7 Tips for Interviewing Babysitting Services and Finding the Right Fit
Resumes and background checks can only tell you so much about an applicant. Interviews allow you to get more in-depth information about your applicants and can help you find the perfect sitter for your family.
Ask about how they handle unexpected events, tantrums, and their view of discipline. This will help you determine whether their views align with yours.
Be Flexible
A backup babysitter or nanny is always a good idea if your first choice is out of stock. It can also be a great way to keep your kids happy. So, what is a nanny or babysitter’s role?
When interviewing babysitters, it’s important to have a set list of questions prepared beforehand. That will help you get through the interview more efficiently and effectively.
Interviews can occur over the telephone or via Skype, but in-person interviews are preferred for various reasons. It’s recommended to have someone else watch your children during the interview and to eliminate distractions as much as possible. This will give you a chance to gauge the babysitter’s personality truly. It’s also important to dress formally for the interview but in a practical manner.
Be Specific
Parents want to know that their children will be in capable, comforting hands. They may ask you how you would handle homesickness, separation anxiety, or other emotional challenges that children sometimes experience when placed with a new caregiver. Your response will show how you can provide kids with a nurturing and safe environment.
Another critical question is how you would handle an emergency that arose while working with the kids. The interviewer will want to hear about your CPR and first aid training and how you would respond to a sick child or if the child is injured. Parents will also want to hear about your commute and how you have handled delayed trains or traffic. Ensure that you are punctual for the interview to demonstrate reliability.
Be Honest
Every family may have unique needs when hiring a babysitter, but there are some common questions you should always ask. For example, you should ask about their experience with children of a particular age and how they handle discipline. This will help you determine how well the babysitter will fit with your family.
It would help if you were honest about your expectations. You will want to discuss salary and job responsibilities in detail to ensure everything is understood. You should also be open to discussing any additional duties or responsibilities the babysitter will take on.
It’s essential to make an excellent first impression during your interview. It’s been said that people form opinions about others within seven seconds of meeting them, so you want to ensure that your interview goes smoothly.
Be Punctual
Parents rely on babysitters to keep their children safe and cared for while they’re away. Interviewing potential babysitters is much like interviewing anyone else for a job, so making a good impression is essential.
This may not seem like a big deal to some, but punctuality is one of the first things a family will notice about you. Showing up a few minutes early to your in-person interview will give the impression that you’re reliable and responsible.
In-person babysitter interviews can occur at a family’s home, a coffee shop, or any other neutral location. It’s generally preferred to meet in person so families can get a better feel for a babysitter and assess their demeanor, cleanliness, and appearance.
Be Honest About Your Needs
Parents interviewing babysitters should discuss their specific needs, such as if the child has potty training or medical issues. They may also want to know if the babysitter is comfortable with household pets or is willing to give medications.
Many interviewers ask how the sitter would handle disagreements between children or with any siblings in the family. This can help a parent gauge the candidate’s conflict-resolution abilities and whether they can ensure all children are happy and safe.
Some families may also want to know if the candidate has any experience dealing with homesickness or separation anxiety, as these are common emotions that children can experience when being cared for by someone new. This is why it’s often recommended that parents book a trial working session with the babysitter.
Be Honest About Your Expectations
As with all interviews, it’s essential to be honest about your exact needs. It will save you a lot of time interviewing sitters who need to be a better fit. Plus, it will ensure that the sitter is realistic about your expectations and can deliver.
For example, if your children are likely to be upset by separation anxiety or have a tendency to cry, you should tell the babysitter right away. They should be able to empathize with the child’s emotions and provide comfort.
If you want to avoid opening your home to strangers before thoroughly vetting them, you can ask them to meet you at a coffee shop or other public space instead. Be sure to show up a few minutes early. Being punctual sets a positive tone for the interview.
Be Honest About Your Qualifications
During the interview, parents will want to know what your qualifications are and how much experience you have with children. They may also ask about your background, education, and references. It is usually recommended that you run a background check before hiring any babysitter or nanny.
Another critical question is how you handle discipline and conflict between siblings. This will help the family to see if your style is compatible with theirs.
It is generally recommended that interviews take place in the candidate’s home so they can get a feel for the household and see how the child or children interact with them. However, conducting interviews remotely by phone or at a coffee shop is also possible. In either case, having an excellent first impression will influence how the interviewees perceive you.