Having been on both sides of the table when it comes to scouting out nannies to hire and being hired myself, I’ve found that having an agreeable work environment in the home begins with honing in on each party’s expectations before you decide to work together. The first thing to recognize after you’ve found a potential nanny or family to work with and have set up a meeting is that the interview is NOT only for the nanny/manny. He/she is sizing you up as well! Both parties need to come into the meeting well prepared – ready to ask questions and share a little about themselves.
Below I’ve created a list of things for both parents and nannies to consider before they meet, as well as specifics each party can focus on in order to assess whether or not this match is truly a good fit!
PERSONALITY TYPES
How would you describe your personality? Are you…
Outgoing Quiet Temperamental At Times Bubbly and Talkative Detail Oriented Emotional / Easily Offended
Parents : What are the qualities that you expect to find in a nanny/manny? Do you want the person to be self motivated? or Would you prefer someone who can follow directives? Do you like someone who is conversational or someone who is quiet? Should they be outgoing, serious, honest, humorous and / or kind?
Nannies/Mannies: What qualities are you looking for in the Parents you intend to work with? Genuine? Hard workers? Do they have a sense of humor? Are they friendly? Mild-tempered? Are they very direct? Do they show an interest in others and their well-being?
Being honest about who you are and the values you hold dear can help you find someone who can complement you best, making communication much easier in the long run.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
What do you expect from this family/nanny concerning a typical work day?
Parents:
Be clear on the amount of hours of work you’ll be offering at the outset. Is it a full-time or part-time position? What is the exact time-frame you expect your nanny to work? Do you need your nanny to be flexible in case you are late? Do you require overnights or a nanny who is able to travel? Is this a long/short term position?
What sort of tasks do you expect your nanny to handle throughout the day? Is she/he willing to do laundry/prepare bottles and/or meals for your child? What types of activities will the nanny participate in with the child and will they proactively search out new activities/programs for the child to participate in? Will they assist in creating/following a sleep or feeding schedule for the child if/when appropriate?
Nannies:
Be clear about your availability and clarify the terms of the position that has been extended to you. If you are looking for a long-term position and have found one, assure the family of your intent to fulfill that promise of a long-term work relationship. Do not waste a family’s time inquiring about other possible positions if particular position has been plainly specified. For example, do not inquire about a full-time position if a family is clearly in search of a part-time nanny. It is frustrating for both parties.
How many children will you be required to care for? Share what tasks you have handled for previous families or feel comfortable doing and ask what other tasks this family expects from you. Is it reasonable to you? If you don’t feel comfortable handling a certain task, are they willing to compromise?
All too often I hear complaints from both nannies and parents that they’ve discussed something specific in the interview, but six months later nothing has come to fruition and both parties are frustrated. One way to avoid this is to create a contract or a list of expectations from both parties and once agreed upon, have it signed by BOTH parties. This way, when a question comes up concerning what is expected from either the parent/ nanny, the signed document cannot be rebutted.
Stay tuned for a sample contract you can use as guide when creating your own with your nanny!