Interviewing Red Flags

by Glenda Propst, Regarding Nannies Development Team

Last week we talked about “Surviving a Bad Reference”
The week we are going to talk about Interview RED Flags:

If you are a new nanny just starting out you might not know these, and if you are a seasoned nanny back on the job search you might need a refresher course.

Sometimes there might only be one red flag in your interview, but you need to pay attention. First of all, ideally; both parents should participate in the interview. It is a good idea if the nanny meets only the parents at the first interview. If that first interview goes well, then the children can be present for the second interview.

And they're off ....
Red Flag: If the parents only want to do one interview and do not want to do a follow up interview or a family meeting.
Red Flag: If the parents don’t want to do a trial period.
Red Flag: If they don’t want to talk about money until they hire you but promise you a great wage.
Red Flag: If they don’t want to with hold taxes.
Red Flag: Interviewing with the assistant and never meeting the parents.
Red Flag: Both parents are not present for all or at least part of the interview.
Red Flag: One or both parents seem uninterested or uninvolved with their child.
Red Flag: One or both parents don’t know details about their child - schedule, favorite foods, books, activities, abilities etc.
Red Flag: If the child hits the parent during the interview and the parents do not do anything about it, this is a pretty good indication of who is in charge.
Red Flag: Parent gives child junk food constantly during interview.
Red Flag: If the family pet is being a nuisance (jumping up on you, or barking and the parents ignore it).
Red Flag: While one parent is giving a house tour and other parent who is supposed to be watching child leaves child alone in dangerous situation.

Caution: Debris ahead!
Red Flag: If you go to the interview and the house is a wreck, don’t take this as a sign that they really need a nanny. Take this as a sign that they need a housekeeper.
Red Flag: Parents dirty, child dirty.
Red Flag: No family photos displayed
Red Flag: House is not appropriately baby proofed.
Red Flag: When parents give you a tour of the house and every room has a TV and every TV is on even though no one is in the room.

Final lap ...
Red Flag: The parents aren't asking questions about YOU, your past, the present, your skills, your areas of expertise. They just want to tell you about the job and hire you on the spot.
Red Flag: Parents are in too big a hurry to hire you.
Red Flag: When you bring up a contract and the family seems uninterested or says “Oh sure” we will do that after you start.
Red Flag: If they don’t want to check your references, or say “Oh we will just take your word for it”
Red Flag: If they have a history of going through lots of nannies
Red Flag: If they bad mouth their previous nannies or only want to talk about negative experiences.
Red Flag: If they refuse to let you talk to the current or previous nanny.

One last thing: We recommend that you always use a reputable agency when searching for a job.

It gives you one more one way to have someone advocating for you and what you are looking for, but it also gives you one more source of support in looking for red flags.

Regardless of how you search for a job, always let someone else know when you are going on an interview and to be on the safe side, always be sure that someone knows the address of where you are going to be.
So, what are your Red Flags? While these are all good indicators, and come from years of combined experiences, diligence and professionalism are a must when interviewing families. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask to speak to a former nanny, ask for references. Make sure you see where your room/bathroom will be, if a live-in.

All of these come into play when finding the right job, the right family and being happy in your career.

Special thanks to Andrea Flagg, Andrea Brocklesby and Buffi Gentry for helping with this article.

How to Impress

by Pat Cascio, Founder and Director of Morningside Nannies, Houston, TX. Former president of the International Nanny Association and APNA’s 2008 Agency of the Year

Professional nannies take workshops on salary, benefits and contract negotiations. They discuss child development theories, how to best handle a colicky baby and how to manage the unmanageable child.

I am not a child care expert but I am an expert nanny interviewer! I have employed nannies and I have been interviewing three to six nannies a day, five days a week, for the past 26 years and I know what impresses me and my client families. So here are some tips based on my life experience.

GETTING PREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW:

Call your references and verify that the phone numbers you have for them are current and ask their permission to give their phone numbers to nanny agencies or potential employers. (Out of respect for your past employers, ask parents to hold off calling references until after your initial interview. This will prevent your references from getting burned out from answering the same questions over and over.)

Make sure your resume is up to date and that there are no typos or errors.

Get your portfolio updated or gather letters of recommendation, photos, or anything else that you want to share with the interviewer.

Map Quest the location to make sure you’ll be on time, you might take a trial drive by.

Plan what you are going to wear and keep in mind that you want to look like a professional nanny.


INTERVIEW DON’TS:

Don’t wear clothing with stains, wrinkles, or anything that is too tight or shows your midriff.

Don’t wear rubber flip flops.

Don’t expose tattoos or unconventional piercings.

Don’t wear excessive make up or fragrance.

Don’t show up with chipped nail polish.

Don’t bring a drink with you.

Don’t bring your cell phone to the interview.

Don’t chew gum or suck on a mint.

Don’t slouch in your chair.

Don’t use slang or profanity.

Don’t refer to a child as a kid.

Don’t talk negatively about past employers.


INTERVIEW DO’S

Introduce yourself with a warm smile when you arrive.

Use the proper title(s) of the individual(s) you’ll be meeting with: Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr.

If the children are present greet them or offer to hold the baby (after washing your hands.)

Be prepared with questions about the job: schedule, duties, etc. Ask what they are looking for in a nanny.

Ask if the children have any special needs, temperament, favorite toys, or allergies, etc.

Sit straight up, show interest and allow the interviewer to lead the conversation.

Be respectful, warm, sincere, and responsive.

The first interview is for getting to know one another and seeing if it is a fit for both of you. It is not the time for negotiating salary, benefits, etc.

Thank the interviewer for their time.

Send a thank you note within 24 hours.

MEMORABLE EXAMPLES OF GREAT INTERVIEWS:

During an initial interview, one nanny clinched the job because the parents were so impressed when the nanny asked if she could be the one to change the baby’s diaper. That absolutely wowed them!

Early one morning a mom client called and said we have to hire Susan. I was thrilled to hear how excited she was and asked about their meeting. Mom explained: “My four year old son sat as close to me as he could all through our meeting. He didn’t say a word to any of us. I was concerned that we will never find anyone that he will accept. Our interview drew to a close and just before we said goodnight, Susan said to my son ‘I hope you like chocolate chip cookies, because I love to bake them.’ Still there was no response and I was feeling pretty embarrassed. We walked her to the door and after she left my son said: ‘I like her, can she be our nanny?’”

My best piece of advice for successful interviewing is to show you are warm, safety conscious, child-centered, and love your chosen profession. Save the job negotiations for your agency to handle. Money talks can sour a good relationship.