How Long Should A Nanny Interview Be

Although the length of nanny interviews can vary, it’s common for them to last between 30 minutes to an hour. 

Nanny interviews tend to last for up to an hour as this gives parents the opportunity to ask a wide range of questions, talk about their expectations and decide whether they’re likely to be suitable for their needs. If parents have any specific or unique requirements, an interview may last longer.  It’s vital to give yourself enough time to get to know the candidate and find out everything you need to know. 

Preparing for the interview

Before the interview gets underway, try to create a comfortable, welcoming environment that’s free from distractions. Make sure you have access to all the materials that you need including the nanny’s resume and a list of questions prepared in advance. 

Things to ask during the interview 

Asking a wide range of questions during the interview will help you find out more about their previous work experience, their approach to nannying and their availability. You should also ask about their qualifications, training, and any special skills that they might have. Create a list of questions that will help you find out more about their personality, values, and their potential compatibility with your household. Asking open-ended questions can encourage the candidate to share more about themselves. If your child will be present during the interview, pay close attention to how they interact with them. 

Discuss your expectations 

During the interview, you’ll need to be clear about what your expectations are. Talk about the duties you’d expect them to carry out, when you’d need them to work and any other relevant details. Talk about your family’s routines, rules, and preferences to make sure your nanny is comfortable with them. If you foresee any big challenges, it’s best to open about these from the outset. 

Bringing the interview to a close

Before the interview comes to an end, give the nanny the opportunity to ask any questions that they might have about the role and working with your family. Let them know what the next stage in the hiring process is, how you will inform them whether application has been successful and thank them for their time and interest in the role. Some nannies are invited back for repeat interviews when parents are impressed during their initial chat but want to find out more to ensure they’re definitely the right match for their needs.

Now you’ve read our guide to ‘how long should a nanny interview be?’, you should have a good idea of much time to set aside for talking to a professional trained nanny in Chicago.


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