How To Land Your Dream Nanny Job! – Part #2: Nailing the Job Interview

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my video series “How To Land Your Dream Nanny Job!”

In the first video, we discussed my tips and tricks when applying for jobs. You can find that video by clicking here.

In today’s video, I’m going to cover nailing the job interview. Specifically, how to prepare for the phone and in-person interview.

Pro Tip: Showing up 5-10 minutes early to the in-person interview and letting the parents know that you are early is a GREAT way to show that you are organized and punctual.

I hope you find this video is useful!

Click Here To Watch!

A transcript of the video can be found below: 

Hi everyone, Laura from Nanny Parent Connection here.

Welcome back to my video series “How To Land The Nanny Position You Want Most”.

In Part #1, I discussed applying for the position, preparation, resume, application, cover letter, and follow-up.

In today’s video, I’m going to discuss “Nailing The job Interview”. Preparation, the phone interview, and the in-person interview.

Preparation

Most important is to be prepared to receive messages or calls. This might seem like a given, but I say this because it’s actually a problem getting messages and return calls from some nannies.

Most employers are going to want to email or text you as a first point of contact to set up time for an interview.

If you are using a job search site, make sure to keep an eye out for those messages as well.

If you don’t check your email regularly and texting is preferred, make sure to mention that either in your application or even directly on your resume.

You also might want to check your voicemail box to make sure that it’s not full.

This happens on a regular basis where I’m trying to call someone for an interview and I can’t even leave a voice message if they don’t pick up, because their inbox is full.

And, if a parenting style or care philosophy is mentioned in the job description and you’re not familiar with what that is, do a little research, be ready to discuss how you will support the family with their preferred style.

Phone Interview

Make sure to be ready at the time of the interview or ideally even a few minutes before the scheduled interview time.

You’ll want to find a quiet space for the interview so you can focus without distractions.

Know the basics of the job description including the schedule, the compensation, the ages of the children, and the job duties. 

That’s a lot of information to hang on to in your head, so you may want to either print out or have a copy of the job description in front of you, so that you can reference it during your interview call.

Be ready to define your style as a nanny.

Let the family know what they can expect out of your day-to-day nanny care. 

Also, be ready to discuss how you envision a typical day with their children, and examples of age-appropriate developmental activities that you will engage in with their children. 

You will also want to come with questions, and I recommend writing these down so you can make sure to address everything that’s important to you.

Now is not the time to address your hourly rate, unless you are asked directly.

And I will note the job description should have included that hourly rate information, so if it doesn’t, make sure you clarify that with the employer before agreeing to a phone interview, so you can be respectful of everyone’s time including your own.

In-Person Interview 

#1: Punctuality 

The family is going to be evaluating absolutely every part of your in-person interview including your arrival time. If you’re a few minutes early, I recommend sending a text at the five-minute early mark to say “Hi, I wanted to let you know that I’m here a little early, if you guys are ready I’m ready, but let me know if it’s still a little too early”. 

The family will likely be impressed with your attention to detail, your ability to arrive a few minutes early, and your communication skills.

#2: Confidence 

Some people get really nervous for the in-person interview.

Try to relax and just be yourself.

Yes, you’ll want to impress the family, but having the jitters will not serve you well.

Be confident in your abilities, you are the professional and you’ve got this!

#3: Things to Bring Along

One of my best tips for a nanny going to in-person interviews is to bring along a folder including copies of the following things: 

Your CPR/First Aid certification, a recent copy of your motor vehicle report, a recent background check, and a copy of your resume. 

And just a side note if you’re not sure how to run a background check on yourself and you’re interested in doing that, please check out the background checks we have available by clicking here. Our background checks are very comprehensive and affordable, and it takes just a few minutes to order a background check. 

I guarantee you not many nannies are showing up to interviews with these documents printed out.

By doing so and handing this folder to the family, you will put yourself in front of the line because they will know that you are proactive, you are detail oriented, and you are focused and very much interested in getting the position with their family.

Nearly every family will be checking these things anyway. The families may or may not have a copy of your resume printed out to reference during the job interview, but just have it ready to hand over. I promise you’ll knock their socks off, they will be so impressed and should they decide to extend you a job offer, that likely will happen faster than it you didn’t have these documents ready.

If you have received your COVID vaccinations, include a copy of your vaccination card in that folder.

#4: Interacting With the Children 

One of the most common pieces of feedback that I get from families on why they are passing on a nanny they have invited for the in-person interview is that they just didn’t interact with the children on the level that they expected or hoped for.

Parents are very much looking for a small slice of what a nanny’s interactions with their child might be at that in-person interview. 

And here’s a bonus tip, think about what an age-appropriate activity might be for the child or children that you might be able to bring in your nanny bag, bring this along to the working interview.

You can have a board game, books, Play-Doh (if that’s appropriate), a stuffy, etc.

If the parents have any concerns about whether or not these are clean and safe, you can assure them that you’ve sanitized them since the last nanny family you interviewed with or the last children you let play with these, or if they’re new you can also say that. The parents will be really impressed at again how proactive you are and how prepared you are for your interview.

#5: Asking Questions 

Make sure you bring some questions with you to your job interview.

I’m always the most impressed by the nannies who ask parents and families a lot of questions, because it gives me the sense that the nanny really has a strong sense of what they’re looking for, and the knowledge and information that’s important for them to be able to do that job at a high level.

I do always tell families that when a nanny interviews them, that is a sign of a great and experienced nanny.

Some of the questions you might bring along with you to a job interview include what are some of the children’s likes or interests, tell me more about your parenting style, whether the child has a special lovey or stuffed animal they enjoy, how they like to go down for nap, and other insightful questions to learn more about the family and the care style and approach they are looking for. 

Alright everyone, that’s it for Part 2 in our series, “How To Land The Nanny Position You Want Most”.

Please make sure to join me next week for Part 3 – “After The Interview”, where I will cover follow-up, references, communication, receiving the job offer, and negotiation tips. 

Thanks everyone, I hope you found this video helpful, if you like this video please click on the like button subscribe, or ring the bell so that you can be notified when more of these videos come out in the future.

Thanks everyone, bye!