to Your 24.7 Home Office Life
The 60-Second Commute: A Guide to Your 24/7 Home Office Life
ISBN: 013130321X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 155

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