When it's time to finalize the hiring process for a nanny, checking references is a crucial step to ensure you've made the best choice for your family. Here are some insightful questions you can ask to get a full picture of a nanny's abilities and fit for your household.
Verify Employment History
Before diving into a nanny's background, verify her employment history is accurate. Ask about:
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- How long did the nanny work for you?*
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- What were her job duties and responsibilities?*
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- How old were the children she cared for?*
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- Why did she leave?*
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- Were you satisfied with her job performance?*
Evaluate past performance
Use these questions to assess specific aspects of a nanny's job performance:
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- Did you feel always informed about what was going on while she was caring for the kids?*
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- Were she and her predecessor always reachable while she was working for you?*
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- Did she keep a consistent schedule, and did it remain the same throughout her tenure?*
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- Does this person work well independently?*
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- Did she show initiative in her responsibilities?*
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- Are there areas where she could improve?*
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- What was the reason she left your employ?*
Personality and Values
Assess whether a nanny's personality and values align with your household:
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- What was your child's feedback about this person?*
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- Can you share an example of something great she did with your kids?*
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- Did you feel inspired by this person's enthusiasm and energy?*
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- What activities did you do together to keep the nanny and her charges active?*
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- Is there anything about her that you would have wanted to know as a potential employer?*
Communication style
Consider how a nanny communicates and how that matches your family's needs:
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- How did you usually communicate about the week ahead to your nanny?*
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- Were you flexible with changes last-minute, and could she come early or stay late as needed?*
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- How did you approach discussing issues that came up?*
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- Is she comfortable talking with you about any concerns you had, and how did she respond to constructive criticism?*
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- Did she ever come late, and if so, how did she handle being late?*
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- Did she have a reliable set of house rules and maintain them consistently?*
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- Would you hire her again, and how would you recommend her to a friend?*
Communication Barriers
Identify communication barriers that may arise with a nanny sharing responsibilities with two different families:
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- In a world of chaos, such as before nap time or bedtime, how would she handle various situations?*
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- How do you think she will respond to the need to manage different needs and requests from two families?*
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- What kind of strategies could you implement to make sure each family's needs are met while keeping a shared nanny?*
Driving Record and References
Check for a clean driving record to ensure your children are safe in her care:
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- Did she ever drive your child or your loved one around?*
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- If she didn't, would you feel comfortable with her driving your own vehicle?*
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- Have you checked her driving record?*
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- Do you know if there are any local laws or regulations regarding questions about a candidate's driving records?*
Legal Considerations
Remember to avoid inquiries that could lead to discrimination, such as asking about age, religion, or medical conditions:
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- Are there any legal restrictions on how much information you can ask during a reference check?*
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- Is it legal to ask for a salary history, and in which states or cities is it illegal?*
With these insights, you're well-equipped to conduct thorough reference checks and choose a trustworthy nanny for your family's needs.
