Hiring a stranger to look after your child is a big decision. Many families feel daunted by the task and naturally worry about who they allow into their child’s life and their home.
The first thing you need to do is take your time. This can be difficult if it is an unexpected need, however it is important to afford as much time as you can spare to search for a nanny and then to integrate them into yours and your child’s lives and environment.
Your first step should be clearly identifying who it is you are looking for. Profiling your future nanny. Do you want a young, energetic nanny, someone who doesn’t have mature age cynicism, still has the idealism of “all children are cute” or perhaps you want someone with a more realistic approach, mature aged with many years experience with children and running a household. Both have pros and cons, so draw up a list if that helps. How much interaction do you require from someone else who is assisting you in raising your child? Looking for someone who has a degree in early child hood may be at the top of your list, or someone who has had years of hands on experience may better suit your needs, so be precise with what you are looking for.
Once you have your profile list you can choose to either post an ad on relevant sites (I know I great one!) detailing what it is you are looking for and/or you can view already listed nanny profiles whom may suit your description.
After narrowing down your potential candidates you should be ready to conduct the interview process.
It is important to have a list of questions that are specific to you and your family. Below, I have compiled a list that I believe are important questions and conversations you require to ensure you choose the right applicant. Be sure to take notes during each interview.
The nanny role
1: Do you have previous experience?
2: We are looking for a long term/short term carer for our child/children, is this something you can commit to?
3: Why did you leave your last position?
4: What do you like most about being a nanny?
5: What do you dislike about being a nanny?
6: What are your values on raising children?
Handling Children
1: What are your discipline strategies and can you give an example where these were implemented?
2: Have you ever dealt with separation anxiety? If so, how did you handle it. If not, then how would you handle it?
3: Where possible, would you be willing to follow my discipline techniques if they differ to yours?
4: Tell me about your daily work routine.
Fundamentals
1: What are your long term plans in relation to this position?
2: Do you have a reliable vehicle and does it accommodate children/car seats
3: Are you aware this is a live in/out position?
4: Time permitting, are you willing to help with light housework and dinner?
5: How soon will you be able to begin?
6: Will you be available some evenings and weekends?
7: Do you have a current police check/working with children card?
8: Do you have first aid experience?
Payroll
1: What is your pay rate? or alternatively; Are you aware of our pay rate?
2: Do you work on your own ABN?
You will need to establish whether you will have the chosen applicant on your payroll, or if he/she will be paying their own tax.
Also, it is essential to establish holiday pay and public holidays. Offering above award wage may be a way to negotiate lower or no holiday pay and ensure you specify if it is a flat rate or whether you will pay more for extra duties such as washing and ironing.
Be sure to research the wages in your area in relation to experience, age etc.
References
A minimum of two reference is good, however, more is great.
-Key questions to ask the applicants references;
1: Verify the applicants’ dates of employment, title, and role.
2: What did you like about____?
3: What didn’t you like about____?
4: Were they punctual and were they reliable?
5: (Optional) What pay rate/wage were they on?
6: Could you confirm their reason for leaving?
Interaction
It would also be a good idea to have your child/children there for some of the interview so you are able to view the nanny’s interaction with them in order to observe his/her manner. Does he/she seem at ease instantly? Listen to the way they communicate, watch carefully to see if your child seems happy and at ease.